will 92 go into 79?
 

I the original 350 engine in my daily driver 79 is oh so tired. I have a pretty decent 350 in a 92. I'm thinking about swapping it in there. I want to use the original brackets and accessories, and exhaust manifolds. What am I going to run into trying to make this work? I think my intake and carb will work. Will the HEI drive gear work? Thanks for any help or advice.

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

Everything you have will work except the intake manifold. Don't quote me but the inside bolts are vertical. They are available, but be careful to get the right one..

That engine if a truck engine is a flat tappet. If a Camaro it could be a roller cam. Verify before you just order parts.

Lastly if your doing this for just a motor. I wouldn't change anything. If you want more Power. I would upgrade heads to the newer Vortec since they support much more HP, and you need a manifold anyways.

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

Dang...I was all ready for a math quiz....79÷92=.859

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

It was my understanding, and I am wrong a lot, that a stock carb intake will work on throttle body heads, but vortec heads take a special intake. Am I wrong again?

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

I was always told TBI heads were different in the center bolt holes for the intake manifold. Vs traditional sbc heads. Although port alignment is not a issue.

The late Vortec heads are higher port heads along with different bolt pattern.

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

Thank you!! That is great information to have before I start this. I might rethink it, as I have other options. What would guys like me do without this forum?!

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

I thought it was a catchy little opener!

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

One other thing is a 2piece rear main vs a one piece so you might need a different flexplate or flywheel.

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

It's my understanding you will need an electric in-line fuel pump as there is no port for a mechanical pump on the newer engine. At least that is what I ran into when I was thinking about doing it (but I'm fixing up the 89 instead).

One thing that I have been thinking about: it seems like a lot of folks are upgrading the engines in these older pickups just to get more power. I wonder if there are decent used engines available that are being pulled out ????

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

My 79 has a tbi block and a q jet with a stock cast iron manifold.
My block had provisions for a mechanical fuel pump, so that was easy.
I used the accessories off the original 79 block (v belt)
Had to use a die grinder to oval out the middle intake holes till they fit properly. (I have done this to 3 engines with no leaks or problems)
Bought a new flywheel to fit the tbi block.
Ordered a heavy duty 12 inch clutch for a '79 chevy
Had to trim the dust shield for the clutch with some tin snips
New gear reduction starter
Dropped in a new hei distributor.

Not a 100% dirrect swap, but totally do-able

Re: will 92 go into 79?
 

I did this swap a couple of times and its like Greasey Harley said, except I called up JEGS and got a new edelbrock intake to work with the vortec motor