Swaping a vortec on non vortec truck

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Aperrado

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The engine drops right in. May need to dick with oil filter adapter, especially if the Vortec is from a 4X4 truck. The Vortec engine will need it's flexplate/flywheel, the '71 unit won't bolt to the crankshaft.

If you're keeping the computer control of timing and fuel, you'll need a higher-pressure fuel pump, and pretty-much the entire engine-compartment wire harness, sensor array, and output devices--EGR, IAC, electronic distributor/module, etc. from the donor truck.

Not sure about catalyst/exhaust, especially in California. I'm thinking the whole emissions system has to match the truck or the engine, whichever is newer. But CA emissions is way beyond my experience.
Sound kinda trouble!!
 

Erik the Awful

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Personally, I would go with the Vortec long block, run a Vortec 4-barrel intake, and either a carb or the 4-barrel fuel injection of your choice. My '89 has a 4-bolt main TBI block with roller cam provisions, Vortec heads, and a Holley Sniper.
 

Supercharged111

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The reward for living in California.

Verify with the Emissions Police BEFORE you spend money or commit to a plan of action.

I spent a few months in that state last year. Imagine my surprise at the track when I heard a ZL1 Camaro with a donkey djck cam and CA plates. Turns out, the first 5 years are also free.
 

letitsnow

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Personally, I would go with the Vortec long block, run a Vortec 4-barrel intake, and either a carb or the 4-barrel fuel injection of your choice. My '89 has a 4-bolt main TBI block with roller cam provisions, Vortec heads, and a Holley Sniper.

I would do this, or buy a replacement motor from the same era. One of the benefits of pre '73 is the lack of the cat converter - no need to screw that up.
 

95burban

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Do what Erik did. Carb or aftermarket kit like a sniper, jegs or fitech. I would not waste my time trying to wire in factory vortec efi. I’ve never done an aftermarket efi but I do have a little drag truck with a carb’d vortec long block, it’s a blast to drive
 
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