Quote:
Originally Posted by Chilly178
Thank you everyone for the feedback! I think I have made up my mind and will go with the L31-R. Some questions I have is what parts I need to make this engine work in the 72. My engine mounts currently in the truck look nasty any suggestions on mounts? Will this bolt up to the SM465 with no issues with the correct(?) flywheel? Another question I have is how the serpentine system would work. My truck doen't have power steering or AC and I intend to keep it that way. It uses a old school simple thin belt setup that only goes to the alternator. Can I keep this simple setup and same alternator or I need to buy a serpentine kit for the L31-R? If I do have to buy a kit do they all come with power steering and AC provisions? What do I do with it? Also I would need a water pump, intake manifold for carb, new carb, exhaust manifold/headers?, HEI distributor, electronic fuel pump, air cleaner, and plugs and wires. Any suggestions or anything I'm missing for this. Also will the starter thats in the 350 in the truck now work with L31-R? Will the radiator be the same? Any additional wiring needed? I also saw somewhere you have to plug a hole in the block for a sensor? Any mods I should make to the L31-R before it goes on for more hp/ torque? Thanks
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My block came out of a 4 speed truck. You're welcome to the flywheel, clutch disc, and pressure plate if you want them for the cost of shipping (PM me if you want pics). Stock engine mounts work fine - you can still get a set through most auto parts stores. The bolt pattern on the Vortec heads is slightly different, but you should have no problem making your alternator bracket work. You will need a new manifold - the Edelbrock 2116 if you're running the Quadrajet carb. The same water pump your stock engine has will work with the L31 (but get a new one). If you don't already have an HEI distributor, I would definitely make that upgrade (whatever engine you get). I'm using rams horns manifolds - you should have no problem with your stock manifolds as long as they're in good shape. Your starter and radiator should be fine (as long as they're in good shape). Your temperature sending unit will not fit in the head, but user A1971Blazer does a really nice job of turning them down on a CNC lathe to the correct thread size. You'll need to install an electric fuel pump, and I would recommend you put it on a relay tied into an oil pressure switch so it cuts off if there's an accident. I bumped up my cam just a bit to the Ramjet 350/HT 383 cam, primarily because my block was drilled for a mechanical fuel pump and the stock cam didn't have a fuel pump lobe, but the HT 383 cam should give me a nice boost in torque and a little more HP.