The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Engine Swap ideas for 56 GMC 500-T???

I'm a Newbie with a question regarding a project I've been working on for a couple of years. I have a 56 GMC 500-T that was built as an airplane deicing truck for the USAF. At some point in its life, a 292 **** V8 was transplanted in. (I know......I've scratched my head over that one too!) I'm in the midst of restoring this truck and I'd like to add a GM V8 that would provide more power. I've already added Power Steering from a 70's era truck and plan on using the vehicle, with its 50 foot 2-man boom, for a variety of projects. I have access to a rebuilt 427, but the truck has a Spicer Aux. Trans. installed and I believe the 427 may have more torque than the Spicer can handle. As I'm typing this, I cannot recall the model # of the Spicer, but it is a medium-duty unit that was rated well within the torque of the 292 and current 4 speed trans. Would anyone know of a *good* swap that would fit, be cost effective and provide power that would not over-stress the drivetrain? Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your time and expertise.

If it were mine, I'ld do the tried and true small block. They're cheap and plentiful and can be built for almost any purpose. Also, I think your truck could have had one, so proper parts to install should be available. If you lived closer, I would trade a 350 for your 427 (sounds fair doesn't it?). Anyway, That's my $.02.
Scott

Thanks for the reply Scott! I'd thought of the small block route, but this 427 was recently rebuilt and really needs a good home! I'm curious whether the 427 would be a good choice *if* I were to remove the Spicer Aux from the driveline? Would the 427 fit, what tranny should I look for, are there potential pitfalls that I'm not thinking about....."?" Thanks Again!!

Welcome to the stovebolt SandyL
Have you considered what weight the truck might have hauled (or similar trucks) over its lifetime?
I personally know of one early 50s` GMC log truck which had a Spicer aux tranny. I am sure it has hauled its share of weight up steep grades
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427,,,, is it a tall deck??? What do you plan to do with the truck?

Hello Mechainiac! This truck spent its days (just over 1600 miles on the odometer) tooling around a nice flat Airforce Base in NH. I put the Spicer in 2 years ago in an attempt to help reduce the future stress and strain on the 292. I'd run the numbers by a Spicer tech and know that it could survive the 292....I'll give him a call to see if the 427's too much for it to handle. The 427 came out of a logging truck. The original owner split the crank trying to haul more than it could handle. I was given the engine because he could not stand the thought of a **** 292 in my GMC truck! As far as use, I've donated it for local Church Steeple repairs and have been asked (once my restoration is further along!) about using it as an Announcers Platform for car shows. My budget is pretty snug.....and I just bought an identical 57.....but I'd like to have this 56 be more roadworthy. I'm not looking for speed, but strength. Thanks for the reply!