The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts engine swap

There are a number of issues you'll need to deal with. A 454 makes a lot of heat, and you'll need a plan for dealing with that. Most small block swaps seem to work fine using a stock radiator. With the big block it may require something more to keep it cool.

Steering clearance is the most difficult problem. The steering box and column will interfere with the exhaust manifold. With a small block swap you can shift the motor to the passenger side, and move the steering box a little to the outside, and make it work.

With the width of the big block those options are not gong to solve the problem. On a 1/2-ton truck a power steering kit that moves the steering box ahead of the axle would solve the problem. On a 6400 the common kits would be close but not quite right.

Grigg's question is a good one. Why do you want to go 454? He may be challenging the choice, and he is a fan of the Diesel solutions. But you will encounter enough hurdles that knowing why you are doing it will be important to keeping motivated to solve the problems.

And knowing why you want to make the swap also helps when it comes time to decide how to solve the engineering problems involved. If you want to use the truck as a truck you'll make different choices than if you are building a cruiser using a big truck.

For instance your transmission choice depends on your intended usage. Choosing manual or automatic affects several issues, including engine placement, which of course affects engine mounting...

I have to admit that I'm also building a 454 powered truck. I'm starting with a 1-ton, though I've considered using a larger truck frame. My goal is to replace my modern trailer puller with a classic. I like the sound and performance of the big gas motor, and don't care for the noise and smell of Diesel.

I'm using pieces from a 454 powered 1-ton pickup (recently wrecked) and a 454 powered motorhome with a Turbo 475 automatic. I'm still debating some of the design elements, but think I have all the big parts on hand already. My remaining decision is whether to stay with the straight axle or convert to an IFS. I change my mind every other week, and probably won't start in earnest until I've settled that issue.

Do try the search feature. You'll find some of your questions answered, and probably find some ideas that will lead to new questions. And who knows, maybe Grigg will persuade you to consider Diesel power instead...