'76 K20 Engine Swap
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 415
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From: Reno, NV
'76 K20 Engine Swap Hi Folks. It's been a while...
Probably not too many folks here with a '76, but this forum knows about modern truck engines and possible swap options.
I don't want to just go down to the parts store and pick up a short block without doing some research. Listed below is the truck's usage, what I have now, and what I think might be a good option. Your suggestions are appreciated.
TRUCK USE:
I pull a trailer of about 5,000# once a month for about 500 miles (round trip), but it's over a few mountain passes of 8,000' so I need reasonable HP and torque. That's the extent of the truck's use, except for local moves of dirt/rock.
EXISTING:
Existing engine is an SBC 350 with Holley 750, Edelbrock intake manifold, and Hooker headers coupled to a Stage-II TH350. It's run great for many years, but has serious blow-by now and needs attention (won't smog).
OPTIONS:
I could just tear it down and rebuild, but I was thinking about an LQ9. If I could find one that was in descent stock condition, I am told it will drop right in with motor mount adapters (Transdapt) and bolt up to the TH350. The LQ9 should have enough power for the job.
Thanks for any comments.
-- Scott
Probably not too many folks here with a '76, but this forum knows about modern truck engines and possible swap options.
I don't want to just go down to the parts store and pick up a short block without doing some research. Listed below is the truck's usage, what I have now, and what I think might be a good option. Your suggestions are appreciated.
TRUCK USE:
I pull a trailer of about 5,000# once a month for about 500 miles (round trip), but it's over a few mountain passes of 8,000' so I need reasonable HP and torque. That's the extent of the truck's use, except for local moves of dirt/rock.
EXISTING:
Existing engine is an SBC 350 with Holley 750, Edelbrock intake manifold, and Hooker headers coupled to a Stage-II TH350. It's run great for many years, but has serious blow-by now and needs attention (won't smog).
OPTIONS:
I could just tear it down and rebuild, but I was thinking about an LQ9. If I could find one that was in descent stock condition, I am told it will drop right in with motor mount adapters (Transdapt) and bolt up to the TH350. The LQ9 should have enough power for the job.
- Rebuild
- New short block
- LQ9 Swap
Thanks for any comments.
-- Scott
Last edited by Builder; Apr 3, 2010 at 07:56 PM.
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Reno, NV
There is alot of good info in this thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=350986
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=350986
