87 350 swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70C10Step · 12-27-2007, 02:18 PM

Okay, I took the 87 350 and 700r4 out of the van I bought. Time to clean it up and put it in my 70 stepside. This motor will serve as a my mule while I decide between building a 350 or 454. I have both engine secured in my garage. I have 14 months left in the military till I retire so the big engine build will come after this point. Now the engine I pulled has a serpentine setup. Do I pull it because I do not need all the accessories or can I modify the configuration. I only need the alternator, crank and water pump. I will be adding power steering the future... Suggestions, Anyone!!!

mnunn454 · 12-28-2007, 05:03 AM

Never done the swap personally, but in my opinion, I think it'll be easier to retrofit a V-belt pulleys onto the 87 350 front end than to try to find a way to use the serpentine system w/o all the accessories. I think you'll face fewer variables.

JMO.

Good luck.

70C10Step · 12-28-2007, 05:25 AM

That is what I am thinking also...

**Palf70Step** · 12-28-2007, 06:11 AM

I would keep it regardless.

All you need to do is swap out your steering gearbox, rag joint and pitman arm. They make a AC delete pulley available at the dealer.

I would keep and use the stuff. Any c10 power steering gearbox up to 87 works and the 82 and newer will match the fittings for the pump on the newer engine. Plus you'll have a newer and probably more powerful internal regulated alternator.

I'd say keep it and hook it up now. Not a lot of work since you are already yanking the engine and tranny.

If the newer engine already has a good fan and other accessories, I would do the swap. Otherwise retro fit it back.

70C10Step · 12-28-2007, 09:29 AM

I left every thing in place and I just picked up a ac delete at Kragens... I have what I need for the power steering also...

**phase_one** · 12-28-2007, 08:04 PM

did the engine mounts from the van work with your truck and did the trans crossmember work also? I am working on a similar swap. Looking to gain any insight into the swap.

70C10Step · 12-28-2007, 08:07 PM

Okay I cheated I bought aftermarket mounts from Early classic before I even bought the van. From what i have seen the engine mounts would work but the tranny mount would need some minor fab to work..

12-27-2007, 02:18 PM	#1
70C10Step Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 366	87 350 swap Okay, I took the 87 350 and 700r4 out of the van I bought. Time to clean it up and put it in my 70 stepside. This motor will serve as a my mule while I decide between building a 350 or 454. I have both engine secured in my garage. I have 14 months left in the military till I retire so the big engine build will come after this point. Now the engine I pulled has a serpentine setup. Do I pull it because I do not need all the accessories or can I modify the configuration. I only need the alternator, crank and water pump. I will be adding power steering the future... Suggestions, Anyone!!! __________________ All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit! Last edited by 70C10Step; 12-27-2007 at 02:19 PM.

12-28-2007, 05:03 AM	#2
mnunn454 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 602	Re: 87 350 swap Never done the swap personally, but in my opinion, I think it'll be easier to retrofit a V-belt pulleys onto the 87 350 front end than to try to find a way to use the serpentine system w/o all the accessories. I think you'll face fewer variables. JMO. Good luck. __________________ 69 C-10 SWB Fleetside 454/TH400 (For Sale) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...ct=1299&cat=12 70 El Camino 454 TH700 29 Model A 4-DR Sedan Deluxe

12-28-2007, 05:25 AM	#3
70C10Step Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 366	Re: 87 350 swap That is what I am thinking also... __________________ All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit!

12-28-2007, 06:11 AM	#4
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,845	Re: 87 350 swap I would keep it regardless. All you need to do is swap out your steering gearbox, rag joint and pitman arm. They make a AC delete pulley available at the dealer. I would keep and use the stuff. Any c10 power steering gearbox up to 87 works and the 82 and newer will match the fittings for the pump on the newer engine. Plus you'll have a newer and probably more powerful internal regulated alternator. I'd say keep it and hook it up now. Not a lot of work since you are already yanking the engine and tranny. If the newer engine already has a good fan and other accessories, I would do the swap. Otherwise retro fit it back. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 12-28-2007 at 06:13 AM.

12-28-2007, 09:29 AM	#5
70C10Step Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 366	Re: 87 350 swap I left every thing in place and I just picked up a ac delete at Kragens... I have what I need for the power steering also... __________________ All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit!

12-28-2007, 08:04 PM	#6
phase_one Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Praireville. LA 70769 Posts: 390	Re: 87 350 swap did the engine mounts from the van work with your truck and did the trans crossmember work also? I am working on a similar swap. Looking to gain any insight into the swap. __________________ 11 Surbaban 70 C 10 still in progress

12-28-2007, 08:07 PM	#7
70C10Step Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lompoc California Posts: 366	Re: 87 350 swap Okay I cheated I bought aftermarket mounts from Early classic before I even bought the van. From what i have seen the engine mounts would work but the tranny mount would need some minor fab to work.. __________________ All Toys: 1971 C10 Fleetside - I needed it! 1970 C10 Stepside - Midlife Crisis 1969 C20 3/4 Longbed - Beast! 1966 Mustang Fastback - Daily Fun 1965 Mustang Fastback - Money pit!



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