how difficult would it be to put a 97 350 engine in a 79 truck ie matching tranny etc?

Answer 1

Generally it sounds like a good swap, but you don't specify the make and model of the truck or the engine tranny. You are wise, nevertheless, to switch the transmission and the engine together.
Various companies make kits for these types of swaps, so look around; sometimes fabricating motor mounts and especially the new transmission mount are labor intensive. Research it well. It would be best to talk with someone who has done this swap before.

Also give some thought to your rear end, especially if you were using a six cylinder before. It may hold up with an automatic but it's worth reinforcing the suspension with heavier springs and such, as well as better wheels and tires.

Edelbrock makes a great bolt in fuel injection system should you have difficulty using the stock one. It will work lots better than a carburetor, although it will naturally be more expensive.

Answer 2

The 97' engine and transmission needs a computer module to work, which also uses digital speedometer.
You can make this swap work this way:
>The transmission can be altered internally to operate without computer module (very expensive), or you can get a 'dedicated' computer module just to operate the trans (cheaper). Some people run these transmissions without modifications, but the 'lockup torque converters' gets to hot and will eventually destroy the trans (expensive).
>The transmission cross mount and shifter linkages will need to me modified, take it to a weld shop.
>Use the original drive shaft that was used with the new engine/trans.
>Use the old distributor, it will plug into existing wiring.
>Get a carburetor intake manifold from the first half year of 87' truck Vortec engine, it will bolt right on it.
>You will need to hook this engine up with an electric fuel pump, because there is no place to put a mechanical pump on this engine.
>The only problem is hooking up the alternator (get an auto electrician).
It's not difficult, just a challenge.
>Just remember to have fun doing it.

Answer 3

It should bolt right in. The big job is the fuel injection. Are you going to keep the carb or install the computer and harness to run the efi? If you are not going to utilize the serpentine system from the 97 make sure you change the water pump to a pre serpentine engine, I believe all of the later models that use a multi rib belt are reverse rotation and you will cook the engine. The water pump cannot pump water if it is turning backwards. Other than those two things it should be pretty straight forward.