The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 6 to 8 question

My 65 C10 came with a 6 cylinder but I want to install a small block V8. What do I need to add to my chassis in order to bolt in the larger engine? I am also planning to change from my current 3 speed manual to a more modern automatic trans. Do I need different engine mounts on the frame and/or different crossmember for holding up the new trans, etc.? Just planning at this stage... but want to know what to be looking for....

I have not made the switch on a 60's truck but it should be fairly easy. Lots of 65's had V8's in them so putting in a V8 should be simple as getting a set of motor mounts if different from the 6 cylinder. Same goes for any member on the rear.

Any parts you need just ask in the Parts Wanted in the swap meet here.

The original perches for a 230ci are correct and in the correct location for a small block V8. Watch out, if the valve covers are really tall they will bump into the firewall. Some folks move the engine forward an few inches.

If you have the perches for a 292ci, then one is correct (same as a 230ci perch) and the other one is NOT correct.


Installing a modern AT will require removal of the current transmission crossmember. You'll need to buy or make a new crossmember for the AT. You will need to cut the drive shaft to the correct length.

All of the above is from memory from when I researched the issue for my 1965 C10. So it's not info from personal experience, but I think it's accurate. I chose to keep my inline 6 and I installed a floor shift 5 speed MT with OD.

One problem you may encounter is that the 230/250 6 cylinder stick shift models of that era used a very small radiator. The 292 6 cyl and V-8 trucks not only came with a larger radiator but a different core support. That could become an issue considering you are also switching to an auto trans. Also, a shroud will likely be needed because of the distance between the fan and radiator.
Fred

I own a 230ci and a 250ci. The 230ci had a tall narrow radiator that sat on saddles mounted on the lower flange of the radiator support cross member. I swapped out the 230ci for a 250ci. My donor truck had a V8 style radiator which is wider but not as tall. The radiator core support is identical for both, so I must disagree with Fred. The 230ci radiator had a special shroud that channeled air to the narrow radiator and thus prevented air from flowing around it. The wider radiator didn't use that shape shroud.

If you go with a SBC, then the V8 shroud you would likely need is sold by many of the vendors and makes the pull of the fan more effective since the V8 SBC sits back from the radiator quite a bit.

I can post photos if there is any interest in seeing the 2 different styles of radiators. The 2 different ones I have are both original Harrison radiators.

I put a 1975 350 with HEI in my 1964.
Seems I recall getting a set of brackets from a doner truck that had a V8 in it and they were different than the straight 6 that was in there. There are 3 holes along each frame rail and I mounted my brackets in the two forward holes. This was done to give me clearance between the HEI and the firewall.
I put a 700R4 behind my engine. You will have to remove the 3 speed cross member (riveted on) and replace it with a new cross member. I got mine again from a doner truck only this time it was a 67 to 71.
And as stated you will have to shorten the drive shaft (can't remember if the yoke was different due to the splines).