Technical HAs anyone put a big block into a 64-66 C10, and kept the stock mounts, and 3 on the tree?

Plenty of threads out there on the basic swap, I've looked at many of them. I had one with a 454 and a turbo 400 a few years back, but I would like to put a big block into my 65 C-10 I just got, and use the stock motor mount location, and bellhousing/ clutch linkage, and keep the 3 on the tree. Anyone done this, and what did you use for exhaust manifolds.

 

headers like the old Hedman long tube headers for 68-87 pickups will fit. You have to trim the inner edge of the frame rails, and it would help to use newer mounts....best fit is the 68-70 396 pickup mounts, but they're kind of hard to find, and/or expensive...and they locate the engine forward a little ways. If you want to use manifolds, a driver side from a 70s pickup should work, and the tough one is the p*** side, try a late 60s full size car manifold.

Clutch linkage may be fun to figure out, too. And the motor will be tight to the firewall if you leave it in the stock location.

 

My cousin has a 396 in a '64 C10 panel years ago and I don't recall any issues with it. He used the stock '66 big block exhaust manifolds too. I have the engine now. I'd say that the only thing that might be in the way would be the column linkage. His had a floor shift in it.

 

The column shift may be a problem, maybe not, I don't remember how tight it is. I had column shift for the automatic in my big block 66 suburban.

One thing though...I kept the original 3 speed trans in my 59 when I swapped in the 396 way back when. I replaced it after a week, it sounded like it was ready to explode in second gear

 

Big block Chevys are longer than small blocks from the side motor mnt area forward. From that point back's the same as a small block. So, unless the width hurts, the column shifter/bellhousing etc's pretty much gonna work. (unless your BB has the bigger flywheel and the bellhousing on the truck's for the smaller). What BB are you putting in?

 

Also, since the BB's longer from the side mnt area forward, you'll probly have to use the short style water pump (and pulleys) that were offered in 67-68 and pretty much all BB Vettes from 65-74 for fan to radiator clearance

 

The bellhousing being mounted to the ch***is pretty much locks everything in place. And there's room at the front and back as well. I really do not recall many swap issues between the 6, SBC and BBC with these trucks.

 

He may have to slightly m***age the firewall for the p***enger valve cover, as it sits a bit further back than the left.

 

That sounds familiar for some reason. Nothin' a piece of oak 4"x 4" and a BFH can't handle.
There's also a C10 Truck Forum (I belong to it) and I'd ask around there.

 

Mid 60's big block GM musclecars used a Ford sourced toploader 3speed when a 3 speed was ordered from the factory.

Food for thought. GM didn't buy 3 speeds from the compe***ion for no reason, did they?.

 

The engine will be a the 427 out of my ElCamino, detuned for towing, using long water pump and pulleys. I want to use the stock bellhousing/frame mount, which is why I don't want to move the engine. Squirrel, how were you driving with that swap. I don't plan on any real spirited driving, I'm trying to build a part time tow rig, that has the torque to handle my road,however if the 3 speed is that weak, I can definitely rethink this project.
Edit- in theory I would like to use what I have.

 

Also, if your bell's for the smaller diameter flywhell you can keep it by using the smaller flywheel IF you have a 396 or 427. IF your BB's a 454 I'm pretty sure there's no external balance flywheel that's the smaller diameter. But wait, there's more. I put a 406 SB (same issues as 454) in my Vette and wanted to keep the small bellhousing. I had someone machine the back of a small diameter neutral balance flywheel to clear one of those after market conversion weights

 

The bellhousing in those trucks mounts to the crossmember, and it's designed for a 14" diameter flywheel. A 12" clutch usually fits, but you need to check to make sure. The starter bolts to the bellhousing with 3 bolts. They had the car size small hole for the transmission bearing retainer thru 67, then they went to the big hole. You do need the correct balance flywheel for use with a 454, but a 427 uses the same flywheel as a six or small block V8.


The old 4 bolt side cover 3 speed is really weak, I would not run it behind a big block. You could find a Saginaw 3 speed, it should hold up fine, but the linkage is a bit different so you'd probably need to modify the shift arms, and maybe shorten the driveshaft? not sure if you have the long or short transmission?

The long water pump should fit if you leave the engine in the rear most location. Chevy installed the big blocks forward further in the late 60s trucks, it makes them fit easier, but you have problems with running the original bellhousing that way.

 

I have the Correct flywheel, clutch, etc . I will have to wait until I get it home to check the ******, and go from there.

 

I would like advice on finding an steering column that did time mated with an automatic transmission shifter mounted on it

 

This is a factory option, My friend had one, truck arm rear suspension, factory 396 with 3 on the tree. Bought used rear tires every few weeks.

 

I put an auto/tilt column in my 66 Suburban with small block, came out of a 72 Chevy pickup, nearly a bolt in, used that cool linkage from Kugel.

 

I can't understand what you are asking. Maybe try again....don't let spell check ruin it for you?