Real cost of swapping in a SBC

[1BDWAGN]

I was planning on building up the AMC in my Wagon but based on my compression test results and all the leaks it has I think it may be more cost effective in the end to swap in a 350. Besides the emissions inspection won't let me swap a TBI on the AMC unless it has a carb #. So I am trying to figure the cost of swapping in a 350 TBI motor from a Chevy 4wd truck. I can get the engine and the wiring harness fuel injection setup and transmission for $1350 from a local junkyard. They test all the motors out and run them before selling them and they are garaunteed for a few months or so. Here is my list of parts needed so far anyone else who has swapped one of these motors in care to add to the list?
Motor Trans and all emissions equipment $1350
Motor Mounts $99 for Novak or $125 for Advance Adaptor
Painless Wiring harness (make job easier) $276
Radiator $180
Vehicle Speed Sensor $90
Adapter for TC or use Chevy case $300-?
Radiator Hoses, plugs, wires etc $200
Modify driveshafts $200
New Exhaust $300
A/C work $300
Regear front and rear diffs (do labor myself)$600
Anything I missed?

[Maynard]

you can save a lot of money depending on you fabbing skills. I built my own motor mounts. your stock radiator is enough to handle the 350, just get either a custom radiator hose, or like I did had a radiator shop swap the upper inlet to the other side. If you use the stock t-case you shouldnt have to modify your driveshafts. I had my front lengthened 2 inches just because I went from the short t18 to the long th400 plus I have a 4 inch lift. Dont know about you tcase mods since I have the d20.

[Tad]

Don't think you will be using the Chevy tcase on an '88 GW.
Don't think that works with your front axle unless you plan on changing it out.

[1BDWAGN]

I thought the NP241 that came in the Chevy IFS trucks would work with my driver's side drop. Please correct me if I am wrong. I'll have to see what is cheaper an adapter or the NP241. I honestly don't know much about t-cases though.

[Tad]

Could be and I could be wrong.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Hmmmm Doing this swap puts this swap over $3,800.00 + the hidden costs that always show up. Though I am sure it could be done cheaper by a long shot. Not sure its worth the effort, I doubt the gain is there. buy a good used 360 and go to an after market EFI if thats what you want.

[1BDWAGN]

I've tried a few places locally for an AMC 401 but it seems that they go for around $3K. Plus the CustomEFIS kit equals the cost of the Chevy swap.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

If this swap is in your blood, then I would suggest buying a Chevy 4X4 with good drive train swap in the whole thing. I bet you could find a good running parts truck cheaper than piecing everything together. Good Luck

[Maynard]

If my swap cost that much I wouldnt of done it, just would of rebuilt the 360. My total cost was about 500 dollars. I think Crazy-jeepman has a good idea with just buying a Chevy and swapping the drive train. You could even get a 3/4 ton and swap the axles as well.

[MIDLERTH]

Sounds to me like youve got it worked out pretty well already. Ive done thia swap and youve got the right idea. Dont buy a stock radiator for $180.00 . I put a post on here last week that had a perfect fit 26" alluminum radiator on ebay for 165.00. I put one in mine this weekend its a steal. Whatever you do dont but a radiator from novak.

[The Anti-Chrysler]

The Chevy IFS is indeed driver's side drop, both on S-10 and on fullsizes. I agree with C_J that you might want to pick up a complete wreck for all of the parts. It wouldn't be very hard to re-use a TBI wiring harness from a pickup or Blazer. Definitely easy enough that it justifies saving the money from Painless.

I happen to like 350 swaps, for their great availability of parts, easy to maintain motor, good output, lots of aftermarket parts, etc etc.

[gpd]

I had concidered this swap a while back and talked to the folks at Arizona TPI, (www.arizonatpi.com). They specialize in the swap you are talking about. From hotrods to 4x4 wranglers. Stopped by their shop and they had a number of fuel injected engines ready to go.

They told me swapping in a fuel injected engine would have no problem with the Arizona emmission test.

I decided since my drivetrain was in such great shape that it would not be economical at the moment. However if something were to go out I would go back. They treated me with respect and seemed to know what they were talking about.

Take a look at their web site. They are located in Tempe near university and mcclintock as I remember

[gpd]

I had concidered this swap a while back and talked to the folks at Arizona TPI, (www.arizonatpi.com). They specialize in the swap you are talking about. From hotrods to 4x4 wranglers. Stopped by their shop and they had a number of fuel injected engines ready to go.

They told me swapping in a fuel injected engine would have no problem with the Arizona emmission test.

I decided since my drivetrain was in such great shape that it would not be economical at the moment. However if something were to go out I would go back. They treated me with respect and seemed to know what they were talking about.

Take a look at their web site. They are located in Tempe near university and mcclintock as I remember

[badaboom]

All I will say is I have used advance adapter
parts. I was happy with there parts.
Everything from motor mounts, transmission transfer case adapter, hydraulic system and steering gear box to name a few of the parts in a CJ-5 Willys Tuxedo Park customization.

Good luck

[ September 08, 2003, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: badaboom ]