Hello everyone. So I was wondering if anyone here knows how much it cost them to install a 350 into my truck? As far as I can foresee, it seems like it is a very invasive procedure. Currently I have a 235 with a 3 speed tranny, torque tube and original rear end. So if i'm thinking this throughly, I would need a 350 motor, a standard transmission (not sure what one works best), drive line, new rear end, springs, shocks, motor mount kit, transmission mount kit, different ignition switch, move over steering box to accommodate exhaust manifolds, new exhaust system, transmission shifter set up, clutch pressure plate, flywheel, carberautor, distributor, wires, plugs, air cleaner, and starter. In addition to time installing and fabricating, i'm not sure if it is worth it and just keep the 235. Thank you Jason
You have done your home work pretty well and looks like your eyes are open, which is good. Here are a couple of $.02 tips. We very seldom put in a standard trans but an old open shaft 3sp: (everything good used) $200 Drive shaft 150 Explorer rear end 250 Use your springs and shocks; turn springs 180* Move spring saddles and weld on new ones 100 350 engine---will have all the accessories 500 Adapters to move rear wheels out to 61" and have 6 lug pattern 150 You can use your master cylinder but may need proportioning valve with rear discs 60 Your radiator will cool a 350 if in good shape Ignition switch 20 Exhaust 200 Your 6 cylinder pressure plate and disc should work 1955 or 1956 265 left exhaust manifold so steering box can remain unmoved 40 Chassis Engineering bolt in engine side mount kit and trans mount 200 Speedway 10 (?) circuit wiring kit if your wires are ratty. 160 Flywheel an ebay item 100 Switch to 12v system 100 Labor depends on how much you can do yourself. With us doing a turn key and furnishing everything one would be looking at a 3000 to 3500 figure which is probably middle of the road. For all new everything the figure could easily triple.
This question might sound strange, coming from a guy who is swapping in a Gen. 3, "LS", engine and electronic trans. Have you thought about keeping the six, and swapping in a modern 5 speed trans. from an S-10, and a late model open driveshaft rearend? Probably would be much less expensive and still allow you to motor at highway speed. This swap is covered in a couple threads, on this forum. Steve.
No I haven't considered that, Is that referred to the T3 conversion or something like that? Also do you know if I will be able to keep my column shifting?
Look here. https://talk.classicparts.com/posts/100448/ Russ has done it all, it seems. I looked back at some older posts, you've made here. You have a very interesting project. Steve.
Are you doing the work? If you are having it done check for references. If you use a shop check in regularly. I got burned bad, had to redo 75% of the work that I paid for
If you go the T5 route you won't have to worry about a shifter since it has it's own. If you go to an open rear end then you could also use a Borgwarner overdrive transmission which was used in many cars in the 50's and 60's and are still plentiful and relatively inexpensive. A 57 we finished recently has the 235 engine, Borgwarner OD trans, factory 3.90 rear end, front disc brakes, and radial tires. It can cruise EASILY in the left lane at 70mph.
