63 C10 big block swap

Hey all 1st post been reading awhile. I have a 63 C10 with a 350 in it now. The motor is tired and I am looking to replace it. I have a nearly new 454 crate motor in my garage looking for a place to call home. My question is has anyone done this swap and what am I looking at to do it? I know the saying anything can be done with enough time and money but I dont want to spend a fortune to make this happen. I should note that the truck has a 4 speed now , I am thinking of swapping to a 400 trans since I have that laying around too. Thoughts?  

Motor mounts are not a problem, you shoule be able to get them at any autoparts store (mounts from anything up to 72 are a direct fit) 73-87 will work also but may require a little modification if I remember correctly. As for the transmission, either you need to find an auto truck and get the cross member (tn chevy on this site may be able to help you) or otherwise I went with a 700R4 transmission and bought the crossmember from Bowlers performance transmission...  

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if the was a concern about it because I mostly see small block conversions.  

Yes, but I am with you... No replacement for displacement. Since the frames and k members are the same from 63-72 it is a fairly straight forward swap which is why I don't think there are a lot of kits out there. Just ask the parts store for motor mounts for a 6.6L 1972 c-10 and you have an inexpensive solution to mount any chevy big block in your truck.  

Does anybody know where to get a set of headers for the swap? I looked at the Summit site and did not see any for big block/ 60-66 applications.  

I used Hedman Tight Tubes on the 402 in my '62.  The only catch is that you have to use a small starter. Mine is from a mid 90's pickup.

http://www.hedman.com/products/?id=3482&rsku=0  
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1949 Chevy 1 1/2ton, home-built hydraulic wrecker.  Rustoleum industrial black, with flames.  Flamethrowers out 5" dual stacks.
1962 Chevy C-20, 402BB, 4-speed, 3.90 positrack. Hauls my camper.... among other things.

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but I'm always looking for info so I'd be happy to pass on what I know and have experienced to others interested in these old trucks.

I have just finished installing a built 454 in my 63 chevy truck.  The previous owner had taken the "6" and 3 sp. manual out and installed a 350 and turbo 400.  The 350 was weak, so the 454 was my choice.  The frame motor mounts brackets were already there, but they are probably from a later truck.  I used the 350 mounts on the 454.  The trans crossmember is home-made, but new ones can be purchased.  The turbo 400 is re-installed.  Headers are from a 1987 4WD and are Hooker Competition long tube and fit perfectly.  The big starter is in place, but to service it, the header must be removed.  either header is easily removed without disturbing the engine mounts.

Steering column was changed to a 72 auto unit and a power steering sector from an 87 was installed.  

I used turbo 2 1/2" mufflers under the cab with 3" SS pipes exiting in front of the rear tires.  It's not completed yet because body work and paint is to follow.  I'm needing a gear set of 3.08 or so to replace my 3.73's.  This is going to be a cruiser, so I don't need these low gears.  I also plan on a performance converter to help overcome the tall gear.  

Has anyone installed a windshield and rear glass in one of these trucks and do you have any tips?  

454/turbo 400 in 63 chevy truck  

Thanks for the input! I am pulling the motor and trans for a 78 C20. It already has headers so I guess I can try those 1st what would be the harm. I am using the power steering and column from the same truck on it as well.  

When I installed the PS sector on mine I didn't buy a bracket kit, but rather welded spacers to the frame. One mounting bolt is below the frame so a bracket had to be fabricated. If were to do it again, I would buy the bracket kit to mount the later power steering. As far as the steering column, not much is the same. I used a u-bolt to secure the column to the dash(mine is a 72). The turn signal wiring is my next project. It's all different.  

Yeah I knew swapping the column was going to be a bit of a project. I am thinking of getting a wiring harness anyway since I am swapping out my cab (rusted roof) .  

I just finished building a fuel tank of aluminum and installing it where spare was. The old tank is out of the cab. A fuel filler door from a ranger is in the left rear fender. It all seems to fit well. Next is all the body work-work-work. I'm thinking of base and no clear for paint-Maybe black.  

Under bed fuel tank is on my list too. Im just gonna fill it through the bed floor. I will shoot mine a matte black for the rest of the year until I can afford or feel comfortable enough to spray a metallic paint job. Keep me posted on your progress. Sounds like fun.  

When you swapped in your 454 did you go with a different radiator? If so what? If not are you having any problems with it running too hot?  

I adapted a mid 70's caprice radiator from a 454. I had to make it work with drilling a few holes and adding double electric fans from some kind of Honda. This thing should never run hot.