Here is a quick look at some info about the Tall Deck BBC motors. I think? only the HD 427 truck and 366 HD truck are tall decks. Not sure about the 402? The Tall Decks are 0.0400" taller and have 4 ring pistons. We had a fleet of 1978 Chevy Cabovers with the 366 BB. 402 is even better. Right? I am a Fan. They were lousy route trucks, but I thought they were fun to drive with the 2 speed rear. They sounded good. I saw a 427 BBC C truck admirably pull a sled at the Van Diego County fair once. I also rode in A SD Co Sheriffs unit that may or may not have had a HP 427, from what I can research. I believe it was A 1968 or 69? Chevy Police Special. Growled like an Angry Tiger! I have a relatively quiet 49 state lol exhaust on mine, but She sure starts to moan at speed out on the highway. 3.42/TH400. LOL. BB's are so much fun. A complete 402 sounds pretty good to me for free.
As noted the HD Truck motors are different. If they are too big to fit in a Doghouse? IDK. I'd measure that up or maybe check a long block for fit because you are there fighting motor mounts anyway? I don't know if a BBC G van Doghouse is the same as a smallblock, or not? It is tight. Stock BB Exhaust manifolds are hard to find. You have more room for exhaust with the leaf spring setup. Baddass Van, Man!
The decision was made to use the complete 402. Started the motor on the stand and it doesn't smoke or knock... as soon as the front brakes and steering are finished, we move to engine and tranny swap. Then a new rear driveshaft... front one should bolt right up after it gets new u-joints. Exhaust and run it around for a bit. Body and interior are last on the list..... Biggest problem is my work schedule has been changed to Monday through Thursday 9pm to 7am. Wrenching days are cut down to Friday only...
85 Chevy SWB G20 292 w/ 3 on the tree (had it in high school) 78 Chevy SWB G30 350 700r4 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion (wrecked in 08) 92 Chevy EWB G30 350 4l80e (bought with 587k miles for the body. Getting transplants from wrecked 78. Then big block) Various minis over the years.
Also thinking about leaving the current steering gear in it and going to crossover. There is already a mounting hole... ditching the pathfinder push pull
85 Chevy SWB G20 292 w/ 3 on the tree (had it in high school) 78 Chevy SWB G30 350 700r4 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion (wrecked in 08) 92 Chevy EWB G30 350 4l80e (bought with 587k miles for the body. Getting transplants from wrecked 78. Then big block) Various minis over the years.
Friday afternoon's plan is to start working backwards. Free the 350 and 4l80 from everything but a jack holding the tranny tail and a chain around the motor ... lift the front off the ground and pull the front springs loose. Lift higher... roll the front end out and set the van on the ground. Lift the motor enough to unhook the chain and lift the van off of it.... tie it to a truck and drag it out. Lift and support the van to make it stable. Finish the welding... assemble new motor, transmission, and transfer case. Place under van. Drop body over it and hook up chain. Lift... install front end.... then fight the motor into place..... mount transmission brackets... front brakes and crossover steering.... front driveshaft should already fit. Rear will need a new front half... exhaust..... might be more than one friday.... pix to follow
85 Chevy SWB G20 292 w/ 3 on the tree (had it in high school) 78 Chevy SWB G30 350 700r4 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion (wrecked in 08) 92 Chevy EWB G30 350 4l80e (bought with 587k miles for the body. Getting transplants from wrecked 78. Then big block) Various minis over the years.
Got it mostly disconnected last week. Need to pull starter wires and spring mount bolts and it can come out. As soon as I finish this 10 hour shift.....ill get pix of the drop out tomorrow.
85 Chevy SWB G20 292 w/ 3 on the tree (had it in high school) 78 Chevy SWB G30 350 700r4 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion (wrecked in 08) 92 Chevy EWB G30 350 4l80e (bought with 587k miles for the body. Getting transplants from wrecked 78. Then big block) Various minis over the years.
Yesterday was a productive day. Finished disconnecting 350. Pulled front axle. Dropped body. Unhooked chain. Lifted body. Dragged motor out. Finished welding. Assembled 402 to 700r4/np205. Fought positioning it..... dropped body over it. Bolted it in. Raised van and reinstalled front axle. Successful transplant.... the heavy part is done. My G30 EWB has a BBC...
85 Chevy SWB G20 292 w/ 3 on the tree (had it in high school) 78 Chevy SWB G30 350 700r4 Pathfinder 4x4 conversion (wrecked in 08) 92 Chevy EWB G30 350 4l80e (bought with 587k miles for the body. Getting transplants from wrecked 78. Then big block) Various minis over the years.
Jim & Lucy Newkirk 1965 Chevy Bad Influence 1981 Chevy-the Love Shack 2012 Chevy Van , 2020 chevy van 2020 Chevy van Sapphire Sweet. Club Vannerz. vanninvanner@comcast.net
Jim & Lucy Newkirk 1965 Chevy Bad Influence 1981 Chevy-the Love Shack 2012 Chevy Van , 2020 chevy van 2020 Chevy van Sapphire Sweet. Club Vannerz. vanninvanner@comcast.net