Swapping 350 to 454

[King16]

Have a 67c 10 that i want to put in a 454, with a turbo 400 transmission. What do I need to do or buy so I don't have to put this thing in and out 4 times before I have it finally in for good.

Thanks

[68Gold/white]

Depending on what exhaust headers or manifolds you use...it could be a tight fit between the frame rails. In 68 when they started putting big blocks in these pickups, the top part of the frame (the upper horizontal part) was narrowed some to make the exhaust fit easier. I don't know how much...but it is something you will need to look out for...

Of course you know you will need a pretty high capacity radiator!!!

The frame motor mount brackets are different for big blocks...the small block stuff might (?) work, 68-71 used a specific big block frame bracket, and 72 used an entirely different big block specific bracket.

I have purchased a 72 big block bracket/mount setup for my 68 396, the 72 is a much better setup. I believe some places sell all this stuff new. Try Brothers, Cooper Restoration, LMC, PaulsGMC parts....see what's out there.

Radiator shroud may need to be different from what you have...

68-72'd have better drive shafts and carrier bearings than the 350 and 6 bangers did. No way I'd even think about a small block drive shaft, especially that Mickey Mouse carrier bearing!!!

I have a 67 and a 68, both C-10's LWB's. Both will get custom drive shafts and front disc brakes when back on the road!!!

[King16]

I didn't realize the frame was different from 67-68 and up. I will be using headers and electric fans. Was looking at the drive shaft and was thinking the same things you mentioned. Any drive shafts that would work in place of the stock ones. I'm also doing disc brake conversion.

[CUDA8U]

unless your going to make the 454 a stroker 6-700 hp there really isn't any gain,a turbo/supercharger on a small block with easily beat a warmed up moderate 454. An ls motor supercharged may be the way to go is you want over 500hp.

[MARKDTN]

TPI fuel injection on a 350/700R4 will be a much more fun driveable combo, will get better mileage, easier to start in winter, and bolt right in-basically no mods.

[68Gold/white]

Originally Posted by King16

I didn't realize the frame was different from 67-68 and up. I will be using headers and electric fans. Was looking at the drive shaft and was thinking the same things you mentioned. Any drive shafts that would work in place of the stock ones. I'm also doing disc brake conversion.

Only the big block frames are narrower at the top form 68 and on.
I like the electric fan setup... make sure you have enough amps in your alternator for this, and a good battery (or two batteries).

Brothers offers the factory style add on battery tray that goes on the drivers side of the radiator core support. I plan to have 2 batteries in my 67 and 68...

I do NOT know of anyone that makes drive shafts that are heavier duty to replace a stock drive shaft...Take a good look at your stock drive shaft, that thing looks like something that could only drive a model"A" ford...
THe carrier bearing hanger will need to go also, for a proper carrier bearing, like the type used on 73 and newer pickups. I plan to do both of mine as such...

One other thing I thought of is, if you have a vacuum brake booster, big block valve covers can be a problem if you have a stock larger O.D. type booster...

Shame on you guys trying to talk someone out of installing a big block in their Chevy pickup!!!

[weq92f]

.
Nothin' wrong with a big block!

-klb