Plan B: Converting to Chevy 350 engine? What's involved?

[gwinn]

I need an engine! I can rebuild my 360 or I can convert to Chevy 350. What can I expect with the 350 conversion? I've got the Torqueflite 727 tranny, how do I adapt the 350? What other modifications can I expect? What are some expected costs? Any input is welcome. Thanks!

[gsmikie]

Damage inc is comming into a 85/86 blazer with a diesal if you can get the trans / transfer you would be 85 % set

[RamJetFSJ]

As long as your sticking with a carb motor:
-Motor mounts
-Engine to tranny adapter (or new GM tranny and tranny to Tcase adapter, Im not sure if they have a SBC to 727 adapter)
-If GM tranny, possibly moving the tranny crossmember, definetaly a GM tranny mount, modifications to shift linkage, possibly tranny linkage
-Radiator w/ SBC in out layout
-Smog check?
-GM exhuast manifolds, or trying to find a set of GM headers that will work (not easy w/o lots of lift)
-new custom Y pipe.
-lots of wiring
-lots of wiring removal, like the ECU
-If you have cruise control or AC, getting it to work with the GM, brackets
-Brackets for the Power steering and Altenator
-New pulley and power steering pump houseing (GM style - AMC wont work)
-Linkage for Trans and trottle
-Make sure your oil pan will clear front pumpkin if you have minimal lift (might need a truck pan - sump in back).

Im sure Ill think of more soon.

[FSJeeper]

If you do the Chevy swap, I recomment the Advance Adapters motor mounts over any other brand. They cost a little more, but they are the best.

They make an adapter for the chevy engine to the AMC 727, but I think you would be much better off going with a chevy trans/tcase setup. These are plentiful and pretty cheap.

It looks like you have a drivers side front diff. Otherwise, I am parting out a military Chevy 1.25 ton truck with 9800 original miles on it. It has the HD version of the turbo 400, the low rpm convertor, and a NP208, etc. Problem is, it is for the passenger side diff.

Don't ask about the Dana 60 and 14 bolt axles out of the truck, another club member has dibbs on them.

[gwinn]

Decided not to do that either. We're just gonna rebuild the 360. It appears to be the most economical way to go. Thanks guys!

[FSJnoob]

gwinn- being as how I have traditionally been a Chevy guy (and I have a spare carbureted Vortec 350/TH400/NP208 setup sitting around doing nothing), I have put a LOT of thought into doing the SBC conversion.

However, the more I look into the 360 (and especially the 401!!), the more I like them. For one, the 360 is like an .080 over 350 SBC with a stroke that is .040 shorter. The larger bores (stock 350 bore is 4" vs. 4.08" for the 360) help to unshroud the bigger (2.025/1.68) valves in the AMC motor, and it has longer rods to boot.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a Chevy guy at heart (when I'm not drivin' the Jeep I'm drivin' an '01 Z28), but if you look hard at the AMC 360, it just seems that there is not much to be gained by doing the SBC swap.

Sure, the SBC has what is perhaps the world's largest aftermarket following, but for what you are trying to do (build low/mid-range torque) there are more than enough parts for the AMC motor out there.

In any event, it seems like I am beating a dead horse as you have already made your decision; just give the ol' AMC motor a chance, huh?? ;)

[Joe J-Truck]

Keep a jeep engine in your jeep!

[Dan G]

Originally posted by Joe J-Truck:
Keep a jeep engine in your jeep!Would that be in front of a chrysler tranny or a GM tranny?

Seems to me if you've got the TH400, the 350's a no brainer ($1495 brandy spankin new direct from the GM factory) it's almost cheaper than a rebuild and for heavens sake it's NEW, not rebuilt.

See now, of course I've got an 87, like your 88 with the driver's side diff and the 727 and I need to rebuild both the engine and trans. What a job this is gonna be... Calling all cars, free beer for labor...

[MtnNate]

Well, my little Bro has a 454/Th400 combo he's willing to sell. I have thought about putting it in mine for about 2 weeks now but I'm getting antsy to just drive the dang thing. It's got the 4wd output and has all bracketry and some parts like pwr steering pump, alt, etc... E-mail me for info.
Just think how cool that would be in a FSJ!

[Andrew]

I've decieded to keep my 360 till it dies, then go chevy too!

[Mike D]

Wish i knew that...i paid 1100 for a rebuild on my 283...AAAHHHHHAHAHAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

[85wag]

I'm wondering if a swap to mopar 340 would work well with jeeps that have the 727? Its more than likely lighter and more HP. Anyone done this swap. I am DEfinatly not a Chevy guy so would never consider swapping AMC for SBC. Tony

[rustywag]

Tony, I am also considering a swap to a Mopar small block. I suggest a 360 not a 340 having had extensive experience with Mopar small blocks I can say that for a low to mid RPM motor a 340 is not worth the additional cost over a 360. Additionally any 340 you find will be at least 30 years old and surely need a rebuild. However if you really want the 340 I have a complete core in need of a rebuild I'll happily sell you. Best bet is a crate 360 as the cost is quite reasonable considering what you get. Or if you want a junkyard type swap 360's are way more plentiful. Use the newest one you can find (92 and up) to get the later Magnum style heads which are better than anything else Mopar has used on a small block in the last 25 years. For the tranny you need a Mopar 727 to bolt up to the 360 (or 340) use the output section from your AMC 727 so it will bolt right up to your existing x-fer case. Or the same AMC output should be an easy swap into a late model 4 speed overdrive auto as the cases are all the same. Then you could run deep gears and still cruise at a reasionable RPM with the OD. Plus you'll be able to modify the Mopar motor way cheaper than the AMC due to much improved aftermarket interest. The only handicap I can see is dealing with whatever smog regulation exist in your area. Have fun,

[85wag]

Thanks rustywag, I was considering the 340 swap just becuaseI have a '69 block at home. But the bigger 360 would provide more tourqe. I think when it comes time to replace theAMC 360, I'll go MOPAR. I think I have plenty of time though for my 85wag was one owner with 127,000 miles. TONY

[phil king]

Dont commit sacrilidge! stay with the 360!