I have a 351w/C6 that burns oil and will probably fail smog this fall. The thing only gets about 8-1/2 mpg now, so that's an incentive also. I may end up getting a new engine. So.....

I would like to "drop in" a '96 or newer stock 351 w/overdrive tranny. I'm assuming the engine, tranny, and other stuff (computer, harness) comes from a donor - in any case, in a package so they all work togther. I figure I will have to put in a new harness - bummer, but OK. And cut the driveshaft.

My questions: Will the engine and tranny mounts work? Will the exhaust (I have a single on the passenger side) work? Will the shifter (column) hook up? Will the thing FIT?


Appreciate any comments.

Rufus

 

While your proposed engine transplant will fit in the 89 truck you need to check the California emission laws. California law does not allow engine changes at all.

 

rclarke, thanks for the heads up about Ca smog law. I figured I would need to meet smog for the year of the engine. I will check out the details; I have a 8900gwv truck, so the rules may not be quite the same as for a car.

But it's encouraging to hear the power train should fit - if anything could be said to "fit" into that space! Replacement price for newer van '96-'98 runs a minium of $5000 plus time/$ to transfer the work environment, actual cost more like $8k or so; an upgrade seems worth checking out with an eye to bringing it in under $5k.

Rufus