Cad 500 swap tips needed

[Ned Kelly]

So my father-in-law (who is doing most all of the work!) and I are trying to put a 500cid into a 1987 crewcab. The engine got hooked up to the TH400 and is now floating in the engine bay. Some swap info that would help us if anyone knows:

1. We are trying to find the right angle for the engine to sit, front to rear orientation. This is probably our biggest concern.
Anyone know the approx clearance between Eldo 500 oil pan and GM crossmember? Maybe 1"? Would that give us a good front to back engine tilt to make the motor mounts sit at?...and be drivetrain friendly.

2. The Eldo passenger side exhuast manifold is good.
The Eldo drivers side exhuast manifold dumps really far back near the firewall. Maybe too close? Also the exhuast outlet dumps directly onto the auto tranny shift linkage rod for the TH400. Should we go with a floor shifter and use this exhuast manifold or get a different manifold (maybe DeVille rear wheel drive?).

Hope to hear from those who have some experience in this. THanks.

 

[y5mgisi]

I think i still have some pics here in my gallery of mine. As far as motor angle, i think i just tried to center the line where the oil pan and block come together in the frame rail. If that makes any sense. I cut out my original cross member but eldo pan SHOULD clear it. I used deVille manifolds and they worked out really well.

 

[y5mgisi]

http://coloradok5.com/photos/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/6524

my gallery

 

[boz42]

In a CC I think I would mount the engine/trans as flat as possible. The only reason Chevy mounted them lower in the rear was to help the D-shaft angle on short wheelbase rigs.

Sell the Eldo manifolds. Last time I looked they bring good money. Buy a set from a deville. I think you can even use manifolds from the later 425's. I am a little rusty on my parts interchange though. Don't use it much.

1" should be plenty with rubber engine mounts. You could go less with poly. I am sure you have already noticed but these engines are wide. I would not do anything permanent with out the correct exhaust manifolds bolted to the engine to see how they fit.

Here is a link to my buid-up pics: http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd239/K5Boz/K5 build pics/


I am running a 540 in my K5.

 

[Ned Kelly]

Some good tips there. I'll check out the DeVille manifolds. I may have a set. We are trying to use the factory crossmember if at all possible.

 

[76zimmer]

Kert @ DIY4X may have some suggestions on crossmembers

 

[desertrat67]

Kert doesn't know anything about swapping these motors into trucks like ours!

 

[Ned Kelly]

I did email him awhile ago wondering if a crossmember was available. He replied not at this time. It would be interesting to know if more people would do the 472/500 swap if there was a bolt in crossmember or a motor mount kit to bolt onto the GM crossmember.

 

[cybrfire]

I did email him awhile ago wondering if a crossmember was available. He replied not at this time. It would be interesting to know if more people would do the 472/500 swap if there was a bolt in crossmember or a motor mount kit to bolt onto the GM crossmember.

Yep, unfortunately its one of those parts that sounds like an awesome idea and I'm sure a few would sell. Hard to spend the time to R and D something that will work well enough and build all the fixtures for something that you may only sell a few of. Just the nature of the biz.

Now, on the other hand, if you can design the parts and send us some detailed drawings, there's alot we can do to help out. Keeps us out of the R and D of it and may make the fabrication easier for you. We do this quite a bit for the "less than common" type of parts.

 

[Ned Kelly]

Mr. Kert, I agree. As a business venture some items may not be worth the R&D due to low sales potential. However, who on CK5 WOULDN'T want a bolt in 472/500 for their full size?! Hehe....