Engine swap

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Engine swap

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Chevrolet Forums >> Chevy Trucks, Vans & SUV's >> Express and G-Series Vans >> Engine swap

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Engine swap - 10/29/2006 4:51:35 PM

fuli

Posts: 2
Joined: 10/29/2006
Status: offline

I have an 87 full size chevy 2.0. this thing has every option for towing. Very solid van. Howeever the 4.6 is a dog with 116, 000 miles. It is tired. Barely get up hills.

I want to put in a 350 block, 383stroker that would have an rv cam. What would I run into adding the bigger engine?
My buddy and I decided that we could try a 350 dummy block to see if we could all to hook up. But maybe someone else has already done this and safe us a ton of time and energy.
Or is there a way to get the origanal block going well enough to pull my boat?

Can the 4.6 be built up enough to pull a 4000 lb boat.

I mean it can pull it but 55mph at best without stomping it to the floor.

Thanks for any and all advice and options,
chris

Post #: 1

RE: Engine swap - 10/30/2006 12:44:40 AM

70mopar

Posts: 248
Joined: 10/12/2006
Status: offline

chris, u already have a 'small block' in the truck (283 cu. in.), so swapping in a 350 or 383 is easy. just make sure u upgrade the rest of your power train. your trany will probably fail from the extra power-so beef it up while the engine is out and getting built, and ADD A COOLER for towing (if u don't already have one), u should also beef up the cooling system. r u planning on using the stock single factory exhaust? upgrade to a freer (yes, that's how the word is spelled) flowing system, maybe duals-just don't go too big with duals, 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 should easily be good for 400HP. while u r upgrading everything, why look into a gear ratio change that will better suit towing (better low end pull), but still let u cruise on the highway. i istalled 3.73's in my slammed '78 full size, and while pulling my 22' car trailer, @ 65mph, i'm only spinning at just over 2400RPM (using a 700R4 for a trany).
here's a calculation u can use to help figure out the spped u want to be able to do, and the RPM that u want to spin, at that speed.

gear ratio x mph x 336
tire o.d.

= RPM @ speed

* add 200 RPM for auto. trans. slipage
hope this will help u out, good luck.

_____________________________

no replacement for displacement (8p

(in reply to fuli)

Post #: 2

RE: Engine swap - 10/30/2006 12:47:51 AM

70mopar

Posts: 248
Joined: 10/12/2006
Status: offline

sorry chris, i failed to mention that the calculation used a 20% reduction for o.d. as they can vary, u should try to figure out what your truck has in it.

_____________________________

no replacement for displacement (8p

(in reply to 70mopar)

Post #: 3

RE: Engine swap - 11/9/2006 12:59:10 PM

TerrapinFlyer

Posts: 4
Joined: 11/9/2006
Status: offline

What kind of work is involved with an enging swap in a 91 G20? My old 4.3 seized at 147k and I'm looking to get a long block 4.3 reman put in. I hear some people say the engine has to be taken out via the side door? any info would be appreciated.

(in reply to 70mopar)

Post #: 4

RE: Engine swap - 11/9/2006 6:51:42 PM

70mopar

Posts: 248
Joined: 10/12/2006
Status: offline

take the engine out the side door? don't think i've ever heard it done like that b4. u need 2 remove the rad support & grill from the truck 2 pull it out through the front, it's really tight, so have some patience. it'll make your life easier to also remove the throttle body, alternator & both brackets from the front of the engine (if u have A/C, tie it up out of the way,as high as possible), starter, and engine mounts (from the frame). it seems like a lot of work, but if the engine gets jammed coming out, it'll b even more work 2 get it free & clear.

_____________________________

no replacement for displacement (8p

(in reply to TerrapinFlyer)

Post #: 5