The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1965 K20 292 to 350 engine swap

I am new to the truck restoration world and need some advice. I am pulling my 292 L6 and putting a 350 in its place. The truck is a K20 4x4 (of course) with a 4 speed and a Rockwell t-case. It is an interesting truck because it only has 15620 original miles and it is a fire apparatus (brush truck with full fire body on the back). I haven't been able to find another like it. I have searched on the internet for what seems like days and have not found an answer to my question, so alas I tuck my tail and swallow my pride and realized there are people out there that would know these kind of things.
My questions are:
Where in the world do I find motor mounts that will work and what headers do I use?
As far as headers, there are so many to choose from and I hate to order something that will not work.

P.S. the 292 runs great, just looking for a little more get up and go.

Thanks for the input!!

I know I'll sound like a hypocrit ( not a word I know how to spell)because I like V-8's but I have always been a fan of the 292. It was a work horse and lots of log trucks around here used them in the early 60's. It had more torque down low than a 327. It sounds like you are going to restore this truck somewhat. You still won't be able to speed shift the original trans, I think the 292 is way cooler.
Yes, when I did Deb's 65 C-10, I did replace the 6 and put a 700R4 in place of the 4 spd. But it wasn't 4 wheel drive and had a 230, besides, it's what she wanted.

I too am new to the truck restoration world. This spring I finaly bought my first older vehicle. It is a 66 K20 327 with a 4 speed (brush truck with fire equipment and pump and tank removed) with 18000 original miles, front mounted pto winch. pto drive to the rear off transfer case. and another pto off trans for pump.I agree with Mearl, stay with the 292 4 speed. but thats me. This is my first post on any forum. I would post a picture but I dont know how.

+1 on staying with the 292 . Unless you plan on changing the gearing there's not much to be gained imo . You'll get from 0 to 50 faster , but that's just about all its going to do .
The torque of that six is unreal . And keep in mind that the 292 is almost a 300 cid engine . Not a racer , but it'd climb a cliff . Guess it all depends on what you are looking for . Your truck .
If you're going to scrap that 6 , please give me a shout .
Not sure about the frame mounts , but one of the major parts suppliers that can be found in any good size town, had a book full of different styles of motor mounts . I was really surprised at the amount of motor mounts available . There were some frame mounts as well .

The factory 4x4 motor mounts for the six cylinder trucks are slightly different, than the sbc frame-to-engine perches.

Here is what the factory-correct V8 frame-to-engine perches look like...they are a mirror image of each other, whereas the six cylinder perches are a slighly different size than each other:

Factory-correct V8 frame-to-engine perches

I have one side of the six cylinder set, but I don't recall which side.

I see there are a lot of fans of the 292 on here. I agree it is a stump pulling motor, but if I ever plan on traveling to shows, I would like to have a motor with which I can instill a little more trust in. The story is, I already ordered the motor and am awaiting its arrival. There is something about a V8 that is hard for me to shy away from. Having said all of that, I will be pulling the motor within the next few days and to the "guest" member that stated he would like to know if I would be getting rid of the motor, the answer is yes. I realize that the truck will never do a hundred and fifty, but with the right gearing and an eventual transmission swap, I could get darn close (not that I would, I will leave that to the car guys). Thanks for your input guys, there are pictures of the truck in the gallery if anyone is interested in seeing it.

As far as the headers, I am still planning on using them, it is just a matter of getting a thick flanged header and a good gasket with some heat shields for the wires. I like my V8's and headers, nothing personal, thanks again for the input.

This fellow has a set of the proper frame towers for your truck.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=397681
if you cannot find these there is an alternative by using the motor crossmember out of a 67-72 4 x4 . advisable if yiou are going an automatic
ron
I did use the later setup in my 64 as I had looked for years for the 230,250 or 283 passenger side frame tower . have pic if you ;ioke

No, I'm not going to try to sway you to keep the 292 (which I love in my '63 C20) but I just wanted to say that those engines are every bit as reliable as a 350. It's all down to maintenance and driving style. I do fully understand wanting to have a rig you can run at highway speeds though. My C20 will yank a house off it's foundation, just don't plan on getting anywhere really fast. You will still have to address the gearing issue on your K20, but you are on tack to getting her to highway speeds. Good luck in your search for headers, that's always fun. One of the reasons I stick with stock motors anymore is because I hated dealing with header issues.

I have Hooker Comp series headers on mine, fit great, although mine is 2wd. Nice 5/16" thick flanges, haven't had a leak yet.
One plug is tricky(#5)to get a wire onto, even using 45*boots.

i think that 292 could have earned your trust. like bears63 said they are just as reliable as the 350. but since the 350 is ordered at least you'll have a new engine! good luck.

For a daily driver and highway cruiser, I wouldn't bolt the 350 to the stock 4-speed. It can handle the torque but it's so noisy you cant hear the radio. I've rebuilt it several times with the same result. Remember to use header wraps or a sock to save your plug wires. Also I went with 3 core radiators to cool the V8. Just about as good at the 4 core but cheaper.

Thanks Guys. Well, the truck is in pieces right now getting ready for the new motor. I finally found a set of headers that should work. I guess fabricating a motor mount will be the only option. I have not been able to find any and will have to go the cutting and welding method. Motor should be here in a couple of weeks. They are going to dyno the motor and tune it along with a break in before it gets here. Thanks again for all the suggestions.

i told you where there was a set of perches
ron