The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Swap Question

Just wanted to get some input on an idea I have... the project truck is a 65 Chevy 4x4 C10... donor/parts truck is 79 Chevy 2wd 3/4... in the very near future (as in less than 2 weeks)
will be doing an engine & tranny swap... pulling 350 from the 79 and replacing 283 from the 65 (redoing 283 at later point down the road).

My thinking is that I will also be able to "convert" some other parts over to the 65 with little or no problems... will any of the follow ideas be okay to use on the 65 and if so how much difficulty will it be...

1. power steering (350 is already set up to run it anyways)
2. A/C (again the 350 is already set up)
3. disc brakes
4. any wiring harnesses

Just thinking out loud here I guess but wanted to get some feedback on any ideas you might have.

Thanks

since your parts truck is 2wd the brakes & steering are totally different..brian

Is the 65 a C10, which means 2wd, or is it a K10 which means 4X4? Either way, you're trying to mix 1/2 ton parts with 3/4 ton parts. They're not easily interchangable or desired that way,
Scott

If you use all the pulleys & brackets with the 79 engine you will have the steering pump & a/c comp. all mounted.

I just completed an engine - transmission install in my 1965 K10 4X4 fleetside long bed. I did the same thing you are trying to do by replacing the 283 with a 350.

I drove race cars for two decades, so I had my engine builder throw together a little 400 hp 350 engine. My '65 was missing the front crossmember, so we fabricated a crossmember that allowed the engine to mount and the headers to go down through the frame rails. However, my 65 does not have power steering or power brakes and I did not choose to install them.

You'll also need to be aware that the crossmember for the transmission mounts under the bell housing and not the rear transmission mount that is likely to be on your transmission from the '79 donor truck. I used an old toploader 4 speed transmission that was able utilize the front mounted transmission crossmember.

I DID pull the front drive axle out of the '65 and replaced it with a front drive axle from a late 80's K5 Blazer. Had to remount the spring perches and shock mounts, but other than that, it was pretty easy. I can send you photos if you think it might help.

Thanks guys for the info... looks like I have some checking to do before I proceed... don't want to pull parts off the donor that won't fit the 65.

I am almost certain the chrome piece in front of the doors says its a C10... but definitely gonna double check first... hoping I don't have a mess on my hands but who knows... will update you on what I find.

If you have any other ideas to pass along I'll be glad to listen to those as well.