> Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:43:52 -0500
> From: wayne osborne <wayne@chevytrucks.org>
> Subject: [oletrucks] engine/tranny swap
>
> Trying to help a guys with this, he has a 350 engine/tranny combo from a
> buick skylark he wants to put in an older truck with doing as little work
> as possible--yeah like that can be done!! With all the engine swap emails
> of late figure the time is right to ask. Never had done this swap, would
> any particular truck fit his needs as he wants to purchase one and curious
> to the year that would be the least problematic. Of course he'll have
> engine and tranny crossmembers to deal with but biggest question is--will
> the 350 engine/tranny connect to the larger cross member mounts under the
> front of the cab? Or will that be omitted and using only fabricated or
> after market purchase mounts be the only support? I know the tubular
> mounts are popular for both applications. Will the 350/350 combo clear the
> larger crossmember on the TF trucks and still use both the tubular
> stuff. --wayne
> Any input greatly appreciated.. --wayne
First thing is to figure out if it's a Chevy engine or a Buick
engine...the distributor is at the front of a Buick 350, and at the
back of a Chevy 350.
If it's a Chevy engine, and it's a TF truck, then use a tubular
crossmember up front with side engine mounts, remove the bellhousing
crossmember, and install a tubular crossmember under the rear of the
tranny. Pretty straightforward. Use the late 50s-60s straight dump
ram's horn exhaust manifolds.
The bellhousing crossmember can stay in place, but it's a tight fit
and makes it darn near impossible to remove the tranny without
removing the engine. The frame is stronger this way. This is how my
trucks are, but I don't really recommend it. The torque converter
clears the crossmember by just a hair.
If it's a Buick engine, then it will still fit, and the same mounting
applies, but I'm not sure of the details.
--
Jim
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