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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap

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Farm W/ Junk

12-25-2005 06:41:14




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Hey there all you chevy fans have a quick question. I have a 1984 chevy silverado 1/2 ton 4wd automatic. It currently has a blown up 305 in it, but I would like to give it a couple more ponies. Will a 454 bolt in it? What will need done? Engine mounts and such? Also what about maybe a 427? Which is a better motor which is easier? Thanks so much everyone and have a merry christmas and happy new year.
Matt

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matthies

12-26-2005 11:03:42




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
I put a 400 in my 84 1/2 ton 4x4 and like it. When you go from a 305 to 350 or other your exhaust manifolds and piping are different. I'm not sure about the big block mounts but the trans. will bolt right up, other than redrilling your flexplate/flywheel since the bolt pattern is different on the overdrive/bigblock. With a 400 or larger you'll need a bigger radiator/fan and your shroud will need some modification. And on my buddy's truck with the big block he had to use one of those flexible top radiator hoses. If I were to do it again I'd go with a 350, alot less work.

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BLW

12-26-2005 08:11:21




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
done it many times-- motor mounts are diff. little trouble with bell housing and starter hook up and fitting ring gear some varity"s I have a 76 GMC now that we took the 454 out of because of gas milage- and put in a high preformance 350 does the job very well- and you can have it built to your needs that is as cool or as hot as you like- it is not cheap but it works very well-- mine is for sale if you are interested- along w/ alot of other parts-- reas. I don"t know where you are but i"m in chatham NY below albany-- maybe to far a trip--

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Mike M

12-26-2005 06:16:04




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
I did a swap like that in a 78 GMC. I really like the torque of a big block for pulling. Bad part is unless all you do is pulling at todays gas prices it will cost alot to run. Big block doesn't much care if it's loaded down or empty,it sucks the same amount of gas. A small block however will get better mileage empty and a 350 is a huge improvement over a 305.Add some bolt on stuff and really wake that 350 up ! I'd say find a 350 as it is a direct swap for you.

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CharlieN

12-25-2005 10:13:33




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
The 1/2 ton 4x4 wasn't available with a 454.I know this because I tried to get one.Had to settle for the 305.The only problem you might run into is getting the front drive shaft to clear the oil pan.The oil filter had to set sideways instead of hang down to clear also.Good luck.



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Too Far Gone

12-25-2005 08:27:44




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
If you'd like high torque,and not so many cubes,Find a BB 366 Chevy from an old grain truck.They are an excellent choice too.



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bradk

12-25-2005 07:29:03




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
Allen in NE gave great info.Also,keep in mind the big-blocks are considerably heavier.You're also gonna have to add,or replace front leaf springs w/heavier ones.A 350 or a 400sb would be plenty for that truck.A definite improvment over the 305!! ~brad



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Allan in NE

12-25-2005 07:10:49




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
Hi Matt,

Just about all 6 and 8 cyl rear wheel drive Chevy engines interchange as far as bolt pattern.

Mounts, radiator and shroud, fan, fan clutch, all the accessory brackets, exhaust and air cleaner assembly will all have to be changed. Flywheels and dampeners are different too 'cause the big blocks balance externally.

Everything from the converter back will work okay.

If you really want a war-horse, see if you can find a good 400 small-block complete engine. It would be a 'no-hassle' swap and they will absolutely pull circles around those rat motors.

Don't know why they ever discontinued those little guys.

Allan

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Tx Jim

12-26-2005 04:19:07




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 Re: 400 CID in reply to Allan in NE, 12-25-2005 07:10:49  
Allan,you are correct on the SB 400 as years ago I put one in a '77 chevy. One better have a "good running" 454 to out pull it. I bought an '76 4WD about a month ago to feed with and it can from factory with 400. Tx Jim



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john in la

12-25-2005 07:31:48




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to Allan in NE, 12-25-2005 07:10:49  
Now Allen you have got to be one of the first I have heard say they like the small block 400.

While it has been a lot of years since I have messed with a Chevy small block I seem to remember it had something to do with the bore size. They may have used a 350 block bored more or something making the cyl walls thinner.
This old mind just can not remember.

I personally like the 350. You can get this motor up to about 350HP with stock Chevy parts.
They came from the factory in certain applications with a aluminum intake; Holley double pumper; and a 300/500 cam.

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TP from Central PA

12-25-2005 14:22:38




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 Re: OT: 1984 Chevy truck engine swap in reply to john in la, 12-25-2005 07:31:48  
I haven't heard many who prefer the 400's either..... .Most rather have a 383 if given a choice between the two.



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steve from mo - dangit!

12-25-2005 06:52:11




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 Yee-haw! in reply to Farm W/ Junk, 12-25-2005 06:41:14  
The 454 was originally available for that truck so it is possible to do. It gets better mileage than the 350 if you have a light foot. A friend of mine did that exact swap, 454 into a 1984 Chevy Silverado, but he had the benefit of owning the 1982 Chevy half-ton the 454 came from. That would be the best way to do it.

Starting with a long-block engine would be difficult because lots of things are different. You will really want new motor mounts, and the bell housing, and lots of other parts need changed out. You will really want the bigger differential from a 4/4 ton truck for the massive torque of the 454 engine.

The 454,427, and 396 should use the same basic block so that wouldn't matter. The 427 is the local dirt-track racer's choice because performance parts for them are abundant and relatively cheap.

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