Gen 2 Sonoma & 5.7

[polkaudio]

Finally started the conversion last Saturday.
Sure was an eye opener pulling the engine and trans out. In hind sight, it might have been better to pull the trans separately from the engine. Ended up pulling the core support.
Looking at the engine bay, there sure is a ton of wire and not a lot of room. Hard to imagine a V8 fits.

[ZR1BLAZER]

it fits. it might be easier to pull the complete front cap off. when you go back in you will need to go motor/trans together and you can work with the exhaust alot easier as well. GL

[harleyboy]

yea pulling the front clip off makes it alot easier to pull outand put in.

[polkaudio]

I am considering pulling the entire front clip of so I can address the rusty frame rails. But man that's a lot of bolts to deal with.

When we finally had the old drive train out it was a bit late and to get to that point we just started removing bolts so at least the core support would come out. I hated cracking the AC lines, but oh well whatever it takes right?

A question I do have when installing the new engine.
Does the starter need to go in after engine installation or can it be attached to the engine when I put it in?

I had to pull the stock starter to get the V6 out, which sucked. I bought a mini starter for the V8 in the hopes of it being easier to service when needed.

And I'll try to post pictures when I can.

[RONSTPIS10]

front clip off is the only way to go and there really is not that many bolts to get it off

[Rinkrat456]

I've always just removed the core support during V8 swaps. The fenders and hood stays on.

Any other specs or comments on the V8 going in?

[ZR1BLAZER]

if you dont pull the front cap. its going to be tough but can be done. but you will have to install the starter after the motor is in place either way.

[spacecadet]

I've done one where I left the clip on. Hanging over the fenders to get the motor mounts bolted in is a real pain. With the clip off you can walk right up to the motor and work with ease.
Theres only @ dozen bolts to r&r the front clip. The hardest part is finding a buddy to help you lift it off in 1 piece.
Space.

[Ryoung68]

I did my install with the front clip on the first time, I'm doing it with the clip and support removed the second time. You have to lift the chassis higher with the front clip in place, which makes it more difficult for us short people, LOL! :wtf:

[polkaudio]

I've always just removed the core support during V8 swaps. The fenders and hood stays on.

Any other specs or comments on the V8 going in?
It's getting a stock 5.7 GM crate engine. Induction is the Edelbrock Multi-Point system so I can utilize the factory ECU and not have to run a standalone engine harness and ECU.

This is very similar to the swap Trucks did.

Trying to keep it as simple as possible especially with SMOG here in "The Peoples Republic of Cali".

[polkaudio]

So finally got around to taking a couple of shots. The engine's been in for a while and I'm trying to take care of all the other details. Should've had this project done months ago, but I'm a slacker.

I'm keeping the AC and using a Superior radiator. It was a lot of work, but it all barely fits. I can still change the drive belt, so I'm happy.