Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MidLifer** · 06-21-2013, 09:08 AM

Ive always loved the old Wagoneers, and I am currently looking at a fairly decently preserved 1966 model. It has the Vigilante 327 engine, which I know is NOT a clone of the Chevy engine. Wondering about parts availability for that, tho the longer term plan would be to drop in a modern Dodge or Chevy engine. Also any other wisdom you might be able to offer about these trucks. Since this one is pre Quadra Trac, It wont have the "slip-stick" issue, and I have also heard that the rear window mechanisms tend to strip out (like our Blazers).

Ay experts care to chime in before I pull the trigger?
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NONHOG · 06-21-2013, 12:08 PM

No expert but sure like those. If it were me, I would consider adding a 455
Buick as the Buick 350 was OEM in some years. So I would think that would be a straight forward swap. (but I really don't know)

Some reading for you. http://www.grandwagoneer.com/
http://www.wagonmaster.com/

Good luck!

**MidLifer** · 06-21-2013, 01:53 PM

Thanks!

There are documented examples of both LS and Magnum swaps on these trucks, and since my plan would be for this to be a winter/road trip driver, the idea of a modern, computer-controlled engine (in front of a paired O/D trans) and the better MPG that comes along with it is enticing.

However I may go in a different direction and turn this into a show car/time piece, in which case keeping the AMC 327 would make most sense.

I'll check out those sites. I had found the IFSJA forum, where there are a lot of Wagoneer lovers hanging out, but unlike our inviting home here, they have disabled registration for new members.

Jonboy · 06-21-2013, 02:00 PM

There is a guy in my neighborhood that deals in them as well. I think he does mostly newer ones, but he has had some sweet ones. I think his website is www.wagoneerworld.com

**MidLifer** · 06-21-2013, 02:02 PM

Overpost - I looked at those sites - if I could get $40K for this truck after I fixed it up that sure is enticing! I think $10-12K and some of my free time (which I don't count as a cost since, like most of us, my garage is my golf course) I could create a truck as nice as anything on those sites.

06-21-2013, 09:08 AM	#1
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,262	Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? Ive always loved the old Wagoneers, and I am currently looking at a fairly decently preserved 1966 model. It has the Vigilante 327 engine, which I know is NOT a clone of the Chevy engine. Wondering about parts availability for that, tho the longer term plan would be to drop in a modern Dodge or Chevy engine. Also any other wisdom you might be able to offer about these trucks. Since this one is pre Quadra Trac, It wont have the "slip-stick" issue, and I have also heard that the rear window mechanisms tend to strip out (like our Blazers). Ay experts care to chime in before I pull the trigger? Posted via Mobile Device

06-21-2013, 12:08 PM	#2
NONHOG Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Marana, Arizona Posts: 3,416	Re: Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? No expert but sure like those. If it were me, I would consider adding a 455 Buick as the Buick 350 was OEM in some years. So I would think that would be a straight forward swap. (but I really don't know) Some reading for you. http://www.grandwagoneer.com/ http://www.wagonmaster.com/ Good luck! __________________ "I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap.

06-21-2013, 01:53 PM	#3
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,262	Re: Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? Thanks! There are documented examples of both LS and Magnum swaps on these trucks, and since my plan would be for this to be a winter/road trip driver, the idea of a modern, computer-controlled engine (in front of a paired O/D trans) and the better MPG that comes along with it is enticing. However I may go in a different direction and turn this into a show car/time piece, in which case keeping the AMC 327 would make most sense. I'll check out those sites. I had found the IFSJA forum, where there are a lot of Wagoneer lovers hanging out, but unlike our inviting home here, they have disabled registration for new members.

06-21-2013, 02:00 PM	#4
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? There is a guy in my neighborhood that deals in them as well. I think he does mostly newer ones, but he has had some sweet ones. I think his website is www.wagoneerworld.com

06-21-2013, 02:02 PM	#5
MidLifer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: South NJ Posts: 1,262	Re: Anyone here a Wagoneer expert? Overpost - I looked at those sites - if I could get $40K for this truck after I fixed it up that sure is enticing! I think $10-12K and some of my free time (which I don't count as a cost since, like most of us, my garage is my golf course) I could create a truck as nice as anything on those sites.



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