I have a '73 Chevy Impala that has a 350 engine with a th-350 tranny. I've always wanted a big block, so I shopped around and found a '78 Chevy Silverado 3/4 ton truck with a 454 engine and th-400 transmission that is in excellent running condition. I want to take the engine and tranny out of my Impala and replace it with the engine and tranny from the Chevy truck. people I talk to say it is a easy engine swap as the Impala has mounts for the 454 and th-400 since it was an option back then. I am not a mechanic, but I do know cars and tools and have experience since I was a teen. I have always repaired all cars I have owned, but never have I done a engine/tranny swap from another vehicle. i don't want to spend $1500 to have my local shop do it, but would consider it if it is going to be a pain in the a$$!
Questions: What am I getting myself into? Can this be done over a weekend? Should I bring this to a shop? Any issues you all forsee with this project?
Thanks in advance!
2007-12-28 12:43:40 · 7 answers · asked by J-4-President!!! 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The main reason why I am wanting a 454 in my Impala is for the horsepower, and I hae always wanted to have a big block strret car that was fast! I don't plan on doing any racing or anything, just something that is fast . Will the 454 from the '78 Chevy truck be able to give me this? If it is too much effort to try to accomlish this with the 454 (time, and money) then I would consider sticking with the small block 350 and beefing up the motor to get what I want. I understand it is not the same (big block vs. small block) but I can get real good horsepower from the 350, I'd eventually get over not having a big block in my Impala.
Thanks!
2007-12-29 03:53:08 · update #1
Yes it will fit, might need different motor mounts but they will bolt up to the engine and frame of the car. Both engines are pretty basic engines with the exception that the 78 will have the HEI and Electronic Ignition Module instead of points and condensor. Yes it can be done in a weekend. Question to you have plenty of tools and acess to a friend or two and a engine crane (aka cherry picker)? Have fun and enjoy the power house you have.
2007-12-28 12:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by 77Impala 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't want to discourage you but truck 454's are way down on horsepower. They have the Chevrolet "peanut " cylinder heads. They have small ports and valves. This is low compression torque motor built for hauling trailers and heavy loads. At 4,800 rpm she'll be screaming for mercy. For all the work you'll be going through, you may pick-up 35- 50 horsepower but gain a couple hundred pounds of weight. I'd go through the 454 and find a set of closed chamber heads bore it .030 and forged flat top pistons. Don't forget to have the block decked. A good aluminum dual plane intake and a Holley 650-700 or 750 carb.
2007-12-28 15:04:11 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This shouldn't be a difficult swap. The big block engine will be heavier, so you may need to change your Impala's front springs to carry the extra load. You may also have to change out motor mounts, and check clearances around steering, exhaust, etc but in general, everything should be a drop-in fit.
2007-12-28 13:16:00 · answer #3 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Other than the radiator the yoke on the driveshaft is different,and the tranny mount(easy enough) other than that it is pretty simple! OH and why would the charge $1500.00 to do a swap? Thats crazy!!
2007-12-28 13:02:33 · answer #4 · answered by Auto M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2000 Chevy Impala truck does not exist, it is a car
2016-04-01 23:12:28 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only problem I would think is the radiator. It wouldn't be big enough.
2007-12-28 12:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
visit www.mygmlink.com
2007-12-28 12:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋