questions on V8 swap and transmissions

Hi everyone I have a 69 chevy g10 that has been my project car. Up until now I have just been cleaning it up and getting it rolling again, but now the bug has bit me and I want to do a lot more. I just finished doing a custom lift and putting on some big ol 31in tires. And of course now my issue is I want MORE POWER. I have always wanted more but now I need it. I don't really want to regear because I like taking it on the highway without the rpms revving up so high. So anyway to get back on point I currently have the 250 inline six with the 3spd tranny. My questions are

Can I fit a 350 with no doghouse modifications?
Whats a good transmission to mate with a 305 or 350 in this van (I want to keep in manual)
I know plenty of people have done the swaps and iv been trying to search for them but any search I type in today on the forum for some reason comes up with 0 results.

Thanks for the help, oh and here is my van.

yes a v-8 will fit in motor box, youll need to upgrade radiator

Welcome To VV..!!!.. ..I will second that the 1967-70 Chevy & GMC Van's are set up for the V8's its the 1964-66 that have the smaller motor box.."Good Luck" on your project.. ..

Did you try typing in swap in your search? Seems to pull up a lot for me! Anyway, really nice looking 2nd Gen you've got there and it looks like you've done a Fantastic job of tidying up the engine compartment!!! Can't wait to see the results of your efforts! Good luck and keep us up to date with pics,,,,PLEASE!

a v8 any small block chevy will fit in the dog house
and will bolt up to the trans that is in there, just need
to improve the cooling sys (more capacity) and you will
have to modify the throttle to work with the v8. use the
mounts that are bolted to the brackets on your 6 they
bolt to the v8.

Thanks for all the info guys. So next questions, I assume to do the swap I will have to cut off the doghouse? After would it be smart to make a quick release system to take it off for service later? or just weld it back up. Also as far as the radiator goes How do I figure out what size/capacity I need and where would I mount a larger one?

With a 2nd gen doghouse, you should be able to install a SB 8 without modifying the doghouse in any way. Probably have to be jacked up into place on a lift, not drop in from the top with an extended hoist.

When installing the v8 remove exaust manifolds, valve covers,
and fuel pump and it will go in from the side doors either front or
the side cargo right down through the opening of the doghouse
with no mods to the doghouse. just have to have the chain short
so the cherry picker is very close to the engine, carb plates work
the best for v8s.

I have done a couple v8 conversions into 1st gens using 2nd gen doghouses.  I always cut the DH vertically, just aft of the radiator, and then make the aft portion removable.  Makes engine swaps so much easier, and its really nice to be able to have full access to your engine for changing plugs, or working on exhaust manifold/headers.  I have a '69 sportvan with a factory v8 with non-cut doghouse and it is a pain in the ass to get at the plugs and the manifold bolts.

As far as transmissions go, since you want to stay with a manual trans, you can simply keep your stock 3 speed. The bellhousing will bolt onto a v8.

On your v8, you'll need to check and make sure the block has the hole drilled & threaded for the clutch pivot ball. Some v8 engines have the boss, but it is not always drilled & tapped. I put a 400 SBC in my '65 and had to drill & tap the boss for the clutch pivot ball to thread into. Make sure to check on this and if needed, drill & tap the hole while your engine is on an engine stand before you install it into your van.

good looking van

kookykrispy wrote:I have done a couple v8 conversions into 1st gens using 2nd gen doghouses.  I always cut the DH vertically, just aft of the radiator, and then make the aft portion removable.  Makes engine swaps so much easier, and its really nice to be able to have full access to your engine for changing plugs, or working on exhaust manifold/headers.  I have a '69 sportvan with a factory v8 with non-cut doghouse and it is a pain in the ass to get at the plugs and the manifold bolts.

I'm looking for some tips on how to swap my 1st gen 6 to a V8 and later doghouse, do you have a link with info? what to do,what not to do etc.

woah! zombie thread!!! haha

Well, what I did was cut the doghouse and floor tunnel out of a 2nd gen. make a vertical cut aft of the radiator. weld in the front section and the tunnel. Use fasteners to make the rear of the box removeable.

Sorry I do not have a link, but maybe next 1st gen v8 conversion I do I will make a good 'how-to' thread

kookykrispy wrote:woah!  zombie thread!!!   haha

Well, what I did was cut the doghouse and floor tunnel out of a 2nd gen.  make a vertical cut aft of the radiator.  weld in the front section and the tunnel.  Use fasteners to make the rear of the box removeable.

Sorry I do not have a link, but maybe next 1st gen v8 conversion I do I will make a good 'how-to' thread

I am swapping out my 1st gen doghouse with a 2nd gen V-8 from a '68. My GMC 64 has a 350 with Q-jet. I am glad I found one, doghouse's are not easy to find, and switched it. The 6 doghouse is way to small for a 350 unless you really modify or swap out. Check out my posts... not everything lines up and it is a bit of lets see. Good luck!!

Mine went in with no problems, except I had to modify the Dog house for my alternator, because mine uses the stock serpentine belt set up. I can try to find the part # for the radiator I used, but I know it was from Champion. I had to modify the Dog house so I could get the cap off. I agree on doing something to access the spark plugs, especially on the passenger side, it's a total pain in the a$$ to get to them. I'm pretty sure it's all on my build thread on expeditionportal.com. I'm pretty sure you have seen it there. I wish it wasn't raining so hard when you were here. Let me know if you need pics, I still have your#. Nice van by the way!

Oh yeah, I removed the front axle and dropped the Van over the engine. I was trying not to cut the Dog house.

Do you have plans for your 250? I need one for my 69 G10. I'm too old for the v8 swap
just want to get on the road...