I'm new and need help! My official thread.

[sbx22]

I've been lurking around here for a couple months now. I'll make this my official thread to get started. Anyway, I have a 1974 Chevy C10 Cheyenne 2WD long box that my dad used for a work truck. It has the 350 V8 and I believe TH350 per transmission pan. Now he's getting old, I want to "restore" it as best I can, kind of dedicate it to him. I guess I'm okay with automobiles, I have been more into Acura Legends. But boy, do I love the roar of an American V8! My goal is to find a pre-assembled motor (turn-key?) probably off of e-Bay and mate it to a 700-R4 (I want that OD). Pre-assembled because I don't know much about different engine components and their swappability. There is a 700-R4 right now that someone has on craigslist. It's used, but not re-built from a 1990. He's asking for an offer. What's a fair price? It'll just swap right on with no major modification right? In the end, I want this truck to turn out a pretty mild-moderate street machine, lowered, with a new paint job. Any motor recommendation would be helpful as well. I'm from Northern California, any folks north of Sacramento on here?

[ohio hab]

Most used 700R-4 on craiglist around here go from 100-200, but their used and you don't know their history. Rebuilt one's go for 450 to 600. I would stick with a smallblock for their ease of parts avaliable. As for finding a motor, go to your local machine shop, speed shop, or an another good spot your local race track and ask around. I have found alot of good deals from craiglist, but you have to do your homework. I have an 84 C-10, 355, 700R-4. I'm no expert on the 350 to 700R-4 swap, but you will probably have to modify your cross member, and drive shaft. Should not be a major problem, Good Luck and welcome, Ken.

[Lt.Del]

Any motor recommendation would be helpful as well.

i bought an engine several years ago from a builder in Phoenix, Arizona...he shipped it for free.  The link to his engines is below.  Call or email him and tell him what ya want.  I told him I wanted a 383 stroker with an RV cam to take advantage of the lower rpms to haul my 7,000 lb camper trailer around.  He set it up w/ 1.6 / 2.02 valves and kept an egr intake (at my request) aluminum edelbrock w/ 4 bolt mains.   She's a powerhouse. No trade in required.

http://www.delbridge.net/install


i chose a 383 because it is a 350 block so everything swaps over (alt, a/c, power steering, mounts, transmission, etc..) and it has loads of torque.

Here's his current stuff on ebay:

 http://motors.shop.ebay.com/enginebuilder1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=50&_sop=1

or email Darl at at enginebuilder_1@yahoo.com

D&J Machine & Performance Engines
(602) 395-0800 Mon-Fri 8:00AM to 5:00PM MST

to put a 700r4 into a 74 which probably had a th350 tranny, you will have to move the cross member back a few inches and your driveshaft may need to be shortened.  Others will chime in here because it is a common swap for the benefit of the OD

[Captkaos]

Move the crossmember back and shorten the driveshaft.

[sbx22]

Sorry about my noob questions, but what's involved with moving the crossmember back? Also, I would have to buy a driveshaft that is shorter than the current one I have on? Whew, so much to learn. Anyone recommend a site/booklet I can read to get myself a jumpstart on the fundamentals of my 74 Chevy?

[beastie_3]

Sorry about my noob questions, but what's involved with moving the crossmember back? Also, I would have to buy a driveshaft that is shorter than the current one I have on? Whew, so much to learn. Anyone recommend a site/booklet I can read to get myself a jumpstart on the fundamentals of my 74 Chevy?

Basically you unbolt your crossmember and move it back so it lines up with the transmission. Then drill the frame so you can bolt it back on.

You can either buy a new driveline, or might be able to have your stock one shortened. Just ask the shop what info they need to do it, as far as measuring.

You cant go wrong with finding a new or used official manual for your truck. Ebay has them.

[Irish_Alley]

its cheaper to get it shortend but whats wrong with the th350? or do you just want OD?

[sbx22]

Actually, there is something wrong with the TH350. Reverse isn't working so well. Can't reverse uphills. Plus, I want the OD. Wow, I didn't know shortening my current one would be cheaper. How exactly do I go about shortening it anyway? I would probably have a shop do that? What tools would I need if I decided to DIY?

[Lt.Del]

a shop usually does it.  It has to be measured, cut, welded, and  balanced. 

[BULLDOG]

buying used parts scares me unless I know the part personally.

[Irish_Alley]

yes get a shop to do it, I've done my front with out getting it balanced just cause it doesn't turn all the time