454 Install w/ 6 engine harness

[samseye]

84 straight 6 ... installing 454 from 86 suburban

It was suggested that I use a harness from a v8.

I have removed all emissions from the 454.

Is there a reason I should not use the harness from the 6 cyl.

I am guessing...
I would only need...

1) Starter Wires
2) Distributor Plug in
3) Electric Choke
4) Temp and Oil sensors

Am I missing something?

Thanks!

[Blazin]

One reson is some of the wires will not be long enough.
If you look at where the harness goes into the cab on the fire wall side, right in the middle of that plug is a bolt. if i remeber correctly its 3/8, unbolt that and the whole engine harness will come unpluged. Then swap in the V8 harness, you should get a V8 harness from an 84 or you might have to move the pin positions around in the plug. All the things you mentioned will be part of that harness.

[samseye]

Any idea if a harness from an 85 would bolt right up.
I am likely getting one from somebody parting one out here.

Is length of wires the only issue?
Or will sensors differ?

I know I forgot alternator but, are there other wires/electrical connections that need to be made in order for the engine to run correctly?

Edited by: samseye at: 3/26/06 6:53 am

[Blazin]

To make a Chevy run all you need is your starter wires alt. wires and power to your coil. A harness from a 73 to an 87 will bolt right up but the position of the plug pins will vary from year to year. Being an 85 only one year off you have a good chance of it being the same but it  might not be too. I am not sure but the plugs on diferent sensors etc. could be diferent from the 6 to the 8.I have made an 81 250 6 harness work to a V8 before but I had to lengthen some wires and shorten a couple if I remeber correctly. We are talking 12 years ago.

[samseye]

Thats cool.
Thanks for the advice!