83 k10

[Chazlee]

Hello, new person into this forum and must say some good help I’ve seen written in.
That said, i have a 83 K10 w/t 4.1 and sm465 trans. Swapping a 350 or 4.8 at this point i’m looking at the easiest
My understanding is that either engine marries up to the sm465, with only engine mounts needing to be changed
Am i correct in this?

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from the Buckeye State.

 

[pduffyd]

Welcome Chazlee.

Is the 4.1 the original L6, 250ci? If so then the SBC V8 engine should bolt up with no modifications to the 250 6 cyl frame stands, but not the 292CI L6 4.9lt. The 292ci frame stands are different on the passenger side.

The clutch Z bar will line up with a hole in the block where you will have to source and install a pivot ball with a threaded end. The threads are 7/16 or 1/2 inch, the ball is not hard to find and is used on 4wd trucks of the same era.
You will have to adjust the linkage from the Z bar to the throw out arm.

So yeah going to the 4.9lt 292ci L6 is a harder route for sure. Mainly because of the frame stand on the right side being different, and it mount further forward on that side.

Hope that helps.

 

[Chazlee]

Thanks pduffyd...nice to know that there is help when needed.

 

[Chazlee]

Thanks Shorty

 

[pduffyd]

No worries Chazlee, there are quiet a few of these swaps detailed online, either here or via google, even youtube.
Dependent of which engine stands are fitted, there maybe be 2 sets of motor mount holes on the stands, but I cant remember which set of holes you use for a SBC 350. They maybe marked L6 and V8.
Anyone else know for sure?

 

[pduffyd]

Just read this on another forum, so I seem to remember correctly about using the different engine mount holes on the stands.

"The engine MOUNTS are different, but the STANDS are the same (as Chris said). The stands have to sets of holes, labeled "6" and "8", pretty self explainatory right?"

Oh dont forget to change the radiator to a V8 one, or its gonna get hot.

 

[Chazlee]

Thank you.. ordered radiator and did get 8 mounts..picked up a SBC from junk yard, will start picking at it, see what I need to do..
You guys are great!!

 

[pduffyd]

Good luck, dont forget to take photos of your before and after motor mounts, and any other things you find along the way.

 

[Chazlee]

As my luck goes..removed heads and the block is cracked, called the junk yard..they will refund.
Geez not the way I wanted to start..
I’ll take break then go back to searching...maybe 4.3 now?

 

[pduffyd]

Chazlee, stay the course mate, just keep looking for another 350.
I had a 4.3 in my 2002 Blazer, and it was heavier on gas than my Monte Carlo with a crate 350.
Of course the Monte had plenty of power, couldnt say that for my Blazer!
Did the junk yard let you keep the parts? If so think of it as a score, coz now you have spares for another 350.

 

[Chazlee]

Pduffyd
Thanks I appreciate you hanging in there with me...
Junkyard was not in the mood to let me have anything, being that they had to give up the cash.

 

[pduffyd]

Should be plenty of 350s around.
I have no idea how many millions were made.
Keep searching, one will turn up.

 

[Raider L]

@Chazlee,

Chazlee, I see all these great junk yards out in arizona on the TV all the time. I have "Motortrend TV" channel and there are these custom car shops from that part of the country and there should be tons. It's like you don't ever notice a junk yard until you need one then you can't remember where you saw them and have to start hunting from scratch.

 

[Chazlee]

Thanks Raider,
There are quite alot of them..most being in the Phoenix area..I am about 130 miles away..
I will get back into the search, soon.