Swapping 454 for 350

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Okay, so my buddy just calls and tells me that I'm going to help him with his new-ish work truck.
Its got a 454 with 40k miles on it, and he wants a 350 for reliability/availability/mpg (all the regular reasons).  On the other hand, this rig will have to deal with a consistant max payload (welding rig).
He's wanting to know what he might be able to get for the 454, and what's involved with changing it over to the 350...is there really anything special to this?  Isnt it just a "plug n' play"?

Ideas?
Considerations?
Guffaws?

[VileZambonie]

He has a nice 454 with low miles and wants to pull it out to put in a 350 to save $? It's probably going to cost him more in the long run with the change over but it's not that hard of a swap.

Exhaust is an issue. Some of the wiring will have to be rerouted, Water pump, flexplate, fuel pump, etc.

[DirtyLittleSecret]

That's what I thought.  He's more worried about the 6-8 mpg 454 (the way he drives).  Didnt know if there was any particularities to the wiring/radiator/etc.  I've never thought of it, and have always just bolted them in...
Geez, maybe its time for my LandCruiser to go big.

[dumbucket1]

I did it to my 76, I reused the torque convertor, fan, distributor, carburetor, and motor mounts. The 350 dropped right in with the exception of the exhaust, I had to have new lead pipes made going from the 350 manifolds to the existing dual exhaust.

I only did this swap because the 454 started knocking, fuel mileage did not go up by much and if your buddy is hard on it his mileage won't go up at all.

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Thanks, that's exactly what I'm thinking...he might as well stay with the 454 since he's gonna be hauling ALOT.  Be easier on the rig having a little more torque.

[Fordeatinz71]

if it's under constant heavy load, his mileage could very well go down.  that 350 is gonna struggle a LOT more than that 454 does.  the added stress will also cause that 350 to wear prematurely.  if he's really that worried about fuel mileage and has some bucks to drop...throw in a diesel.  either a decent 6.5 turbo (yes, there is such a thing) or better yet, a Cummins (a 12V would be GREAT) or a Duramax...then he'd really be happy...

[Captkaos]

I agree, he is going the wrong way for mileage, the 350 is going to have to work harder in the same situation.
I think the majority of the issues are listed here though.

[DirtyLittleSecret]

Thanks guys!  Discussed with him the options, and it sounds like he bought the rig, and will be keeping the 454.  Gonna update the electrical, give it a full tune up, etc to make sure its all running top notch.