Carl S.
Junior Member
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2017
- Posts
- 2
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Alaska
- First Name
- Carl
- Truck Year
- 77
- Truck Model
- C20 Suburban
- Engine Size
- 5.7
Hey all, new here, looking for info on building up my 77 C20 Suburban for surviving better in AK. It has a carbureted 5.7 with a thrown rod, np205 transfer case and a 4 speed manual with granny low. I'm going to put in a carbureted 454 with an engine block heater, swap the gearing in my diffs, and install a 12" lift. My main concerns is in regards to the engine swap.
1) Will some parts from the 350 be transferable to the 454? I'd want to move the power steering pump, alternator and mechanical fuel pump.
2) Any tips for helping the engine in the cold? Up until blowing a hole in the side of the block the 5.7 has started right up without an engine block heater, even when it's -50°f in the mornings. I want the same reliability in the new motor I'm putting in.
3) Will I need to upgrade my radiator from the one for the 350, and if so will I need or want cooling fans on radiator, the warmest it gets here is sometimes into the 90's, but usually only lower 80's.
4) I plan on mounting the engine and transmission lower down in the frame to help with driveline angles and to help lower my center of gravity, all of which are effected by the lift install. Have any of you done this, and should I use motor plates to mount it lower in the frame or custom brackets and do the rubber mounts? I realize that motor plates will stiffen everything up, how much will that effect driving it on the street?
Any advise or info you may have for an off road beater in Alaska is greatly appreciated.
1) Will some parts from the 350 be transferable to the 454? I'd want to move the power steering pump, alternator and mechanical fuel pump.
2) Any tips for helping the engine in the cold? Up until blowing a hole in the side of the block the 5.7 has started right up without an engine block heater, even when it's -50°f in the mornings. I want the same reliability in the new motor I'm putting in.
3) Will I need to upgrade my radiator from the one for the 350, and if so will I need or want cooling fans on radiator, the warmest it gets here is sometimes into the 90's, but usually only lower 80's.
4) I plan on mounting the engine and transmission lower down in the frame to help with driveline angles and to help lower my center of gravity, all of which are effected by the lift install. Have any of you done this, and should I use motor plates to mount it lower in the frame or custom brackets and do the rubber mounts? I realize that motor plates will stiffen everything up, how much will that effect driving it on the street?
Any advise or info you may have for an off road beater in Alaska is greatly appreciated.