170 swap out for 300

I have an opportunity to get a 300 with a C6 that came out of a '71 pickup.
My '62 has a 170. I just got the van about a week ago and it's been about 20yrs since I last had a '65 which I gave to my dad.

So I've been completely amazed at how much info is readily available.

With that said; I'm thinking about using that 300 in my '62. Thinking it would be interesting and a little different from the 289 conversion I had in the '65 when I gave it away 20yrs ago.

I've also been reading thru classic inlines dot com and have come to wonder what the conversion would be like compared to a 289 (which I also have a line on, but it has a 2bbrl on it)

Seeking input.

Thanks

You probably know, you'll need a 65' or later donor for some parts, you'll need the 240 crossmember, mounts and doghouse, as well as a new radiator, might want to upgrade the rear end if you have the 7.25".

either way, the 289, 302 or 300 will need the 240 crossmember.
now i need to go find that crossmember

Putting a 300 in the early trucks is difficult at best. The biggest obstacle is the trans hump. 65 to 67's have this hump in the rear of the dog house for bell housing clearance. The later dog house is taller and has a different floor cutout. You can get by without the hump in a small block ford swap but you will need it with the 300. Mounts will have to be made for both engine and trans. The 240 crossmember will work with the 300 but will need mods for a small block. You also need the frame mounts so you can bolt the later crossmember to something. Either engine will take a lot of mods to install. The small block also needs some additional doghouse mods to help cooling. The 170 crossmember from 65 to 67 can be modified to use on the small block or trans mount.

Duane in Tennessee

For all the mods you will need I think the V8 might be the best bet. There are lots of people, here, that can help with parts and info. Happy vanning!

PS, There is a Supervan for parts and it's in Ca.

66ThunderVan wrote:PS, There is a Supervan for parts and it's in Ca.

Thanks for all the input. Greatly appreciated. I noticed an ad in the E-van parts section, located in Long Beach, PM sent.

I also have a line on a 289, altho I have no idea what it really is. its got a 2bbl, so I'm thinking its got hyd lifters.

Very few 289s had solid lifters. 1965 1/2 and up have to have screw in studs and guide plates to run solid cams. If you want real power you will need to go 351 or bigger. You can get 347 stroker small blocks but they are expensive and don't have the torque of the, longer rod, 351. You have lots of options and even more opinions from the family on this forum.
My first van came with a 144 and I did all the swap upgrades with a 225 hp 289 and all the driveline parts from a 65 heavy duty. It ran it's butt off and got over 20 MPG. You will probably be happy with a 2bl 289 or 302. Anything is better than a stock E100 engine.

66ThunderVan wrote:Very few 289s had solid lifters. 1965 1/2 and up have to have screw in studs and guide plates to run solid cams. If you want real power you will need to go 351 or bigger. You can get 347 stroker small blocks but they are expensive and don't have the torque of the, longer rod, 351. You have lots of options and even more opinions from the family on this forum.
My first van came with a 144 and I did all the swap upgrades with a 225 hp 289 and all the driveline parts from a 65 heavy duty. It ran it's butt off and got over 20 MPG. You will probably be happy with a 2bl 289 or 302. Anything is better than a stock E100 engine.

the '65 I gave my dad in the early 90's...
i had a solid lifter 289 in it.  kind of wish i had it today.  maybe it will pop up.  last i knew it was in Ventura, Ca.

one of my first jobs was working for a guy named Mike May in Ventura, around '85-'86 while in High School.   He had a red '65 with flames, with a 454.  Mike had his own automotive repair biz.

Seth G wrote:http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/econoline-engine-swap.554070/

thanks for that link:

i'm amazed how much info is readily available. I've been on a reading kick!

Vic (Old Skool) has the cross members and can weld on the mounts you need. He can also help you with transmissions, cooling, braking, and just about anything else.

Any thoughts on an '85 460 with '79 C6? I'm looking at this combo tomorrow, currently it's in a pick up, but I think the guy is going for something with a blower.

Not sure. Supposedly it has good compression and comes with a bunch of extras.

It's been done before. You will need to trim the floor and mod the motor cover, etc. Where there is a will there is a way.

66ThunderVan wrote:It's been done before. You will need to trim the floor and mod the motor cover, etc. Where there is a will there is a way.

Definitely what I want to hear

Any engine will fit in any vehicle. Just some take more work than others. You can put a Hemi in a vespa if you really want too. If you really want the 300 then by all means put it in.

Duane in Tennessee