Motor position front to back?

[vikingsandpintos]

Hello again! I have a question on motor location...

I have 2 trucks... A 71 GMC 350 with auto trans, and a 67 Chevy 283 manual trans. Both are 2wd and longbeds

I got the 71 first, to restore for my daughters first vehicle. It needs a bit of work. I then found the 67 that is running/driving and looks much better, so I am pulling some stuff off the 71 to switch onto the 67 , then selling the 71.

I just got the 71 into the garage, and noticed the engines sit in different positions. Both have been switched to HEI distribs, but the one in the 67 almost touches the firewall while the 71 has 4-5 inches room before the firewall.

I wouldn't really care, but I am going to change the 67 manual trans to the auto from the 71. I had assumed I would just pull the trans, trans crossmember, and driveshaft, and swap everything with no problems. But seeing the engines, now I'm thinking I will run into problems with driveshaft not being the correct length.

I don't know which truck is correct, I would almost assume the 71, as it looks completely stock where the 67 has been painted, ect, and who knows what else. Did they mount these motors in different locations from the factory, or is 1 moved? Not sure what kind of monkeywrench this is throwing at me!!

Thanks for any input! Earl

[randy500]

The 67 was originally a 6 cylinder truck and somebody swapped in the V8 and mounted it in the 6cyl position. Use everything off the 71 including the frame mounts and it will all fit up better and look stock.