Smb 350

[1969gtracer]

Im planning on dropping a small block chevy350 into my 1969 opel gt. aside from a hood clearance issue and some space, do you think therell be any major problems ill run into? thanks.

[N61WP]

Welcome to our site. Please take some time with the search feature to read over some posts on engine swaps. I can assure you that hood clearance would be the least of your problems!
Good Luck,
Jc

[heimue]

Welcome to the forum. 350's are out there. Use the search function.

Dieter

[1969gtracer]

thanks guys maybe a 350 isnt the best i still want some handleing. I also happen to have an aluminum v-8 out of a 62 olds F-85... that sounds like it would work better.

[West Coast GT]

Major problems? No, just big hurtles.

Have you performed an engine swap before? And do you already have the funds and room to do it?

Typically it's the money issue that presents the biggest hurtle. It also helps to work in a custom shop.

But yes, there have been folks here that have installed V8s, 2-rotor wankels, V6, and larger inline 4 cylinders.

The easiest way of avoiding the major "problems" (reinforcing the body, cutting into inner fenders & firewalls) is to:

1. Swap your existing 1.9 or 1.1 liter for a used German 2.2 or 2.4 liter long block from Opel GT Source (opelgtsource.com).

OR,

2. Build your existing 1.9 liter engine into the 2.2 version with enhanced breathing as outlined by RallyBob in this forum.

And buy the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (available from Opel GT Source along with an adaptor kit).

It's not for the faint-of-checkbook.

[West Coast GT]

Originally Posted by 1969gtracer thanks guys maybe a 350 isnt the best i still want some handleing. I also happen to have an aluminum v-8 out of a 62 olds F-85... that sounds like it would work better.

Is your intent to drag race, or to rip pavement and smoke ricers?

[1969gtracer]

ya I have a shop and lots of car parts n stuff thats why i wanted to do a 350 swap... It woudlnt cost that much for me because I already have most of the parts.

[1969gtracer]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT Is your intent to drag race, or to rip pavement and smoke ricers?

all of the above... lol just to have something a little different.

[Itsa '70 GT]

You can check out my threads and photos to get some kind of an idea of what you're in for. I see that you have an avatar somewhat like mine, which means that you're looking to add some SERIOUS speed to this little rocket.

As far as swapping a 350 into the "stock" car, you can't do it without MAJOR mods and reinforcing. A major obstacle that you will face is the torque of just a mildly built 350. First thing that will happen is that you will flex the uni-body so much that it will snap the windshield right out of the car! This is only just one of the many things you will have to consider/account for in this type of engine transplant without going all the way and doing a total rebuild of the car.

Sorry about the negativity here, but it's the honest truth and even though it sucks, sometimes, truth hurts.

I REALLY do like your avatar and maybe will see you at the dragstrip someday.

Good luck in your project!

Bill B.

[1969gtracer]

Originally Posted by Itsa '70 GT You can check out my threads and photos to get some kind of an idea of what you're in for. I see that you have an avatar somewhat like mine, which means that you're looking to add some SERIOUS speed to this little rocket. As far as swapping a 350 into the "stock" car, you can't do it without MAJOR mods and reinforcing. A major obstacle that you will face is the torque of just a mildly built 350. First thing that will happen is that you will flex the uni-body so much that it will snap the windshield right out of the car! This is only just one of the many things you will have to consider/account for in this type of engine transplant without going all the way and doing a total rebuild of the car. Sorry about the negativity here, but it's the honest truth and even though it sucks, sometimes, truth hurts. I REALLY do like your avatar and maybe will see you at the dragstrip someday. Good luck in your project! Bill B.

sounds like when I run into a problem I know who to talk to... lol I am pretty handy with a mig welder and tube bender. so the re inforcing I'm not worried bout that.

[West Coast GT]

Sounds like you're good to go.
Good luck - take pictures and post your progress often.

[Itsa '70 GT]

Even though I'm building a purely drag car, feel free to contact/pm me with any questions you might have. Another rsource here to visit/contact Ricky Slade and check out the awesome project he has going on.

Bill B.

P.S.: The GT in my avatar was photographed at what is now Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, when I used to live up that way. Have you ever seen, or know of the whereabouts of this car that carried the name "Flyin' Fireman"? Just curious.....

[1969gtracer]

Originally Posted by Itsa '70 GT Even though I'm building a purely drag car, feel free to contact/pm me with any questions you might have. Another rsource here to visit/contact Ricky Slade and check out the awesome project he has going on. Bill B. P.S.: The GT in my avatar was photographed at what is now Mid-Michigan Motorplex in Stanton, when I used to live up that way. Have you ever seen, or know of the whereabouts of this car that carried the name "Flyin' Fireman"? Just curious.....

nah never heard of it I havent been up to the stanton track. Last time i was at the track with my charger before it started to get over hauled. I basically have a yard full of toys and garages full of parts. lol

[kwilford]

Moderator Note: Thread Moved

[namba209]

You'll want to get in touch with the Gages(saxybiker), they're almost finished with an SBC in their GT with a TH350. Also blancojp on the site who has done numerous engine swaps and both can give you some very good advice on what's needed to do the job the right way.

[blancojp]

A 350 in a GT is easy to do however time consuming since you basically have to rebuild the complete front rails and a few other things.

I have a std buick 90 degree V-6 on my car and that is what I had to do to make sure the engine and the rest of the car arrives together. Use the standard 55 chevy motor mounts welded to the frame rails, cut 3" width wise on the foot well, use a lokar accel pedal and you are set to go. A TH350 transmission is slightly larger than the TH180 used in the Opel so it does fit without any major mods.

There is another route though, why don't I just sell you my car and you will bypass the many months of head aches that come with this build.

[1969gtracer]

Originally Posted by blancojp A 350 in a GT is easy to do however time consuming since you basically have to rebuild the complete front rails and a few other things. I have a std buick 90 degree V-6 on my car and that is what I had to do to make sure the engine and the rest of the car arrives together. Use the standard 55 chevy motor mounts welded to the frame rails, cut 3" width wise on the foot well, use a lokar accel pedal and you are set to go. A TH350 transmission is slightly larger than the TH180 used in the Opel so it does fit without any major mods. There is another route though, why don't I just sell you my car and you will bypass the many months of head aches that come with this build.

because then it just woudln't be mine.