I'm looking at picking up a 1980 suburban with a 454 in it, i'd like to swap it over to my 350 90 irocz ... could anyone give me some basics on what i'd be looking at for the swap ... and could i use the trans in the suburban or would the 700r4 "if it could handle it" bolt up to the 454 ? I'm trying right now to find some specs on the motor from that year but having no luck if anyone also has any idea .. thanks

 

I assume you're looking to hotrod the motor a little before you drop it in. It's basically a dump truck motor right now. All torque, no HP.

I'm putting a significantly hotrodded 454 into my 1990 454SS pickup right now out of a 1979 motorhome and that's, obviously, an easy bolt-in since I've already got a big block in it now. Only thing that doesn't fit is the motorhome oil pan (so I'm swiping it off the original motor when I yank it).

There are kits to drop a big block into a 3rd gen, including headers. I doubt the stock 700R4 will handle a good-running big block without a significant going-through by somebody who knows how to build them (although it will physically bolt to a big block). Using the trans out of your Sub (probably a TH400) would have other issues like crossmember and driveshaft mods needed to make it fit in a 3rd gen.

Keeping it cool will be the other problem area. It's tough enough to keep a 350 cool with the stock 3rd gen cooling system. Figure on upgrades to the radiator and fans unless you only want to drive it in cool weather.

Little stuff like engine accessories and such I can't help you with as I've never done that swap myself in a 3rd gen.

 

if you want sleeper than your trans would work(they put 700r4's behind alot of bbc trucks) i would recommend freshining it up and doing some mods.(converters are not the best).the truck manifolds from a 88 up bbc newer body style will work.(i have done a couple and got this info from gm) the oil pan will need to be changed to a car one. most everything else will bolt up. the a/c housing will need slight trimming and the dist may have to be unilite or small cap(you could beat the heck out of the firewall)
it is a fun swap but traction is very limited because you just added 200 pounds to the nose. good luck

 

i'm in the process of doing this swap right now. My car has the south side machine lift bars and frame connecters.I know traction shouldn't be a problem but the only headders I have found are from hooker.In your case I think the rear end will break first if it is still the stocker.the trans will bolt up and the motor mounts from the 350 will fit the bigblock into your car.I don't know about the accesorie drives except that the serpintine set up from a newer pick up won't clear.

 

Also upgrade toa Be Cool Radiator with twin aux fans or you will overheat pretty dang bad....
just my .02