Upgrading on a C-30, questions and opinions.

[custom10nut]

I'm about to secure a 68 C-30, that will eventually become my farm truck.
Currently it has the I6/4spd, but I have no idea of the condition, or if it'll run.
Questions:
1. Would a Small block bolt up to the current bell housing ( in the event that I have to replace the engine)?
2. Will a power brake unit from a C-10 work as an upgrade?
3. Are there Disc Brake conversion kits for C-30s?
4. Will the disc brake/spindles from later models work on this truck?
5. Lastly, Will a Power steering unit from a C-10 work on this truck?

Bonus question:
Would I need to upgrade the radiator a 4core for a V8? I know I will need to find a shroud, and move the motor mounts forward.
Thanks in advance

[custom10nut]

Did I put this in the wrong spot?

[mike16]

I would get it up and running, then service what you have. You might find that its all good..


the only change I might recommend is maybe a conversion to a 5 speed, maybe a 4500.

I've had 6's befor and they always worked pretty good.

converting and conversions always seem to have complications associated with them

like having a complete doner vehicle sitting next to yours to transfer the parts.

origonal is easier to maintain, less complicated and hold thier value in the market place better.

Just my own opinion. c30's are kind of rare too.

as for your questions, I would say yes to every one of them.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by custom10nut

Did I put this in the wrong spot?

Nope....

I know if you move the front mounts forward the bell housing won't bolt up because the bell housing cross member will be in the wrong place. I would remove the bell housing cross member and install the correct one for the V-8 and move the engine frame mounts forward so the V-8 will be in the correct position. It's a lot of work but worth it in my opinion.

A three core radiator will work fine for the SB, then you wouldn't have to replace the upper and lower radiator brackets. You will have to move the brackets on one side to the other set of holes but I don't remember which side it is. You will be able to see the mounting holes if you look at the core support.

[wbc409]

For disc brakes, your best bet is to find a 71-87 chevy 3/4 or 1 ton. You pull the front cross member, steering linkage, A-arms, spindles, brake booster and master cylinder and install them on your truck. You want the brake booster, master cylinder and calipers for core turn in when you get your new parts.

[custom10nut]

All the advice is awesome. I do want to keep the I6 if at all possible. It will be my farm truck so won't see much time on the highway. I was thinking the power options for ease of operation. If the engine needs a rebuild, I can "warm it up" a little, just for GP. I have the power brake and Steering units already so I'd just have to get the new MC and steering pump mounting bracket. I think I know where I can get a donor crossmember for a real good price, so I should be golden.

[Grumpy old man]

68 C-30 with a 4 speed L6 ? you may have found gold if it's a 292 and I'd suspect it is .

[Ken B]

If the truck won't be spending too much time on the highway you might find that if all brake components are up to par the drum brake setup might be good. My 1970 C30 Longhorn has its original manual drum brakes and she stops pretty good. Having a 4 speed with 4.10's helps to slow it down...

[flashed]

Wow ,what a nice truck .

[custom10nut]

Great point Kn. I still have the drums on my c-10 for the same reason.