Engine Swap?!

So I'm torn and looking for some advice and/or takers on a possible 170 out of my 63 Econ...I am in the process of having several things done to the van and am contemplating dropping a 302 in with an Automatic trans and moving the doghouse back a bit to accommodate the change in engine size and some interior customization. If I do this, would anybody be interested in my straight 170? It runs and shifts, but needs a valve job and the tran prob needs new seals and gaskets. If interested, PM me with what you think it would be worth to you. I haven't decided to do this for sure, as I'm a little apprehensive on such a major change. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. Thanks guys!

You got here just in time, this was posted earlier today:
https://vintage-vans.forumotion.com/t19152-v8-engine-swap-by-hellfish

Yea I read the article and bookmarked it...I'm definitely going to follow the lead on the engine swap, but he stuck with a manual, whereas I'm thinking about making mine an auto. Either way, I was throwing the post up to see if anyone was looking for a motor as well.

Why a V8 swap? Need more power???? You can get more horse power and torque out of a built 200 than you would get out of a stock 302 plus better mileage and a whole lot less work. You would also need the larger dog house, 9" rear and a lot more to do the V8 swap when the 200 will bolt right in. I have done the V8 swap and unless you just want to say I have a V8 in my van I would strongly suggest the built 200.

Its really not about the power...I'm just looking at a 302 because I have access to one with less than 3k miles on it and the tranny for $700 and no transportation costs. It's on site where the van sits right now...also, I was thinking about moving the location of the engine and rebuilding a custom DH out of wood to allow for a bench seat in the front so the extra space and modifying how the engine would bolt in shouldn't hinder me too much since I'd be starting from scratch. I don't know, I may be in over my head with these ideas, but I just feel like it should work and would be a unique customization that truly involves some real personal functionality. Am I crazy?

Good write up.If you want a 302 then put in a 302.I have had289/302 engines in many different cars and trucks over the years great little motor.Add a cam and some headers a good set of mufflers and they sound awesome too go for it.

I have a friend that made a custom doghouse out of wood. He made it look like a coffin. He put a 351 C in it then totaled it by running into a pole. The bench seat has been done many times. in many ways. Saw one guy use three wooden wine barrels that he fashioned into a front seat. Looked pretty cool.

vanishingbreed wrote:I have a friend that made a custom doghouse out of wood. He made it look like a coffin. He put a 351 C in it then totaled it by running into a pole. The bench seat has been done many times. in many ways. Saw one guy use three wooden wine barrels that he fashioned into a front seat. Looked pretty cool.

That sounds like a total 70's car show thing...... I love it!