My 78 k10 4x4 build thread -454 install / build -1 ton axles- frame restoration

[FearNoMan78k10]

Agree. I know that they never came with a big block..... But I'm having a hard time finding gone engine brackets.... If I ggo with a 350 small block bracket setup I have heard the headers won't clear? Among have g trouble with other things as well?  The k30 had a big block in it for only a few years. I picked up k30 motor mounts and the bolt holes did not line up on the bottom frame mount bolt holes, it stretched past a 1/4" at least I'd say.... I can get the motor mounts but the brackets are hard to come by for some reason here in Colorado Springs ... And the big block brackets are near impossible to find .... So should I just order motor mounts and brackets from summit for a 77 or 78 chevy 350 small block ? What differences are there with the big block mounts / brackets ?


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[FearNoMan78k10]

I need to know what year what engine etc will bolt directly up to my frame and engine brackets... Big block motor mounts won't fit... Could I use small block motor mounts and big block engine brackets?


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[FearNoMan78k10]

Help me out here guys.... I know this May seem like a simple no brainer for some but I am truly STUCK.... I don't know what exactly would be direct bolt on? My frame mounts have 3 bolt holes to hold the motor mount but the motor mounts have 4 on the small block motor mounts and 6 on the big block mounts.... The engine brackets should all be the same for the big block? 2 hoes on top one on the bottom? Like an upside down triangle.......  Guys I know it may seem simple but I'm scratching my head here after several trips back and forth to local parts stores.... I don't understand what is so difficult about it? It should be nearly a direct bolt on replacement engine swap........ Right guys?


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[FearNoMan78k10]

1973 big block 454.... 1978 k10 4x4.....  305 small block removed. Ready to install the big block.... What mounts / frame mounts/ engine brackets do I need from what year/model truck to make this a direct bolt on fit? The parts stores are staring at me like they've never heard of this before... Help me out chevy brothers


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[Captkaos]

K30 BBC mounts won't work on a K10 the frames are different. 
Your ONLY option is to use SBC mounts that came on the truck and sort out the issues.  Again.  There are no BBC mounts for a K series 1/2 truck so they aren't "hard" to find, they are impossible to find as they were never made.

[Don5]

K30 BBC mounts won't work on a K10 the frames are different. 
Your ONLY option is to use SBC mounts that came on the truck and sort out the issues.  Again.  There are no BBC mounts for a K series 1/2 truck so they aren't "hard" to find, they are impossible to find as they were never made.

^What he said. I know guys that have swapped in BBC engines and never had any problems other than finding pulley brackets. This should not be difficult. I would use your old engine mounts off of your 305. Then worry about the headers once you try to get them mounted.

You might have to change headers or "modify" them. BTW-Modify means "use a hammer". I have heard of guys having to smack one of the tubes a little to get it to clear frame on the driver's side I believe. They were also using long tube headers as that was the common type back then. I bet that is why companies started making short tube headers. I hope this helps.     

[FearNoMan78k10]

Okay thanks for the input Captkaos and Don....      I do not have the 305 mounts as I included them when I sold the engine..... That makes sense that the frames are different hence why I can't get them to fit and work right swapping years of the truck while using k30 mounts.... Well I will go with a SBC setup.... Just use same year mounts and brackets ?  And it will bolt right up to the frame and the big block?


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[FearNoMan78k10]

Hopefully I won't have to "modify" a brand new pair of headers......


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[Don5]

Okay thanks for the input Captkaos and Don....      I do not have the 305 mounts as I included them when I sold the engine..... That makes sense that the frames are different hence why I can't get them to fit and work right swapping years of the truck while using k30 mounts.... Well I will go with a SBC setup.... Just use same year mounts and brackets ?  And it will bolt right up to the frame and the big block?


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That is what I would do. And it should bolt up to the frame. Best of luck and time to move on to the next problem..

BTW- I always used a 12 inch, three fingered heavy duty clutch in my truck. No diaphragm for me. I heard too many stories about the   
fingers breaking. They might have fixed it by now but back in the day I didn't know anyone that used them in a truck that had any kind of horsepower. Just a thought.

[Captkaos]

Dide note....  I broke 3 Borg and Beck (3 finger) setups in the late 80's and 90's before moving to a diaphragm setup behind my 454.  It had comparable holding power and lasted 3 years of my 20's doing nightly weekend races... as apposed to months...  And I abused this truck and the Rock crusher trans.  It was rebuilt 4 times over the 10 years.  The rebuilder reminded me those times there was a clutch there for a reason and I could use it just a little sometimes in situations outside of stopping and starting.

[FearNoMan78k10]

Hmmm good advice Don thankyou..... What do you think of today's clutches from hays?  We will see if I can manage to do the frame mounts with the right motor mounts and brackets and get this engine installed,,,,,,,, finally,,,,,,,    Hoping it will be soon as our other truck is on it's last legs.... 183k miles, auto , dodge, v-8,,,, the truck is in great shape but mechanically could use rebuilding here and there for sure....


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[FearNoMan78k10]

So Captkaos .... If you broke that many back in the day..... Using your 454,,,,,  what do you think about this clutch ? And what's your opinion on Hays clutches ? Nog worth installing if it is going to break..... I'd rather spend a tad more on a clutch if that's the case,,, although ,,,, this clutch was 300 smackers...... Ouch... So I'd hate to be spending too much more..... Maybe an extra 50 dollars..... AT MOST... If I was to return and buy a different clutch .... If they let me.....


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[FearNoMan78k10]

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[FearNoMan78k10]

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[FearNoMan78k10]

Here is the clutch I picked out months ago


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