6.2 diesel to 454 big block gas burner swap.

[CUCVLOVER]

Hey everyone this thread is to document my big block swap on my cucv m1008.

thanks again for all the information that was provided in this thread ( http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?158547-cucv-m1008-6-2-to-454-big-block-swap-questions ).

I am going to put a edelbrock performer intake and 750cfm carburetor, new plugs and wires, probably a new coil, and maybe even paint the engine before I install it. All the emissions stuff will go in the trash, this engine will be allowed to breathe and run. I am going to use the transmission that's in my truck. I am pulling this engine from a 1986 motor home, its a 7.4L carburatered engine with a TH400 hydromatic transmission. I will be using the transmission from my truck with this engine and keeping the trans for a spare. I have the engine ready to pull out of the coach hopefully it will be out by lunch time tomorrow. I will post more pics and updates tomorrow.

 

[86m1028]

Nice, you won't regret going to the 454 !
Is that a standard 8 lug or does it have the 10 lug 3500HD wheels ?

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Thanks.
I think it's just 8 lug

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Engine is out of the coach and on a pallet back at my shop.
I pulled transmission, lift pump, exhaust manifolds, and some more of the useless smog hoses.

Parts list is being put together also.
Edelbrock performer intake, 750cfm edelbrock carburetor, headers, new motor mount, hoses, belts, probably some mounts for the alternator and power steering pump.

 

[royalflush55]

I would not put this engine in before putting a new balancer and front and rear main seals. A lot easier on a stand than in the truck. I have had a balancer spit the rubber out on an '89 1 ton with low miles.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Bonus, oil cooler adapter. Did the coach have hydroboost brakes?

 

[CUCVLOVER]

The oil cooler adapter is nice I will be removing it for now though. I will deal with that after ga rally.

I have no idea if it had hydroboost brakes or not, I didn't look for the master cylinder. I was working on engineand transmission and nothing else. Didn't need it so don't care about it.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

I would not put this engine in before putting a new balancer and front and rear main seals. A lot easier on a stand than in the truck. I have had a balancer spit the rubber out on an '89 1 ton with low miles.

How big of a job is that?

 

[royalflush55]

How big of a job is that?

Not that bad with harmonic balancer remover and installer tool. Never hammer a balancer onto the crank nor use the bolt that holds it on to install or you will pull the threads inside the crank. You can remove bottom pan and front cover to put new front seal in. Then remove rear main cap to install rear main seal. Be sure to torque rear main cap back to specs. Install new gaskets on front cover and the bottom pan. You will be getting new seals and gaskets on the bottom end this way.

 

[86m1028]

How big of a job is that?

Not hard at all, just time consuming.
Totally agree with royalflush55, It's MUCH easier on a stand vs trying to do it once in the truck.
Clean it up, maybe a little paint & RESEAL the motor while you have it out.
Keep us posted on the progression.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Well I have been getting some stuff done. I have pulled the factory exhaust off the motor, and have the intake off. I started pulling the 6.2 today. I have the hood off, alts, starter, radiator, wiring unhooked from the engine and should have it out tomorrow.
Hopefully have pics tomorrow

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Today I finished pulling the 6.2 out. I then dropped the tank to clean that up. I also started cleaning up the engine bay. Got a lot of the mud and crud off the frame and fenders. Should have the 454 in the hole on Monday or Tuesday.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

Air cleaner and valve covers and more parts for the big block.

Having to notch the frame for the engine to fit. Lots of stuff has gotten in the way of this project but will hopefully have it in the hole tomorrow.
Decided to go electric fuel pump for more clearance on the block.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Notch frame? Why? Lots of this style of truck had the 454.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

So the motor will slid back far enough to reach the transmission correctly.
The exhaust manifolds hit the frame, and that is will stock cast iron manifolds

 

[Recovry4x4]

Very odd.

 

[CUCVLOVER]

That's what I say.
The stock motor mount location will not work either. Bolted mounts to engine then weld to frame and call it good

 

[Recovry4x4]

I know that there are different frame mounts that the motor mounts bolt to. Go to about the 9 1/2 minute mark and check it out. The truck he is installing the 350 in previosly had a 6.2.

https://youtu.be/XrPpf4cGeLI

 

[CUCVLOVER]

I've seen vids of that breaker before and it's awesome. I don't have the option of putting the brackets from the coach in this frame because they are a completely different set up. I even bought brand new mounts for a 6.2 to work with this 454 and they are different then the stock diesel mounts. The hole centers top to bottom are longer on the new ones I bought.
So I am going to use the old mounts I had from the 6.2 I think and weld them down.

 

[Recovry4x4]

That works. If it gives you any issues later there is always the ORD crossmember and. mounts.