350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer

87chevyblazer · 06-29-2009, 07:31 PM

here's my project. started off as a simple engine replacement after the 2.8 blew, now it's a 350 project, as i got offered a 350/th350 combo for $550 that i couldn't pass up, i simply couldn't do it.

i'll have the drivetrain this weekend, after i pull it out of the dirt car it's in, after that i'll be droppin it in this truck. here's a few Q's i have though

can i simply give my distributor 12v from a switched point on the fuse block to get it to run?

what do i need for motor mounts? should i pick up a set of 4.3 engine mounts or will i be able to use the stock 2.8 ones for the time being?

it's going to get some major suspension mods eventually, it's going up, i'm not taking it down into the ground.

heeter_33 · 06-29-2009, 08:04 PM

you can buy motor mounts that will directly bolt up to the 2.8 mounts.

87chevyblazer · 06-29-2009, 08:14 PM

where can i get those mounts from

chevy84sdime · 06-29-2009, 09:16 PM

Should be able to get them from Jegs or Summit.

87chevyblazer · 06-30-2009, 03:15 AM

hrmm...i'll have to take a look there. i've been out prepping for the job, the truck is also getting a 3" body lift at the same time so hopefully i won't have to modify the trans hump too much. i'm going to try and keep the interior appearing as stock as possible, simply b/c i want to retain that stock appearance. 3" body lift & 31's, hardly anyone is going to know the difference when it's sitting there in a parking lot @ like wal-mart, until it starts up or i open the hood. going to be taking as much junk as i can out from under the hood, and attempt to make this as clean an install as possible.

The Griff · 06-30-2009, 09:31 AM

http://www.s10v8.com/store/product_i...b181aac85f0c80

s10-den · 06-30-2009, 12:00 PM

here are some more

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...onvsnMnts.html

87chevyblazer · 07-03-2009, 12:18 AM

i think i'm going to go this route:http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...onvsnMnts.html

i went and looked @ the engine today and it runs amazing!, trans doesn't slip either so that's a plus. picking it up hopefully this weekend

87chevyblazer · 07-06-2009, 03:10 PM

what route would you guys take as far as radiator is concerned? can i get away with running a clutch fan at all or do i need an electric fan?

s10-den · 07-09-2009, 06:36 PM

you can run a clutch fan if the rad is forward....Lots of people use the 84 or so vett rad...

87chevyblazer · 07-10-2009, 12:17 AM

i think im going to run the stock 2.8 rad just to see what it'll do, and move it into the area where the a/c condensor sits just to see how it does, i wont be able to upgrade it till funds are avail, and i'll just have this one rebuilt at the local radiator shop beefier when funds allow if it keeps the engine cool enough (i hope so) i'll be leaving the guages in the truck and use the stock speedo, volt guage, and maybe oil pressure guage, but i want to run a decent temp guage and an oil pressure.

firstgenon24s · 07-10-2009, 04:23 PM

Try a 4.3 rad It works and does really well according to most swappers.Remove all ac components if you dont plan to use them,they can tend to make the motor overheat depending upon cooling system and where you live lol.I dont think the 2.8 radiator is going to work because of the hose locations but I might be wrong.Keep up posted with updates!!

87chevyblazer · 07-13-2009, 06:50 PM

i'm trying to figure out how to get my damn 350 home first...the engine is still in the car in Dike, Ia, and well the truck is in Waterloo, Ia and i have noone willing to haul the dang thing for me...this sucks big ones...

CBR_Matt · 07-17-2009, 04:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 87chevyblazer

i'm trying to figure out how to get my damn 350 home first...the engine is still in the car in Dike, Ia, and well the truck is in Waterloo, Ia and i have noone willing to haul the dang thing for me...this sucks big ones...

Hey man, I am local to you, Wellsburg. If you need any help with the truck, let me know, I have had a couple V8 s-10's and may be able to help out. I ran the 2.8 radiator in them and didnt have any problems, other than on a couple of our 90+ degree days. As far as power for the distributor goes, yes, a 12v keyed source will work good, but I wouldnt run it from the fuse box, find a point in the harness you can tap into. If I remember correct on mine I just used the stock power wire. Is this truck 2wd or 4wd?

87chevyblazer · 07-18-2009, 10:09 PM

#$^*! MAN where have you been?? the guy is supposed to deliver my engine next weekend, i gotta rent a uhaul trailer for him to bring it home, but hellyeah i'll take all the help i can get! it's a 4x i plan to some day dedicate as a mudder, she's not in the best of shape, heck i'll PM you my #, shoot me a call or text, i'm kinda bedridden right now as i'm fighting mono, but yeah i'll take all the help i can get! i really need this truck up and running fast too...

87chevyblazer · 07-19-2009, 06:43 PM

well i have good news. i'm worn out, just recouperating from Mono, but the guy delivered my engine and trans approx an hour ago, i just spent the past hour monkeying around outside fighting the combo up a hill and into the garage where the truck sits. i'm going to take a breather and maybe a nap, i'm not as over mono as i had hoped i was, but i'm glad to have my engine and trans near the truck!

87chevyblazer · 07-21-2009, 04:40 PM

as promised, here's a pic of my 350/th350 setup:

firstgenon24s · 07-23-2009, 05:46 PM

Needs some work but it should be fun!

87chevyblazer · 07-23-2009, 06:12 PM

i know it needs to be cleaned up and such, as well as re-timed but that will all come once it's in the truck and running. that stupid manifold is going to get flipped around & i'm hoping i can get away with running the manifolds for the time being, i'll go headers later on, right now i just need this thing up nad running.

also i'm trying to sell my 2.8L v6 AND OD tranny, basically everything pulled out of the truck. asking $250 for the hardware and $25-50 for the wiring and computer, depending on how much of it you want

87chevyblazer · 07-26-2009, 05:20 PM

2.8 is SOLD!!! i have motivation to wrench now! i need to get my mounts ordered and all that fun stuff now!

87chevyblazer · 08-14-2009, 01:30 AM

ordered my mounts today from jagsthatrun.com anyone else dealt with these guys? how quickly was your merchandise shipped out?

srmalcolm · 08-14-2009, 03:39 AM

Hey bro this swap is really easy I did one in a 83. your going to want to beat back the fire wall just alittle to clear the distributor. there is a pinch weld that i just beat flat and it cleared perfect. You can also find motor mount relocators on ebay for 50 bucks. It looks like u have a 700 r4 which is great cause it will bolt right up to the stock trans cross member also the stock drive shaft should slide right in with no mods. be sure to check the rear seal in the tail shaft. Mine was bad. Quick easy cheap fix. if your gonna get headers you can also find a good stainless set for a good price on ebay for a s10 v8 swap. Make sure there for 2wd. They are set up to clear to stearing shaft. Your suspention should be good as long as you keep it on the street. if anything I would get beefier coil spings for the front cuase that v8 has got some lbs over that stock v6. As far a a rad. I used one from a late model 3rd gen camaro and its elec. fan. Work great. LMK if I can help with any more Q's thanks.... Shane

06-29-2009, 07:31 PM	#1
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer here's my project. started off as a simple engine replacement after the 2.8 blew, now it's a 350 project, as i got offered a 350/th350 combo for $550 that i couldn't pass up, i simply couldn't do it. i'll have the drivetrain this weekend, after i pull it out of the dirt car it's in, after that i'll be droppin it in this truck. here's a few Q's i have though can i simply give my distributor 12v from a switched point on the fuse block to get it to run? what do i need for motor mounts? should i pick up a set of 4.3 engine mounts or will i be able to use the stock 2.8 ones for the time being? it's going to get some major suspension mods eventually, it's going up, i'm not taking it down into the ground.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2009, 08:04 PM	#2
heeter_33 Registered User Age: 19 Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 810 Location: Canada User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer you can buy motor mounts that will directly bolt up to the 2.8 mounts.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2009, 08:14 PM	#3
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer where can i get those mounts from
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06-29-2009, 09:16 PM	#4
chevy84sdime Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 599 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer Should be able to get them from Jegs or Summit.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2009, 03:15 AM	#5
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer hrmm...i'll have to take a look there. i've been out prepping for the job, the truck is also getting a 3" body lift at the same time so hopefully i won't have to modify the trans hump too much. i'm going to try and keep the interior appearing as stock as possible, simply b/c i want to retain that stock appearance. 3" body lift & 31's, hardly anyone is going to know the difference when it's sitting there in a parking lot @ like wal-mart, until it starts up or i open the hood. going to be taking as much junk as i can out from under the hood, and attempt to make this as clean an install as possible.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2009, 09:31 AM	#6
The Griff Fronkensteen Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 17,163 Location: Minnesota User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer http://www.s10v8.com/store/product_i...b181aac85f0c80
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-30-2009, 12:00 PM	#7
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 37 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,416 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer here are some more http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...onvsnMnts.html
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-03-2009, 12:18 AM	#8
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer i think i'm going to go this route:http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Par...onvsnMnts.html i went and looked @ the engine today and it runs amazing!, trans doesn't slip either so that's a plus. picking it up hopefully this weekend
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-06-2009, 03:10 PM	#9
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer what route would you guys take as far as radiator is concerned? can i get away with running a clutch fan at all or do i need an electric fan?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-09-2009, 06:36 PM	#10
s10-den takes 2 balls in our game Age: 37 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 4,416 Location: florida User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer you can run a clutch fan if the rad is forward....Lots of people use the 84 or so vett rad...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-10-2009, 12:17 AM	#11
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer i think im going to run the stock 2.8 rad just to see what it'll do, and move it into the area where the a/c condensor sits just to see how it does, i wont be able to upgrade it till funds are avail, and i'll just have this one rebuilt at the local radiator shop beefier when funds allow if it keeps the engine cool enough (i hope so) i'll be leaving the guages in the truck and use the stock speedo, volt guage, and maybe oil pressure guage, but i want to run a decent temp guage and an oil pressure.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-10-2009, 04:23 PM	#12
firstgenon24s Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,691 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer Try a 4.3 rad It works and does really well according to most swappers.Remove all ac components if you dont plan to use them,they can tend to make the motor overheat depending upon cooling system and where you live lol.I dont think the 2.8 radiator is going to work because of the hose locations but I might be wrong.Keep up posted with updates!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-13-2009, 06:50 PM	#13
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer i'm trying to figure out how to get my damn 350 home first...the engine is still in the car in Dike, Ia, and well the truck is in Waterloo, Ia and i have noone willing to haul the dang thing for me...this sucks big ones...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-17-2009, 04:26 AM	#14
CBR_Matt Registered User Age: 34 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 65 Location: Iowa User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer Quote: Originally Posted by 87chevyblazer i'm trying to figure out how to get my damn 350 home first...the engine is still in the car in Dike, Ia, and well the truck is in Waterloo, Ia and i have noone willing to haul the dang thing for me...this sucks big ones... Hey man, I am local to you, Wellsburg. If you need any help with the truck, let me know, I have had a couple V8 s-10's and may be able to help out. I ran the 2.8 radiator in them and didnt have any problems, other than on a couple of our 90+ degree days. As far as power for the distributor goes, yes, a 12v keyed source will work good, but I wouldnt run it from the fuse box, find a point in the harness you can tap into. If I remember correct on mine I just used the stock power wire. Is this truck 2wd or 4wd? Last edited by CBR_Matt : 07-17-2009 at 04:31 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-18-2009, 10:09 PM	#15
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer #$^*! MAN where have you been?? the guy is supposed to deliver my engine next weekend, i gotta rent a uhaul trailer for him to bring it home, but hellyeah i'll take all the help i can get! it's a 4x i plan to some day dedicate as a mudder, she's not in the best of shape, heck i'll PM you my #, shoot me a call or text, i'm kinda bedridden right now as i'm fighting mono, but yeah i'll take all the help i can get! i really need this truck up and running fast too...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-19-2009, 06:43 PM	#16
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer well i have good news. i'm worn out, just recouperating from Mono, but the guy delivered my engine and trans approx an hour ago, i just spent the past hour monkeying around outside fighting the combo up a hill and into the garage where the truck sits. i'm going to take a breather and maybe a nap, i'm not as over mono as i had hoped i was, but i'm glad to have my engine and trans near the truck!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-21-2009, 04:40 PM	#17
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer as promised, here's a pic of my 350/th350 setup:
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-23-2009, 05:46 PM	#18
firstgenon24s Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,691 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer Needs some work but it should be fun!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-23-2009, 06:12 PM	#19
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer i know it needs to be cleaned up and such, as well as re-timed but that will all come once it's in the truck and running. that stupid manifold is going to get flipped around & i'm hoping i can get away with running the manifolds for the time being, i'll go headers later on, right now i just need this thing up nad running. also i'm trying to sell my 2.8L v6 AND OD tranny, basically everything pulled out of the truck. asking $250 for the hardware and $25-50 for the wiring and computer, depending on how much of it you want
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-26-2009, 05:20 PM	#20
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer 2.8 is SOLD!!! i have motivation to wrench now! i need to get my mounts ordered and all that fun stuff now!
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-14-2009, 01:30 AM	#21
87chevyblazer Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 48 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer ordered my mounts today from jagsthatrun.com anyone else dealt with these guys? how quickly was your merchandise shipped out?
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-14-2009, 03:39 AM	#22
srmalcolm Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 37 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 350 ci chevy in an 87 blazer Hey bro this swap is really easy I did one in a 83. your going to want to beat back the fire wall just alittle to clear the distributor. there is a pinch weld that i just beat flat and it cleared perfect. You can also find motor mount relocators on ebay for 50 bucks. It looks like u have a 700 r4 which is great cause it will bolt right up to the stock trans cross member also the stock drive shaft should slide right in with no mods. be sure to check the rear seal in the tail shaft. Mine was bad. Quick easy cheap fix. if your gonna get headers you can also find a good stainless set for a good price on ebay for a s10 v8 swap. Make sure there for 2wd. They are set up to clear to stearing shaft. Your suspention should be good as long as you keep it on the street. if anything I would get beefier coil spings for the front cuase that v8 has got some lbs over that stock v6. As far a a rad. I used one from a late model 3rd gen camaro and its elec. fan. Work great. LMK if I can help with any more Q's thanks.... Shane
	[Reply w/Quote]