EFI vortec into '77 K20?

[fishead]

Hey everyone.

My neighbour just mentioned that he is picking up a parts truck, and wants to know if I want to split it with him.  As far as I know it is a '98 2500, 4X4.  He thinks it is automagic, so it would probably be the 700r4.  He is buying it for the doors and interior for his '96 2wd, and offered me the powertrain.  The truck is selling for $600, so prolly $400 each once we get it home.

My K20 has some engine problems, so I am wondering what ya'all think about swapping the engine, transmission, and transfer case into my K20?  I am a robotics technician, so a little bit of wiring doesn't scare me, it's the possibilities of majour fabrication that I can't handle.  I am even thinking that I will do the technical stuff, then get a shop (with overhead hoist and transmission lift, etc) to do all the heavy swapping.

What I want to know is, short of wiring, computer, etc, what majour work would it involve?  Would I need different tanks?  Would I be able to keep my axles (donor has been front hit)?  I would like to ditch the NP203.  Would I just need a new couple driveshafts?

Thanks for the insight.

Chris.

[Captkaos]

Short of wiring, the engine will drop in.  The tanks would need at a minimum EFI senders dropped in and the pump changed to a AC 241.  Fuel lines would need to be ran from the pump to the inlet/outlet of the intake.  I think the truck uses a NP241 and has the same drops as the 208, but you will probably need new driveshafts.

[cracker0169]

The transfer case will not work. The IFS trucks have a drivers side drop like that of a F#%D. Also, I believe those trucks came with a 4L80e trans. Personally, I would ditch the 203 and find a 400/205 combo and drop in (although swapping in a 4 speed always adds cool points ). I would drop in the motor and add a heavy duty oil cooler and rock and roll!

[Captkaos]

Thanks, I know the earlier 241s had the same side drop.  I would keep the 4L80E if that is what is in it.

[cracker0169]

If you decide to keep the 4L80e (if thats what it is), I believe Advance Adapters has the adapter plate to mount a 205 (or a 203 range box if going for a doubler configuration) to the rear of that trans.

[fishead]

Thanks for all the advice... but just found out it's a 2wd.  The guy dropped the price to $500 though, so we're going to do it anyhow.  It has a good box on it, so we should be able to make up the price of the truck with just the box.  I don't imagine there is much I can use in the way of parts, so I'm just doing it for the fun (and extra money).

[cracker0169]

I'd like to have the heads off of it if the motor is in good shape 

[fishead]

Would it be worth shipping from Western Canada to Kentucky? 

The motor is about 260,000km, and I would like to sell everything as a package.

Thanks though.  If I wind up stripping the engine down (strong possibility) I will let you know.

[Captkaos]

Motor still will make a good swap.

[cracker0169]

fishead, if it were me, I would swap that motor into my truck, add a heavy duty oil cooler, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake (for vortec heads), and an Edelbrock off road carb. Throw some headers on that puppy and let her eat!

[Captkaos]

I wouldn't swap it over to Carb if you are after economy and reliability driveability..

[cracker0169]

I've had those engines in the past and I personally dont care for the intake material or all of the emission stuff. Thats my personal preference...