1997 C2500 Engine swap w/ TBI Long Block

[19971997]

Im writing this in a hurry since im on my lunch break but this is what i got going on:

Picked up a nicer than normal northern states truck (Indiana) with a trans issue. It would only drive in revrse. I got the tranny rebuilt and the truck drove fine back from the shop. 2 weeks later it had all the sudden sounded like a soup can was under the hood banging around. Very awful loud mechanical damage sounds and would still drive but not well. Felt like it would blow up towards 20 25 mph. Long story short, Blue has accumulated 312k over the years and i started seeking a new 350. Well i found one with 0 miles on it. It was for sale by someone with a friend at a local NAPA store. It sat for 10 years before it was sold to the previous owner and now me.

Well i knew it wasnt a 96' or later engine and picked it up anyway. So this is what im working with..

Its a 5.7 TBI motor with cast number 14093638. 2 or 4 bolts, maybe flat tappet maybe roller ready, 1pc rear etc.

So i want to use as many parts if possible from the Vortec 5.7 thats in Blue now on this TBI block. Its a long block with heads oil pan on it. From what ive read in the popular sticky post about Vortec on TBI i know its possible to use this block in my Blue 97'. I just want to share the pix of this block and hoping for a kind honest reply from members here about what i can and cant accomplish with what i already have on hand.

Mainly i want to use the whole vortec intake and heads that were on the beat up block. I dont think ive mislead myself purchasing this long block just need a bit of direction. Thanks yall

 

[19971997]

More pics the day i got it:

 

[19971997]

The prev owner said it was a Jasper motor but i dont know a tag says Marshall

 

[19971997]

A little update i pulled a single lifter out and its indeed flat tappet. Is there a way to tell if the provision has been made to the block for a roller setup?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

A little update i pulled a single lifter out and its indeed flat tappet. Is there a way to tell if the provision has been made to the block for a roller setup?

Yes, if you look in the lifter valley of your block you'll see the 3 bosses in the center for the hold down Spider. Then look at the front of the block around the cam, you'll see 2 holes opposite each other for the cam retainer plate.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

There are other ways to upgrade but, this is the easiest (factory) way.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Some light reading for you when I went through the upgrade after I wiped out a flat tappet cam - I'll NEVER go back to one.
www.gmt400.com/threads/my-flat-tappet-cam-wiped-out-so-i-decided-to-go-roller.60167/

My Flat Tappet Cam Wiped Out So I Decided To Go Roller

A little background: About 4 years ago, my '88 C1500 with the 5.7L TBI engine started overheating on me. I found the head gaskets blown. I knew the swirl port heads and peanut cam were about useless so, I decided to "upgrade" to better parts while trying to keep it fairly cheap - yeah right...

www.gmt400.com

 

[19971997]

My valley bosses arent drilled and havent taken off the chain plate. So is this indication of non roller provision to this block?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

My valley bosses arent drilled and havent taken off the chain plate. So is this indication of non roller provision to this block?

You can drill and tap them, no big deal. Just keep it clean! Check your front too.

 

[19971997]

Under the chain cover arent drilled neither. Damn

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Under the chain cover arent drilled neither. Damn

Looks like you have some work to do but, it's well worth it! IIRC they're all 1/4-20 bolts but don't quote me. You probably need button head bolts for the cam plate for clearance from your timing gear. YMMV

Edit: There are 2 different bolt spacing on the plate depending on years. Just measure to the center of the boss, order the right plate and drill them accordingly.