V8 swap questions

lloydt2442 · 06-24-2008, 10:01 PM

Hey guys I'm thinking about dropping a small block in my 95 gmc sonoma.

anyways I was wondering what all I will need in advance of doing it. mounts and headers etc etc... Also what are the best mounts to use? ANy other things that might be tricky? tips? I've never put in a small block in an s10 before I've always owned old cars!

Thanks,
Lloyd

bigjoe1015 · 06-24-2008, 10:26 PM

The easiest way (for me) was to get a complete donor vehicle. In my case it was a 92 GMC C1500 TBI 5.0L 700r4 complete running truck. I had less than $500 in the the whole truck, and everything I needed to swap it over was there, except for the fan and manifolds, and a few months of looking at wiring diagrams.

I suppose it all depends what you want out of your truck. For me it was a dependable daily driver with plenty of get-up-and-go, without sacrificing driveability. If you want a race truck, or want carbs and headers, then you should look for that kind of a donor vehicle.

Nice looking truck, BTW.

lloydt2442 · 06-25-2008, 02:42 PM

Thanks. I'd like to have a 400hp motor and make it my daily driver but be able to play with the little mustangs and camaros runnin around town! and I only gave $900 for this truck! I put the wheels on it but still........ I'm in cheap!

Project Dime · 06-25-2008, 03:04 PM

well are u wanting to go with a carb or are you wanting to stay FI?

TCossuto · 06-25-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by bigjoe1015

The easiest way (for me) was to get a complete donor vehicle. In my case it was a 92 GMC C1500 TBI 5.0L 700r4 complete running truck. I had less than $500 in the the whole truck, and everything I needed to swap it over was there, except for the fan and manifolds, and a few months of looking at wiring diagrams.

I suppose it all depends what you want out of your truck. For me it was a dependable daily driver with plenty of get-up-and-go, without sacrificing driveability. If you want a race truck, or want carbs and headers, then you should look for that kind of a donor vehicle.

Nice looking truck, BTW.

Hmmm... why did you have wire issues? Why not use the whole harness from the 1500? Only issue you may have is the cluster. Which is 16 wires.

lloydt2442 · 06-26-2008, 06:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Project Dime

well are u wanting to go with a carb or are you wanting to stay FI?

I will probably carb it but I'm not real sure yet. I'm buying a 350 4 bolt main block from my dad and I'm going to build it. its a freshly built motor but its just stock with a small cam in it.

lloydt2442 · 06-28-2008, 11:41 PM

will I need anything else?

SilverWings · 06-29-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by lloydt2442

will I need anything else?

Before we can answer that we need to know what eng and trans is in it now.
You will at least need motor mounts, headers and radiator to physically install it. It will be easier if you have a 4.3 to start with.

400 HP? You don't need that much horse power to mess with Mustangs (you will for my 70 351 though) .

lloydt2442 · 06-29-2008, 09:36 PM

well it has a 4 cylinder in it and an auto. And yes 350-400 hp! I know the mustangs don't have that but some of them sure do! Thats what mainly runs around here is those little 5.0's and most of them can haul! I work at a machine shop so there is no problem with engine stuff I would just like to know what all I need before I start because it is my daily driver and dont have time for delays.

Shawn F. · 07-01-2008, 11:17 AM

No time for delays?... You might be screwed there, you are going to run into heaps of them no matter how well you have it planned out. Always remember, when you think you have a price and time set on it to get it done then you triple the time and double the money it will take you to finish.
Like they said, mounts, headers, tranny crossmember I am sure, etc. Look on Summit or Jegs website they have a conversion kit to put a V8 into these trucks. Moving the radiator up and a new rad and fan will be another issue and fitting it as well... As for the motor you have, look on Jegs or Summit as well and buy a basic 350HP cam and lifter set (these are pretty much a stock Corvette style cam). They will help boost the HP a bit but still streetable.

lloydt2442 · 07-01-2008, 09:49 PM

yeah I know there will be some but hopefully nothing major. I bought an aluminum radiator, and I ordered a lunati cam and lifters set today, I have roller rockers as well, I'm thinking about some aluminum heads but I'm not sure yet because I have some heads that have a good casting number and need nothing they are ready to bolt on. the block I'm using is a 350 4 bolt main 010 block. I have a demon carburetor, aluminum intake. all the goods are here or on the way for the motor I just need to try to get all I need for it to go in the truck!

markfothebeast · 07-01-2008, 11:21 PM

If you can afford it go for the aluminum heads! Several advantages! That setup sounds like a gas guzzler like mine! 10-12mpg! That truck body looks straight. Nice rims!

lloydt2442 · 07-02-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by markfothebeast

If you can afford it go for the aluminum heads! Several advantages! That setup sounds like a gas guzzler like mine! 10-12mpg! That truck body looks straight. Nice rims!

thanks! I bought those wheels for my 63 nova but I ended up selling the car so I kept the wheels and when I bought this truck I was like sweeeeet they will fit!

Project Dime · 07-02-2008, 03:47 PM

sounds like my truck i get about 10mpg...lol hate see what this 377 going to get!

lloydt2442 · 07-04-2008, 08:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Project Dime

sounds like my truck i get about 10mpg...lol hate see what this 377 going to get!

377??? are you putting one in your truck?

lloydt2442 · 07-05-2008, 12:43 AM

hey guys what do you think about this kit? anyone used it? any problems? it sounds like a heck of a deal but it might be junk!?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/s-10-...spagenameZWDVW

Thanks

SilverWings · 07-05-2008, 05:50 AM

Thats pretty much the standard V8 conversion kit. Many people here use it. I,m using the motor mount you see there but not the headers. LT1 cast ehxaust manifolds flow better and they are less trouble to install than the tube types. The biggest problem with exhaust headers will be clearance with the steering shaft. Eather one you use the collector flange will still be against the firewall. A little dimpling will resolve that problem. Others may have a different opinion or atleast more information for you.

06-24-2008, 10:01 PM	#1
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	V8 swap questions Hey guys I'm thinking about dropping a small block in my 95 gmc sonoma. anyways I was wondering what all I will need in advance of doing it. mounts and headers etc etc... Also what are the best mounts to use? ANy other things that might be tricky? tips? I've never put in a small block in an s10 before I've always owned old cars! Thanks, Lloyd
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-24-2008, 10:26 PM	#2
bigjoe1015 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 454 Location: Des Moines, Iowa, 50317 User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions The easiest way (for me) was to get a complete donor vehicle. In my case it was a 92 GMC C1500 TBI 5.0L 700r4 complete running truck. I had less than $500 in the the whole truck, and everything I needed to swap it over was there, except for the fan and manifolds, and a few months of looking at wiring diagrams. I suppose it all depends what you want out of your truck. For me it was a dependable daily driver with plenty of get-up-and-go, without sacrificing driveability. If you want a race truck, or want carbs and headers, then you should look for that kind of a donor vehicle. Nice looking truck, BTW.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-25-2008, 02:42 PM	#3
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Thanks. I'd like to have a 400hp motor and make it my daily driver but be able to play with the little mustangs and camaros runnin around town! and I only gave $900 for this truck! I put the wheels on it but still........ I'm in cheap!
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-25-2008, 03:04 PM	#4
Project Dime Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 419 Location: Canton, NC User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions well are u wanting to go with a carb or are you wanting to stay FI?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-25-2008, 06:54 PM	#5
TCossuto Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 686 Location: User is: Online	Re: V8 swap questions Quote: Originally Posted by bigjoe1015 The easiest way (for me) was to get a complete donor vehicle. In my case it was a 92 GMC C1500 TBI 5.0L 700r4 complete running truck. I had less than $500 in the the whole truck, and everything I needed to swap it over was there, except for the fan and manifolds, and a few months of looking at wiring diagrams. I suppose it all depends what you want out of your truck. For me it was a dependable daily driver with plenty of get-up-and-go, without sacrificing driveability. If you want a race truck, or want carbs and headers, then you should look for that kind of a donor vehicle. Nice looking truck, BTW. Hmmm... why did you have wire issues? Why not use the whole harness from the 1500? Only issue you may have is the cluster. Which is 16 wires.
	[Reply w/Quote]


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06-26-2008, 06:10 PM	#6
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Quote: Originally Posted by Project Dime well are u wanting to go with a carb or are you wanting to stay FI? I will probably carb it but I'm not real sure yet. I'm buying a 350 4 bolt main block from my dad and I'm going to build it. its a freshly built motor but its just stock with a small cam in it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-28-2008, 11:41 PM	#7
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions will I need anything else?
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 01:40 AM	#8
SilverWings An ol Scott Age: 64 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 420 Location: Greenville SC User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Quote: Originally Posted by lloydt2442 will I need anything else? Before we can answer that we need to know what eng and trans is in it now. You will at least need motor mounts, headers and radiator to physically install it. It will be easier if you have a 4.3 to start with. 400 HP? You don't need that much horse power to mess with Mustangs (you will for my 70 351 though) . Last edited by SilverWings : 06-29-2008 at 01:59 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

06-29-2008, 09:36 PM	#9
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions well it has a 4 cylinder in it and an auto. And yes 350-400 hp! I know the mustangs don't have that but some of them sure do! Thats what mainly runs around here is those little 5.0's and most of them can haul! I work at a machine shop so there is no problem with engine stuff I would just like to know what all I need before I start because it is my daily driver and dont have time for delays.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:17 AM	#10
Shawn F. Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 443 Location: NC User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions No time for delays?... You might be screwed there, you are going to run into heaps of them no matter how well you have it planned out. Always remember, when you think you have a price and time set on it to get it done then you triple the time and double the money it will take you to finish. Like they said, mounts, headers, tranny crossmember I am sure, etc. Look on Summit or Jegs website they have a conversion kit to put a V8 into these trucks. Moving the radiator up and a new rad and fan will be another issue and fitting it as well... As for the motor you have, look on Jegs or Summit as well and buy a basic 350HP cam and lifter set (these are pretty much a stock Corvette style cam). They will help boost the HP a bit but still streetable.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 09:49 PM	#11
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions yeah I know there will be some but hopefully nothing major. I bought an aluminum radiator, and I ordered a lunati cam and lifters set today, I have roller rockers as well, I'm thinking about some aluminum heads but I'm not sure yet because I have some heads that have a good casting number and need nothing they are ready to bolt on. the block I'm using is a 350 4 bolt main 010 block. I have a demon carburetor, aluminum intake. all the goods are here or on the way for the motor I just need to try to get all I need for it to go in the truck!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:21 PM	#12
markfothebeast Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 107 Location: Hastings, MN User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions If you can afford it go for the aluminum heads! Several advantages! That setup sounds like a gas guzzler like mine! 10-12mpg! That truck body looks straight. Nice rims! Last edited by markfothebeast : 07-01-2008 at 11:24 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 08:47 AM	#13
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Quote: Originally Posted by markfothebeast If you can afford it go for the aluminum heads! Several advantages! That setup sounds like a gas guzzler like mine! 10-12mpg! That truck body looks straight. Nice rims! thanks! I bought those wheels for my 63 nova but I ended up selling the car so I kept the wheels and when I bought this truck I was like sweeeeet they will fit!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 03:47 PM	#14
Project Dime Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 419 Location: Canton, NC User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions sounds like my truck i get about 10mpg...lol hate see what this 377 going to get!
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07-04-2008, 08:51 AM	#15
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Quote: Originally Posted by Project Dime sounds like my truck i get about 10mpg...lol hate see what this 377 going to get! 377??? are you putting one in your truck?
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-05-2008, 12:43 AM	#16
lloydt2442 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions hey guys what do you think about this kit? anyone used it? any problems? it sounds like a heck of a deal but it might be junk!? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/s-10-...spagenameZWDVW Thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-05-2008, 05:50 AM	#17
SilverWings An ol Scott Age: 64 Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 420 Location: Greenville SC User is: OffLine	Re: V8 swap questions Thats pretty much the standard V8 conversion kit. Many people here use it. I,m using the motor mount you see there but not the headers. LT1 cast ehxaust manifolds flow better and they are less trouble to install than the tube types. The biggest problem with exhaust headers will be clearance with the steering shaft. Eather one you use the collector flange will still be against the firewall. A little dimpling will resolve that problem. Others may have a different opinion or atleast more information for you.
	[Reply w/Quote]