LUVTruck.com

Ive been searching and im still kinda stumped..Ill start by saying I am new to the v8 scence..most of the people I know where I live is all about older muscle cars..Im kinda scared that a v8 luv project might be way harder that I think it is,but I want to try it..I dont know much about a v8,or how to read a cam or picking the best manifold/carb set up for what you want to have your car do..Im 17..and I dont have many tools, Im hoping when the time comes I can get some help with the swap, I will pay someone if I have to, Im not rich by any means, Im making minimum wage at a local car wash. I have some questions and I hope I dont get remmed for them

What kinda of preperation does the truck have to go under for a v8 to work?
any major suspension upgrades?
Can ANYONE help me in learning more abou this hybrid set up and basic knowledge of a v8

I have more, but I dont want a long list of ?'s for everyone to go nuts over readings, thanks in advance for the replies.

When I started looking for my truck the first thing I did, and would suggest to you, is read the articles and info in the articles and info section that youll see on this sites home page. I found a Luv w/v8 already in it but there have been numerous posts about it. The search botton is your freind.

don t be afraid to ask questions. We are not the abusive type on this board, some of the guys might give ya some crap but its all in good fun. So ask away!

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

For me it was easer to install a V6 because I didn't have to mod the Firewall or move the radiator FWD.

the only modding that you have to do the firewall is dent it back where the HEI dist will go. thats only if yo want to set the motor back and extra inch or two. you dont have to cut the core support away either. you just need to be conservative about cutting.

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"but its that gut feeling of you're drawn to what feels right for yourself and what you're passionate about..."

Don't let this project scare you. We can help you with it. When you are done you will have all the understanding you need to help others and to maintain your LUV. You may want to consider finding a "donor"car or truck. What i am saying here is a older vehicle with a small block and a trans you could use for your LUV. If it is a good runner you could drive it around for a while while you research the motor you want to build later.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.

It's actually a pretty easy swap. Depending on where you put the motor mounts you don't necessarily have to mod the firewall at all. Mine will have a little , but Luvnit's we didn't touch the firewall and we both have HEI.
Just depends on the trans and motor mount locations. My stuff is Hooker, he fabbed his stuff himself.
If you need help, I'm sure one or both of us could get together with you and help you out.

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Resident lurker

We are here for all your questions. Thats what this site is for!!!!! Welcome!!!

So, in response to his questions, what all is involved in a V8 swap? Front suspension, custom motor mount installation, crossmember fabrication, rear end swap, rear springs, cooling system, exhaust etc.? Sounds like he could use some detailed info....?

Gerb,

I'd suggest you get one of the many books available on hot rodding various engines and also books specific to the engine you'll use, like 'Chevy Smallblocks' or something. Also read lots of Hot Rod, Car Craft, Rod & Custom, Popular Hotrodding etc. to get familiar with V8's, drivetrains and custom swaps/installs. Even the old Motors Manual or Chiltons that cover all the vehicles in a particular year have a wealth of information on V8 engine theory and practice. I'm talking about the big thick volumes, and not the ones for a specific vehicle. I see them at yard sales and flea markets all the time.

It won't take long to educate yourself with the resources mentioned above.
#11

Ok. Here you go. No particular order...
* FRONT SUSPENSION. No changes, can use original components.
* CROSSMEMBER FABRICATION. Not necessary, can use orginals in orginal locations.
* REAR END SWAP. May be needed, depending on the power output of your motor and your driving style. ( I had a stocker behind a 283 for years with no trouble)
* REAR SPRINGS. No changes. Can use original setup.
* COOLING. Best bet to get an aluminum rad.(19x22) and an electric fan. Could be a push or pull depending on the mounting location of your motor. Just need to figure out where there is room. Some there are enough room to use a flex fan... Need to use short water pump also, again for clearance/space reasons.
* EXHAUST. can use manifolds, hooker conversion headers, blockhuggers, I've heard s10 v8 headers work, custom jobbers. My advice on this one, go with hooker. Makes for an easy bolt on.
* MOTOR MOUNTS. There are quite a few ways to go here depending on what you want. Homebuilt mounts, hooker mounts, don hardy mounts (depending on the year of truck and if you can find the mounts), motor plate(s). My advice again is to use the hooker mounts. takes out any guesswork.
* TRANS MOUNT. can make your own or go with a hooker (mount that is...) modifying the stock mount isn't difficult to do either. Here I would save the money and modify the stocker.
* ENGINE SWAP. read the swap article. Mark all the hoses and wiring when you disconnect them. Thats my only other advice. It's pretty much covered in the article.

The swap again isn't that difficult. When you think it may be too hard, remember thousands and thousands have done this kind of stuff, all around the world. you can too.
If you have questions there is this absolutely great site, Luvnit and I have done this a couple of times and are only 15-20 minutes away...

Whew! that was a long one!

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Resident lurker

Damn, that says bout all there is. Like D said, if there is anything you need give us a hauler!!!!

Thanks! I was a young fella asking lots of questions once, a VERY long time ago. Now I'm an old geezer, and still asking lots of questions!
#11

I put in a 406 sb and the only thing I modified was mount brks, core for rad, cross member under motor LUVNIT and diarmadhim are great guys I met them both. and like they said it is less work than you think. help is here and they said there right around the corner...

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http://bonsaint.com/luvalbum2/index.htm

more pics of my 76 406ci 4 spd posi.

Sheesh diarmadhim - Quit Ruinin our life. We could have told him to take the v* out of a Crown Vic

But go with what diarmadhim said, since pretty much it is a phased project.

Take Truck Apart

Make Changes

Put back together - SLOWLY

It took me a week and a half to put a stock motor in the truck. A swap will take longer and will be of higher frustration.

Just remember - Japanese Truck - Metric Wrench; SBC Motor - Standard Wrench.

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More LUV than one man could ever need - Spread the LUV!
- 1976 Chevy Longbed - Daily Driver
- 1981 Chevy Shortbed 4X4 - Needs Help!
- 1981 Chevy Luv 4X4 - Newly put together

Someone asked for specifics, just tryin to help a brutha out.

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Resident lurker