Engine swap in progress...need tips/answers on L6 to SBC conversion

[thefarmboy21]

Well after looking at my 77 I figured out what I needed and went junkyarding and found a chopped up front frame section from a 4x4. HOWEVER it doesn't all unbolt...GM riveted them in for whatever reason BUT, thanks to the good ol boys workin, they hooked a winch to it and handed me the torch and I went on my merry way after about and hour for a mere $30.

SOOO.....are there any other L6 to V8 snags I need to know about?

[Captkaos]

Is this a 4x4, if so the engine mounts should be different from a L6 to V8 to allow it to swap in.  The didn't have anything special from my memory.

[travisr1988]

For exhaust, if you don't mind it exiting out the sides in front of the rear wheels use heart throb http://www.jcwhitney.com/heartthrob-exhaust-dual-exhaust-systems-for-long-tube-headers/p2006349.jcwx?filterid=c15836d50255y1977g702u0j1  It says no mufflers included, however that part number includes glasspacks according to heart throb. For less that $200 how could you go wrong? Wiring is a pain as the harness has things in different locations, some plumbing may need changed, 4x4 mounts are different I believe, radiator and fan should be upgraded. I can't think of any other snags, most of the snags I ran into involve money issues or previous modifications.

[FlatBlack77]

i got that exhaust kit for my 77 C10. it was a fairly nice kit but i had to do some major modifications to get around the crossmember. with long tube headers the headers pretty much point right at the crossmember so u either have to make pipes to go over or under it. i went under.

it isnt a direct bolt on unless there are more parts than just what is pictured

[thefarmboy21]

Ended up having to change the cross brace under motor, find some different length block mounts and now I'm in the exhaust and wiring phase. Headers hit as stated above (mid crossmember) and the wiring issues are as stated as well. BUT it runs, so that's a plus. Just have to make it less race car'ish and more factory. The wiring is a total pain and the one exhaust system I picked from all others was back ordered so I'll be calling and griping at Jegs in the morning.

[travisr1988]

Different headers will fit differently, mine appear to have enough room to clear the crossmember, however although the pipes point straight back, the collector aims slightly towards the tranny, however my dad looked at it and thinks we'll be fine and not have any issues. Also remember a sbc should be in the top mount position, which lifts the motor slightly, that may help the exhaust routing some. As for wiring, I'm going to get a V8 harness from the junkyard to clean up the bay and simplify it a little, the L6 harness works but is ugly and was a royal pain to reroute.