1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 01:14 PM

Hey guys, I picked this beast up for $500 from a family friend a few weeks ago.

Its an 85 C10 w/ no major rust (body or frame) just some minor surface rust. It definitely needs some work, but I bought it for a project, so its all good.

My problem lies here, I have never owned a carb'd vehicle, or a chevy V8 at that, and the truck was originally a 4.3 V6 (according to the markings and decals under the hood). Well right now it has a small block V8, and I'm betting on 305, but I'm not sure how to identify one from the other since the 305/350 blocks are the same dimensions and whatnot. Can anyone help me here?

Also, it has a manual transmission which is SHOT and needs replacement but I'm not sure how to identify that either. I can't even come to a conclusion on how many gears it has, much less decode casting marks or serial numbers.

Right now it has a holley 4bbl carb, holley street dominator manifold, and long tube headers. I have more plans, but mainly for paint/body not performance. It is just bugging me not knowing exactly whats under the hood.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKarpenz

I'm not sure how to identify one from the other since the 305/350 blocks are the same dimensions and whatnot. Can anyone help me here?

I can't offer any info on the transmission, b/c I have limited experience...Manual Shift...YUCK!

The blocks may be similar, but my 86 Silverado 305 has it stamped right on the block...I believe close to where the fuel pump mounts...also the oil dipstick is on the passenger side on a 305 (most I have seen). Hope this is useful. Nice truck BTW....I'm jealous of the rust free bed.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 01:24 PM

Well that was a bit of help, my dipstick is on the drivers side of this truck. I'll run out and check around the fuel pump real quick. Thanks for the help man!

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 01:55 PM

There you can barely see the dipstick (chrome) just right of that breather hose on the valve cover.

I really don't know where to look for the 305/350 stamp. The only thing I've ever worked on is Honda and DSM. I'm a guru with things related to those cars but I sure feel like a newb right this second, haha.

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 01:58 PM

That's more than likely a 350...looks like you hove a Holley Truck avenger Carburetor on there...That's a $400 carb...and the rust free bed....let's just say you got your money's worth. About that DSM stuff...I was a Chrysler Conquest addict until I got into Chevy trucks. All the rice is gone now with the exception of a few parts here and there. No regrets about the switchover.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyJay

That's more than likely a 350...looks like you hove a Holley Truck avenger Carburetor on there...That's a $400 carb...and the rust free bed....let's just say you got your money's worth. About that DSM stuff...I was a Chrysler Conquest addict until I got into Chevy trucks. All the rice is gone now with the exception of a few parts here and there. No regrets about the switchover.

Well I currently own a 1997 Prelude SH 2.2 Vtec bored .20 over, 12.5:1 compression pistons, a buttload of machine work on the head, independant throttle bodies, and the regular bolt-ons. It is pretty quick, and definitely fun to drive.

I also have a 1990 Eclipse turbo FWD w/ 16G turbo, .20 over, 2G pistons on 1G big rods with a dogbox trans and ACT 2600 clutch. I've only run it once at the track and barely broke 12's, that was disappointing.

Also a 2000 F150 ext cab V6 (daily driver)

I'm only 20 though and I've probably owned more cars than most people here. (20 cars is the running total right now, including my latest acqusition of this C10)

BTW, thanks for helping me out so far, I'm really looking forward to fixing this truck up a little and getting to know some of you guys.

Tom

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKarpenz

I'm only 20 though and I've probably owned more cars than most people here. (20 cars is the running total right now, including my latest acqusition of this C10)
Tom

No prob on the help....I currently have 14 vehicles (mostly running) and I'm 37..think I got you beat. I totally wasted my first car within 3 weeks of driving. It was a '77 Grand Prix Brogham. 77 MPH on a country road...sharp curve...trees on one side and a river on the other....you can picture the rest.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 02:32 PM

Haha, that sucks about the GP. That was one of the first cars I did a full all-over paint job on a 76 or 77 right around there. I remember because for some reason it was the hardest decklid ever to get right, haha.

You currently own 14? That is intense. I think I own...6 right now including the Maxima my wife is driving. But hey, I've never totalled/wrecked a vehicle or been in any major collisions, I think I'm doing pretty good. (knock on wood)

But yeah, the Big Blue Beast needs a tune up like crazy so I think I'll do that today. I have another question about the trans tho. What would cause it to not go into ANY gear? I can find like...neutral, and I think 5th gear. But no reverse or others. Even though when I first got it I could find reverse. I was considering just switching to an auto trans, but I really like manuals.

Tom

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 02:38 PM

That was one of many GP's I owned when I was young...my favorite was a 72 455SD. They were my first car fettish. Think I ended up owning about 4 GP's early in my driving career.

Check your shifter linkages...sounds like you have some slop somewhere.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 02:44 PM

Thanks again man.

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 03:02 PM

that truck of yours has "slammed" written all over it!

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 03:07 PM

Well, here are the plans: I'm gonna do 6-8" of suspension lowering in the back and around 5 or so in the front, then a set of smoothie wheels (15x8 I think), phantom billet grille, roll pan and a few other goodies. Since I'm a paint guy I'm going to do a deep blue pearl w/ marble and ivory white pearl two-tone job (blue on bottom), with some airbrush work. Do they have solid rear windows for these trucks? I'd love to find one, since I'm not a fan of the slider windows.

babyJay · 06-03-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKarpenz

Do they have solid rear windows for these trucks? I'd love to find one, since I'm not a fan of the slider windows.

That's a good question...all mine are sliders, and all 73-87's I have owned have been. When you get your new grille you should sell that one here on the boards. I'd buy it from you if I were closer. Also offer any stock parts such as springs, etc. that you take off of it. All that stuff is worth something. I gotta go to Mom's now to see what's wrong with her junk Buick...been nice chattin with ya.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 03:16 PM

Yeah man, take it easy bro.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 07:28 PM

Well this is interesting. I pulled the valve cover off the motor a min ago and theyre showing from a 350/400 SBC not a 305. Assuming these heads are still attached to the motor they came with, I have a 350. I'm guessing a 400 is almost out of the question. Haha.

I changed the cap and rotor today and now the truck wont start, I've most definitely got the firing order correct, whats the deal?

Srubydo1986 · 06-03-2007, 08:01 PM

The manaul trans is most likely a granny 4 speed. The granny first gear is 6 something. After that 1st is 4 something then 2:32 i believe then 1:01 A very tuff tranny ill get a pic of my spare so you can make shure its the same. A tranny used is about 80.00 at most Iv bought one before.

Also another idea is to ask the family friend what all in it they might know as well.

aLSO THEY DO HAVE SOLID windows for these truck im not a fan of the solid so i allows reomve them i go slider.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 08:13 PM

Yeah if you could get me a pic that would be awesome. The guy I got it from told me it was a 305 w/ a bad clutch. The clutch is fine, the slave cylinder was no good. I've also come to the conclusion that this truck is a 350. So yeah, any help is definitely apprecaited.

gchemist · 06-03-2007, 08:18 PM

You stole that truck. Visit www.mortec.com to find decription information on Chevy SB and BB engines. Hang around. You'll find plenty of information and help.

Welcome to the site.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 09:12 PM

I've been looking at Mortec, and I've ID'd the carb as a Holley 600cfm. Also I'm almost 100% sure this is a 350 now from '74-'80. I still haven't figured out my ignition problem, haha. I'm sure its something simple. I did the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil, oil filter, coolant, and rad cap today. I think I was pretty successful overall.

Srubydo1986 · 06-03-2007, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SKarpenz

Yeah if you could get me a pic that would be awesome. The guy I got it from told me it was a 305 w/ a bad clutch. The clutch is fine, the slave cylinder was no good. I've also come to the conclusion that this truck is a 350. So yeah, any help is definitely apprecaited.

no problem My old 86 is were my extra manual came from it was also hydrolic clutch so Iv got a pritty good idea on it. One thing tho when removing the tranny dont bleed the system i just unbolted it and when i put it back on i just pushed really hard to get it bolted back up. By doing this i stopped from gettting air in the lines. When i striped my truck i saver everything so if you need a pic of anything let me know.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 10:08 PM

Thats cool man, I'll definitely hit you up if I need help with something. Does that tranny have a certain code or something to reference it by while I look online?

Srubydo1986 · 06-03-2007, 10:22 PM

SM 465 The GM Muncie SM 465 was used in GM trucks from 1968 to 1991. These transmissions work real well in 1980 and later CJ’s when doing GM V8 engine swaps or replacing the blown up stock transmissions between a GM engine and the Dana 300 transfer case. The SM 465 is a top loaded HD transmission with iron case and cover. It is synchronized 2nd through 4th. It has a 6.54 ratio sliding 1st gear. We offer these transmissions completely rebuilt ready to install as an exact replacement or with an adapter for conversions. Our rebuilds include everything necessary to make them as dependable as possible (got this info off light and heres a picture not mine but same tranny)

And here a link to another site about these trannies http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/sm465.htm

I love these transmissions i have a 2wd version and a 4wd version just sittinig on the side. dont know y just nice to have.

SKarpenz · 06-03-2007, 10:57 PM

Well I was looking at my trans today for a second while changing the oil and it has like rods that go to 2 plates on the driver side of the trans. Like I said, this a transplanted engine/trans so I have no clue what it came from. Thanks for the help so far though.

Tom

Srubydo1986 · 06-04-2007, 12:16 AM

Hmm might be a car tranny not one from a truck. if you get some pics of it some here has gotta know whats up.

SKarpenz · 06-04-2007, 12:19 AM

I'll get a pic tomorrow then. It doesn't look like a truck trans to me, but what do I know, haha.

06-03-2007, 01:14 PM	#1
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Hey guys, I picked this beast up for $500 from a family friend a few weeks ago. Its an 85 C10 w/ no major rust (body or frame) just some minor surface rust. It definitely needs some work, but I bought it for a project, so its all good. My problem lies here, I have never owned a carb'd vehicle, or a chevy V8 at that, and the truck was originally a 4.3 V6 (according to the markings and decals under the hood). Well right now it has a small block V8, and I'm betting on 305, but I'm not sure how to identify one from the other since the 305/350 blocks are the same dimensions and whatnot. Can anyone help me here? Also, it has a manual transmission which is SHOT and needs replacement but I'm not sure how to identify that either. I can't even come to a conclusion on how many gears it has, much less decode casting marks or serial numbers. Right now it has a holley 4bbl carb, holley street dominator manifold, and long tube headers. I have more plans, but mainly for paint/body not performance. It is just bugging me not knowing exactly whats under the hood. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Last edited by SKarpenz; 06-03-2007 at 01:16 PM.

06-03-2007, 01:24 PM	#3
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Well that was a bit of help, my dipstick is on the drivers side of this truck. I'll run out and check around the fuel pump real quick. Thanks for the help man!

06-03-2007, 01:55 PM	#4
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification There you can barely see the dipstick (chrome) just right of that breather hose on the valve cover. I really don't know where to look for the 305/350 stamp. The only thing I've ever worked on is Honda and DSM. I'm a guru with things related to those cars but I sure feel like a newb right this second, haha. Last edited by SKarpenz; 06-03-2007 at 01:55 PM.

06-03-2007, 01:58 PM	#5
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification That's more than likely a 350...looks like you hove a Holley Truck avenger Carburetor on there...That's a $400 carb...and the rust free bed....let's just say you got your money's worth. About that DSM stuff...I was a Chrysler Conquest addict until I got into Chevy trucks. All the rice is gone now with the exception of a few parts here and there. No regrets about the switchover. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-03-2007, 02:32 PM	#8
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Haha, that sucks about the GP. That was one of the first cars I did a full all-over paint job on a 76 or 77 right around there. I remember because for some reason it was the hardest decklid ever to get right, haha. You currently own 14? That is intense. I think I own...6 right now including the Maxima my wife is driving. But hey, I've never totalled/wrecked a vehicle or been in any major collisions, I think I'm doing pretty good. (knock on wood) But yeah, the Big Blue Beast needs a tune up like crazy so I think I'll do that today. I have another question about the trans tho. What would cause it to not go into ANY gear? I can find like...neutral, and I think 5th gear. But no reverse or others. Even though when I first got it I could find reverse. I was considering just switching to an auto trans, but I really like manuals. Tom

06-03-2007, 02:38 PM	#9
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification That was one of many GP's I owned when I was young...my favorite was a 72 455SD. They were my first car fettish. Think I ended up owning about 4 GP's early in my driving career. Check your shifter linkages...sounds like you have some slop somewhere. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-03-2007, 02:44 PM	#10
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Thanks again man.

06-03-2007, 03:02 PM	#11
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification that truck of yours has "slammed" written all over it! __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

06-03-2007, 03:07 PM	#12
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Well, here are the plans: I'm gonna do 6-8" of suspension lowering in the back and around 5 or so in the front, then a set of smoothie wheels (15x8 I think), phantom billet grille, roll pan and a few other goodies. Since I'm a paint guy I'm going to do a deep blue pearl w/ marble and ivory white pearl two-tone job (blue on bottom), with some airbrush work. Do they have solid rear windows for these trucks? I'd love to find one, since I'm not a fan of the slider windows.

06-03-2007, 03:16 PM	#14
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Yeah man, take it easy bro.

06-03-2007, 07:28 PM	#15
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Well this is interesting. I pulled the valve cover off the motor a min ago and theyre showing from a 350/400 SBC not a 305. Assuming these heads are still attached to the motor they came with, I have a 350. I'm guessing a 400 is almost out of the question. Haha. I changed the cap and rotor today and now the truck wont start, I've most definitely got the firing order correct, whats the deal?

06-03-2007, 08:01 PM	#16
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification The manaul trans is most likely a granny 4 speed. The granny first gear is 6 something. After that 1st is 4 something then 2:32 i believe then 1:01 A very tuff tranny ill get a pic of my spare so you can make shure its the same. A tranny used is about 80.00 at most Iv bought one before. Also another idea is to ask the family friend what all in it they might know as well. aLSO THEY DO HAVE SOLID windows for these truck im not a fan of the solid so i allows reomve them i go slider. __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. 1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one Last edited by Srubydo1986; 06-03-2007 at 08:03 PM.*

06-03-2007, 08:13 PM	#17
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Yeah if you could get me a pic that would be awesome. The guy I got it from told me it was a 305 w/ a bad clutch. The clutch is fine, the slave cylinder was no good. I've also come to the conclusion that this truck is a 350. So yeah, any help is definitely apprecaited. Last edited by SKarpenz; 06-03-2007 at 08:13 PM.

06-03-2007, 08:18 PM	#18
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification You stole that truck. Visit www.mortec.com to find decription information on Chevy SB and BB engines. Hang around. You'll find plenty of information and help. Welcome to the site. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

06-03-2007, 09:12 PM	#19
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification I've been looking at Mortec, and I've ID'd the carb as a Holley 600cfm. Also I'm almost 100% sure this is a 350 now from '74-'80. I still haven't figured out my ignition problem, haha. I'm sure its something simple. I did the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil, oil filter, coolant, and rad cap today. I think I was pretty successful overall.



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06-03-2007, 10:08 PM	#21
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Thats cool man, I'll definitely hit you up if I need help with something. Does that tranny have a certain code or something to reference it by while I look online?

06-03-2007, 10:22 PM	#22
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification SM 465 The GM Muncie SM 465 was used in GM trucks from 1968 to 1991. These transmissions work real well in 1980 and later CJ’s when doing GM V8 engine swaps or replacing the blown up stock transmissions between a GM engine and the Dana 300 transfer case. The SM 465 is a top loaded HD transmission with iron case and cover. It is synchronized 2nd through 4th. It has a 6.54 ratio sliding 1st gear. We offer these transmissions completely rebuilt ready to install as an exact replacement or with an adapter for conversions. Our rebuilds include everything necessary to make them as dependable as possible (got this info off light and heres a picture not mine but same tranny) And here a link to another site about these trannies http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/sm465.htm I love these transmissions i have a 2wd version and a 4wd version just sittinig on the side. dont know y just nice to have. __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. *1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one

06-03-2007, 10:57 PM	#23
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Well I was looking at my trans today for a second while changing the oil and it has like rods that go to 2 plates on the driver side of the trans. Like I said, this a transplanted engine/trans so I have no clue what it came from. Thanks for the help so far though. Tom

06-04-2007, 12:16 AM	#24
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification Hmm might be a car tranny not one from a truck. if you get some pics of it some here has gotta know whats up. __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. *1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one

06-04-2007, 12:19 AM	#25
SKarpenz Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Valdosta Posts: 71	Re: 1985 C10 2wd Swapped Engine/Trans Identification I'll get a pic tomorrow then. It doesn't look like a truck trans to me, but what do I know, haha.

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