Inline Six to V8 Swap - What you need to know 60-66 Chevy GMC! SBC & keep your factory 3/4 speed

[@thecollectoronthecorner7061]

I have done the six to V8 swap multiple times. The V8 flywheel and clutch is a 11 inch. and better than the six that is smaller. A 292 six flywheel has larger crank bolts and will not fit a V8. The passenger side frame mounts mounts on a 292 are different and will not work on a V8 or smaller six. When swapping a 60 thru 62 I used a 55 thru 59 V8 bell or a 63 up bell and convert to manual clutch linkage from a 63 thru 66. You have to drill a hole in the floor for the pull rod and add a bracket on the frame for the Z bar . The 60 thru 62 honeycomb radiator if it in good shape will cool even the largest V8. Use 63 thru 66 frame mounts on a 60 thru 62. You can saw away the bottom portion of the stick bell and use a later two bolt starter. I prefer the 3 bolt myself. The factory installed 60 thru 66 V8 had a fiberglass fan shroud and a wider radiator with more cores. The 292 used that same bigger radiator. You need center dump Rams horn exhaust manifolds or aftermarket hedders . Some V8 engines have a much larger harmonic balancer and it gets too close to the front crossmember. that more likely on the 67 and later . At present we have about 25 of the 60 thru 66 trucks in the collection.I have even pulled the GMC V6 and swapped in a chevy V8 on a 62 GMC. We have several of the 60 thru 66 trucks that where factory automatics and use a three point mounting.one on each side of the block and a single tailhousing mount on the transmission. We have video on our channel.

[@JohnWhiteII]

The 1960 thru 62 used the 235 Chevy six, a whole different engine than the 230, 250, 292 engine family.

[@shortcutgarage]

Sure did

[@GMCTIM]

Our two sons just swapped a 6 to a v8 in the youngest sons 66 c10 ! They done the same to oldest sons 55 3100 p.u. ! Done a great job for 1st swap ! 👍🏻😁

[@shortcutgarage]

That’s awesome!! Great upgrade!

[@ThomasSmith-rp6xv]

The front holes are for installing bigblock perches and for the 366 bigblock which was a special dealership conversion done back in the 1960s! You could get the big truck engine in a 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck! They made the frame rails universal for all light duty trucks! The bell housing crossmember also had to be moved forward!

[@shortcutgarage]

I didn’t know that, that’s good information, thanks!

[@jeremyncrm2012]

The front holes on the passenger side are used for the 292 as well

[@wherestarget1607]

@@shortcutgarage What did you do about the speedo reading difference?

[@engineerbuilder]

Good stuff...I'm spending a portion of my son's inheritance on a63 GMC rat rod with all new running gear....you just saved me a ton of $$$ Thanks!!!

[@elgaragedemel5859]

I really appreciated you make this video you save me $120 dollar on summit motor mounts i was fixing to order.... thanks sr.

[@shortcutgarage]

Glad I could help

[@LocalUnleashed]

Did your original 292 mounts work with your sb V8?

[@barryreevej9159]

Thx for the straight forward info sure eases my mind on swapping my 230 inline for a 305

[@timothyroatenberry1274]

Our youngest son has a 66 c 10 he got from his paw - paw converted from a six to a v8, auto ! About 5.000 of new body metal parts, going to make a very nice truck one day !

[@stephenfaulkner1448]

Great information. I had those very questions myself. Im swapping a 250 for 327 and sticking a M420 behind it.

[@shortcutgarage]

Great combo, good luck on the build

[@Tim2014-u7x]

The z-bar ball on the block doesn't line up with the mount on the frame after installing my 350 on my 1963. ??

[@shortcutgarage]

They make a bracket for that, sells on eBay and I think summit sells it too. A quick google search will help you Locate it

[@Joealvarado-o1c]

Can I use my same 4 speed transmission. I have a 1962 c20 with straight 6

[@shortcutgarage]

Sure can

[@bradgaskins1812]

1966. Swapping from a 250 to a 283. If I move the motor mounts to the front holes, im guessing the 3 speed transmission has to come forward as well so how does that work with my driveshaft? Hope this is not a stupid question but its my first swap. Thanks

[@shortcutgarage]

Driveshaft will have to be extended, transmission mount would need to move forward or a new crossmember fabricated. Personally I would do what was done on my truck, leave it in the rear holes, distributor still fits, transmission remains and driveshaft stays untouched.

[@bradgaskins1812]

@@shortcutgarage thank you! I may have more questions as I tackle this project!

[@msloquet]

Always love your videos. Would a crate v8 take care of the sluggishness of my 4.56 rear end? Currently have the inline 6 292 with the 4 on the floor.

[@shortcutgarage]

Sure it would!! Lots of extra power there, a 5 speed trans would help out as well because with those gears you likely run out of RPM’s on the highway. My buddy put one in behind his 250 inline six and was callable of 85 mph no problems

[@msloquet]

@@shortcutgarage What trans TKO 5?

[@shortcutgarage]

If you can afford that, great!! But actually I was just referring to a regular T5 Transmission found in Chevy S10, GMC S15, even 3rd gen Camaro or Firebirds. Way more budget friendly, won’t take high horsepower of course so if that’s your plan better skip to the good part and grab a sweet high dollar trans but if a cool cruiser that will dependably get you cruising down the highway, grab a regular old T5. If you grab a Camaro or Firebird one you’ll have to swap the tailshaft housing but it’s no big deal. I have a couple videos on these transmissions, 3 in fact. Take a look if that entices you.

[@qurazywhiteguy1]

Absolutely loved the video, thanks!

[@Bishop-xi7gk]

Awsome. Just got a 63 and have a 302 and 700 r some friends gave me. Wanna swap it out. Would I have to change the rear end to compensate for gear ratio difference?

[@shortcutgarage]

Nope. That 700R4 will be nice, you’ll appreciate the overdrive in that rig. Nice combo

[@Bishop-xi7gk]

I ended up getting a ls and 4l60 instead. Since you upgraded to a LS and 4l60. Did you keep the front crossmember under the bell housing and just swap the rear crossmember?

[@shortcutgarage]

Cut it out with a grinder, she’s gone. Second gen Camaro trans crossmember in there

[@PlanoPatTX]

Hey, I'm letting you know that the 1960, 1961, and 1962 C-10 were made with a frame they call the X-frame which is totally different from 1963, 1964,1965, and 1966. There is not a lot of information out there on the X-frame C-10. I have a 1961 C10

[@shortcutgarage]

60-62 frames do require a different perch, I typically use the 67-72 perches and just put in a 1” spacer. But that’s really the only difference for physically mounting a V8 in them. I’ve owned a handful of the 60-62 trucks. The best thing about them is turning the torsion bars down to drop the front end for free for anyone who prefers that look

[@LocalUnleashed]

I'm about to drop a 383 in my 66 C20. Is it possible to make the swap without tearing off the entire front end of the truck? I was hoping I could leave lights, grill, etc in place.

[@shortcutgarage]

Of course. You’ll likely have to pull your hood, just makes life easier but the front clip stays on. Mine was off for other reasons, it’ll go in just fine I promise

[@Slicer280]

Do you know what needs to be done to use the front mounts with a 350. I don’t want the dist rubbing on the firewall. .thanks gr8 video

[@shortcutgarage]

I put in a 350, distributor didn’t rub, it was close though. Moving it to the front two holes would take care of that but would move the transmission off of those mounts so a guy needs to pick his poison. If you were using a rear transmission mount it wouldn’t matter though. The front holes for the mounts also locate the V8 closet to the radiator which works better too

[@Slicer280]

@@shortcutgarage hmm yeah, I’ll have to do more research. Along with moving it forward I would then have to cut the floor more for the shifter. Transmission mounts and then the driveshaft issue. I will be using a HEI ignition. Might be easier just to modify the firewall. Txs.

[@averageguy3565]

So what do we, who have X frame, need to do to mount a V8 with 3 on tree?

[@ihatesjws669]

If I move the front motor mounts and move the engine forward a bit, will it not misalign the bellhousing mounts? Maybe I missed that part

[@shortcutgarage]

If you move it forward the transmission bellhousing bolts will not line up

[@ihatesjws669]

@@shortcutgarage so is there a cure for that if you want to keep the original manual transmission? Or do you need to fabricate new bellhousing mounts to accommodate the move?

[@shortcutgarage]

@@ihatesjws669 why do you want to move it forward?

[@shortcutgarage]

@@ihatesjws669 you could always move the mount forward. Cut out the rivers and slide it forward maybe? Slot the holes? Maybe you would get enough? Honestly never tried it

[@chillywilly7767]

Does this work for a 1962? Seems like a 1962 is different than the 63 and up.? Any advice would be helpful thanks

[@shortcutgarage]

60-62 require new mounts, you can buy custom mounts but typically guys are using 67-72 mounts and putting 1” spacers between the mounts and frame. Everything else is the same

[@chillywilly7767]

So I have a small block Chevy and a 350 turbo trans. I just cut the crossmember out for the bell housing and add a transmission crossmember and 67 motor mounts?

[@shortcutgarage]

@@chillywilly7767 you got it.

[@chillywilly7767]

Thanks shortcut garage

[@chillywilly7767]

I can’t find anything aftermarket. Would you happen to have any links for the motor mounts or crossmember for the transmission?

[@3rcruzer]

Really helpful cant wait for the next video

[@shortcutgarage]

I fly home today and I’m starting back at it, give me a day or two I should have more for you guys

[@lifestylemodificatio]

Thanks for this vid too

[@BretBunton]

Can all of this apply to a 454 big block?

[@shortcutgarage]

You bet

[@FMFInnovations]

Yes please, JUST THE VIDEO I NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@eliaskillian4944]

instablaster.

[@brianmacdonald3421]

Great videos and a great help! I’m over in Scotland and have a 66 C10 which I’m in the process of putting a 327 sbc in. I’m struggling to find a z linkage pivot ball to bolt into the side of the block. Could you point me in the right direction to find one? Even a part number😩

[@shortcutgarage]

LMC truck has what you need, 32-6122 is the part number and they ship internationally too. I know this because I also order from them.

[@brianmacdonald3421]

@@shortcutgarage many thanks for your help, that’s it ordered.👍

[@chrisowen1929]

Is this same exact setup also possible to do in a '71 Chevy Nova that came stock with a 250 I6? I wanna swap for a 350 big block or possibly a 402 V8.

[@Miramehh]

do you need a plate or something to bolt the motor mounts to the block or is it just straight to it?

[@shortcutgarage]

The motor should have the motor side of the motor mounts. The ones off the six will work too though if you still have them. Cheap, like $10 on rockauto

[@Miramehh]

@@shortcutgarage do you happen to know the part number?

[@shortcutgarage]

@@Miramehh EM2282 from FVP or just 2282 from Anchor both are under $10. Hope that helps

[@kellycronk9234]

Just bought a 63 that has a 350 in it noticed the towers are welded to frame, some odd reason the holes didn't line up for him.

[@vm722]

1963 to 1966 is what you are taking on. The 1960 tp 1962 came with torsion bars and hydraulic clutch. It had a motor mount in the front. And none on the sides. It came with a 235 or 283 .the frame was a x box I believe that the 6 cylinder starter has two bolts. And the 283 starter has 3 bolts. At least on the 1960 to 1962 trucks. Do.

[@adriantomlin2902]

Nope the 6 cylinder starter has a 3 bolt flange type mount just like he is showing.

[@adriantomlin2902]

This info only applies to 63 to 66 trucks.

[@vm722]

@@adriantomlin2902 I will check tomorrow. But I am sure that the 235 starter has a bolt on the top and the bottom. Only.The side has the slave cylinder next to starter.I know because it didn't exchange .The setup is totally different on the 1960 to 1962 trucks. The bell housing on the 283 with a slave on the right side is a rare part. As most of the trucks were 6 bangers The frame went to a cheaper ladder frame in 1963. Torsion bars didn't come back till the 80 sometime. 1963 went to the manual push clutch. I have heard that it was to save money. But I am not positive about this. I will make sure on the bolts tomorrow.

[@vm722]

@@adriantomlin2902 Its confirmed 👍 235 starter on the hydrologic clutch trucks have two bolts top and bottom. 283 has three bolts on the starter with the hydraulic clutch trucks.

[@adriantomlin2902]

@@vm722 yes I have that on my 1961 Apache. Your right the frames got cheaper in 1963! Also that is why they did away with torsion bars and went cheap ass coil springs. All in the name of cost cutting!

[@Miramehh]

ok thank you now, im just now looking for the bolts to bolt the motor mount to the bracket

[@beauepperson2641]

Me too

[@andrewaustin6020]

I have the 305 v6 I assume they stands ain’t gunna work

[@shortcutgarage]

I’m not familiar with them Myself. We didn’t get many of them in Canada

[@engineerbuilder]

I'm looking for a decent floor shifter for a 63 GMC with a 383 stroker (I'm using the stock 3 speed muncie). I'm having a pretty hard time finding one. Any thoughts out there?

[@shortcutgarage]

I have a couple. One new. One used.

[@robwellborn9326]

I’m adding a 350 , from inline 6, will the flywheel from the 350 work too?

[@shortcutgarage]

Yes sir, it will.

[@beauepperson2641]

HELP those square pieces with the sleeve coming out that are sitting on your crossmember / tie rod in the video. What are those and where do they go? I have a box of parts and I’m putting my 350 back in my 66 and I have no Idea where those go or what they’re used for

[@shortcutgarage]

Those are for the tranny mount, actually the bellhousing mount. The bolts go through the mount, through those sleeves and into the bellhousing

[@beauepperson2641]

@@shortcutgarage ok nice. I went with the th400 so I guess I won’t need those. Also do you know the size/length of the Center bolt that goes through the engine mount? And you mount the engine mount to the pérchese first I take it then set motor on top?

[@MarkJames-n9w]

I’m putting a 350 in and I have a gap between the top of the bell housing and transmission so I’m having to raise my motor mounts to close the gap let me know if anyone else had this problem

[@jesusc3150]

Thank you

[@shortcutgarage]

You're welcome

[@zandercroom7547]

What year 350 did u use?

[@MarkJames-n9w]

1978

[@MarkJames-n9w]

Im putting in a 1963 c20 truck

[@bryanatkinson4774]

Can i do the swap in a 62 c10 with the clutch fork on the passenger side and the old 235 has a horseshoe motor mount which I know ill have to switch to side mounts.

[@chillywilly7767]

What did you find out about adding a V-8 in your 62? I have the same issue. Nobody makes mounts for it

[@deanscherer687]

Gmc used front holes for the v6 bell housing is different the n chevy

[@shortcutgarage]

Good to know. Thanks Dean

[@kenswitzer4133]

1966 chevy c10 straight 6vise gripgarage

[@joracer1]

I want to do the opposite.

[@shortcutgarage]

V8 to Six swap? That’s gotta be a first! That’s awesome

[@joracer1]

@shortcutgarage no I had a 63 chevy 6cyl truck 40 years ago it ran great, pulled good perfect for this and that. This 63 I have now got a very new mild built 350... I don't need that much power. Just soon to have the strait 6.. gonna buy one, rebuild it and drop it in.

[@shortcutgarage]

I had a 292 a couple summers ago, dropped a Holley Sniper kit in it, thing was awesome! I would do it again, nothing wrong with a six!

[@ltrainsmith4605]

What is that part called for the z bar

[@ltrainsmith4605]

Is it called that or something different

[@shortcutgarage]

@@ltrainsmith4605 I’ve always referred to it as a Z-Bar myself

[@thomascicala]

Anyone do o a 66 4x4. Any differences

[@shortcutgarage]

I had a 62 4x4, I didn’t swap it to a V8 but I can’t see anything that would prove problematic