chevrolet engine types February 25, 2021, 10:56:45 pm Are the chevrolet engines in the 1990s models truck/heavy duty engines or are they the same ones used in passenger cars? Thanks!
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #1 – February 25, 2021, 11:42:22 pm The Chevy engines used in older LDs are a detuned, heavy-duty version of the passenger cars V8s.They have smaller valves, equipped with rotators and 4-bolt main bearings, they are built for prolong, full-throttle operation.The pre-1991 models had three-speed transmissions without an overdrive, so the engine spins faster and wears much quicker.1991 and newer Chevys had four-speed transmission and engine durability upgrades.If you insist on buying an old Chevy, 1991 and newer models are recommended for a variety of reasons.Larry 1 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #2 – February 26, 2021, 10:12:30 am Hi Larry, Do you have any experience on a aftermarket overdrive product for these old small block Chevys from the mid 80's? Just now kicking tires in the driveway in the FOLD,Eric
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #3 – February 26, 2021, 01:16:14 pm Quote from: Lazy Nooners - February 26, 2021, 10:12:30 amDo you have any experience on a aftermarket overdrive product for these old small block Chevys from the mid 80's? Many older LDs with three-speed transmissions had aftermarket overdrives installed. I have not seen one in years.The overdrive help to reduce engine wear when cruising at highway speeds by adding a high gear that spins the engine slower.Overdrives usually have the ability to 'split' gears, providing gears in between the existing three speeds, nice for climbing long grades. Gear Vendors is one brand I remember seeing a lot.Overdrive Unit, Chevrolet & GM 3 Sp Automatic Transmissions Gear Vendors -...The few who hot rod their LDs might prefer to install a four-speed, GM 4L80E. It is a strong trans and was installed in the 1991 and newer Chevys Overdrives usually hang off the end of the transmission and require the driveshaft to be shortened.No matter how well the overdrive works, it cannot make up for the stock 350 V8's lack of power. They are slugs no matter what is done to them, an overdrive just helps them live longer.Larry 3 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #4 – February 27, 2021, 12:37:03 am Thanks Larry, I understand what you are saying about the chevy 350, but for reasons I can't completely go into it's got to be a chevy, so how do you think I can get a serial number from a post 1991 chevy 350 which belongs in the LD, in case I do find the right LD and it needs an engine transplant? I think the last year for the chevy LD used a vortec (?) model? Any reason to find a vortec for the replacemeent? If a rebuild is necessary, will the 454 cu. in engine be a bolt in replacement, or is a lot of modification involved? Lots of questions, thanks a million Nick.
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #5 – February 27, 2021, 02:13:11 am Quote from: NOTWINNIE - February 27, 2021, 12:37:03 amThanks Larry, I understand what you are saying about the chevy 350, but for reasons I can't completely go into it's got to be a chevy, so how do you think I can get a serial number from a post 1991 chevy 350 which belongs in the LD, in case I do find the right LD and it needs an engine transplant? I think the last year for the chevy LD used a vortec (?) model? Any reason to find a vortec for the replacemeent? If a rebuild is necessary, will the 454 cu. in engine be a bolt in replacement, or is a lot of modification involved? Lots of questions, thanks a million Nick.Ah, a dedicated Chevy person.Changing from a 350 to a 454 will involve a lot of changes, best to stay with the same engine family.If you want a 454, get an LD with a 454. Keeping an old engine happy with a carburetor is difficult, I suggest a 1990 or later LD with port fuel injection. Throttle body injection is just a fancy carburetor, something I will do almost anything to avoid, I'm happy the carburetor is almost a thing from the past...with the exception of the Onan generator.Installing a later model Vortec will require an engine computer to operate, either removing and transferring the computer from the donor car, along with the engine, or using an aftermarket engine computer. This can get tricky and require expert help..If you are willing to deal with the headaches of an engine transplant, consider the 4L80E transmission install at the same time.In the early 2000s, I considered installing, in our 1983 22' Fl, a built 383 small block along with the 4L80E. When totaling up what it would cost, it was way too much money to justify because I would still have the lightweight, maxed-out G30 chassis. I spent a lot of time and money on upgrading the 1983's suspension but was never happy with the frame and suspension's flexibility. The other issue was the small radiator the G30 has, many 350s died before 100,000 miles due to overheating problems.Switching to the E450 chassis was a day and night change, it felt stout and much more powerful from the first drive, I would never go back to a G30, even if I was a dedicated Chevy man. YMMVLarry 2 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #6 – February 27, 2021, 07:37:45 pm I am very interested in this thread as Harvey (1989 22’ RB) has a 350 with a three speed. As Larry said, the engine revs pretty high at highway speeds and while it has a heck of a lot more power than my 74 Westy, it’s no speed demon! I would love to upgrade it to something that I could tow with (a small boat or my race car ~1200 lbs) without the fear that the engine will pop and leave me stranded. I am very handy and am ok with the challenges of an engine swap. I’m curious what would work best though... The G30 did have an option for a 454 and we’re not the first ones to attempt this (some details here).However, I would love to move to a more modern engine/trans. I think the vortec series makes the most sense in my mind, but would love to hear others opinions.
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #7 – February 27, 2021, 08:32:18 pm Quote from: pierats - February 27, 2021, 07:37:45 pmI am very handy and am ok with the challenges of an engine swap. I’m curious what would work best though... The G30 did have an option for a 454 and we’re not the first ones to attempt this (some details here).However, I would love to move to a more modern engine/trans. I think the vortec series makes the most sense in my mind, but would love to hear others opinions.Harvey, I admire your pluck. However, I don't think you are going to get much input here on your quest. But please do keep us informed of this adventure.Charles 1 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #8 – February 27, 2021, 11:04:47 pm Thanks Larry, you are right, sometimes being a dyed in the wool follower of something just leaves you with dye on your hands. Maybe we can find a later model chevy with a 454 and a 4L80E transmission, or even a 350 with this transmission. If anyone can chime in on this thread, has a chevy 22 footer and did an engine swap that would be great. And if you have a chevy with a vortec and the 4L80E, please let me know how it is. Stay safe, Spring is coming- 1 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #9 – February 27, 2021, 11:15:33 pm Here is the best thread I’ve found so far on this swap. As Larry said, lots of work and not for the faint of heart! 84 G20 LS Swap Project - Vannin' Community and ForumsI have plenty of other projects before attempting this, but I am glad to see it’s possible. The results are in line with what I had in mind and would be very rewarding. 😁
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #10 – February 28, 2021, 02:57:03 am Quote from: pierats - February 27, 2021, 11:15:33 pmHere is the best thread I’ve found so far on this swap. As Larry said, lots of work and not for the faint of heart! 84 G20 LS Swap Project - Vannin' Community and ForumsI have plenty of other projects before attempting this, but I am glad to see it’s possible. The results are in line with what I had in mind and would be very rewarding. 😁Before buying our first LD, we owned a 1977 Chevy G-20 camper van for ten years, accumuating 200,000 miles.At 140,000 miles, the engine needed replacement, a project my brother and I usually could do in two days.A long three-day weekend was not near enough time to complete, everything was so tight, and this was with exactly the same engine block, not an upgraded one. Auto shops remove the G-series engine by unbolting the large, front cross-member and lifting the body up, and then rolling the engine, transmission, and front axle assembly out as one unit. It's not a bad job with the right equipment. Wish I had it at home.Like the engine shown in the link, the 1977's exhaust manifolds had to remain off until the block was in place. So many not so pleasant memories but it's the price of admission when transplanting engines, our trip memories are much better. The link you provide shows one of the problems to solve in this transplant, getting the A/C functional is a project as well as changing to fuel injection. Transplants are easier today with the internet, 40 years ago, it was very difficult to access such information and more specialized conversion parts are available. The link's transplant used a 4L60E transmission, use a 4L80E instead, it's a much stronger transmission, the transmission's cross member may need to be modified. FYI- the 4L60E is the old Turbo 350, upgraded with overdrive and computer controls The 4L80E, is an upgraded Turbo 400 (what you should have in your 1989 LD) that gets the same treatment. Changing to a 4L80E saves the expense of an external overdrive.If looking for a core or running engine, buy a crashed pick-up truck with a 350 Vortex engine and 4L80E transmission and use the engine, transmission, fuel system, computer, and wiring harness. A complete transplant is the easiest option.1989 G-30s have mechanical speedometers, later model drivelines use electronic speedometers and possibly electronic dash gauges. More things to research and adapt. Obviously, I spent too much time researching this in the early 2000s .Larry 1 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #11 – February 28, 2021, 09:16:14 am I’m a Chevy guy too but the bumper sticker on my Ford chassis LD will say: “I’d rather be camping!” 😉 1 Likes
Re: chevrolet engine types Reply #12 – February 28, 2021, 12:09:16 pm I found the perfect tool to do that kind of work with my level of expertise - my checkbook.I'll stick with the stock E450 et al that I have now. 1 Likes
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