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Username Post: 1958 Chevy Impala Blue Print 350 engine swap        (Topic#375188)
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
06-12-24 02:20 PM - Post#2870807    

Hello,

I am compiling a parts list together on my engine swap-https://blueprinteng ines.com/collections/gm-compat ible-small-blocks-350-c-i /products/new-block-casti ng-350ci-cruiser-crate-en gine-longblock-aluminum-h eads-roller-cam-carburete d. Can I still use the same 348 engine mounts to bolt up to the 350? Or should I get 350 motor mounts? If 350, from what year car should I get them from?
Which headers did you use on the BluePrint heads? Sanderson shorty headers or other type?



 


japete92 
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2314
japete92
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
06-13-24 07:50 AM - Post#2870826    
    In response to Impala Steve

  • Impala Steve Said:
Hello,

I am compiling a parts list together on my engine swap-https://blueprinteng ines.com/collections/gm-compat ible-small-blocks-350-c-i /products/new-block-casti ng-350ci-cruiser-crate-en gine-longblock-aluminum-h eads-roller-cam-carburete d. Can I still use the same 348 engine mounts to bolt up to the 350? Or should I get 350 motor mounts? If 350, from what year car should I get them from?
Which headers did you use on the BluePrint heads? Sanderson shorty headers or other type?




Headers? I do not recommend them for street use. The OEM (and repro's) small block ram horns flow very nicely (at least equal to 'shorties'). They will minimize interferences and cost. AND if you are running a 2 speed powerglide, expecting acceleration is a mistake. 2" or 2 1/2" depending on power output. GM used the 2 1/2"
on engines 300+ hp.

I would replace motor mounts just because they are old. I do not remember is the small block mounts where different than the big block. I do not see any reason to use anything other than the stock small block mounts..

Dip stick location the same? Not a big deal with ram horn exhaust but just something to look at to reduce 'surprises'.

Just my opinions.

Pete











 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
06-13-24 07:19 PM - Post#2870844    
    In response to japete92

Okay I've ordered everything except for the fuel line that will go from the fuel pump to the carburetor. I am thinking of going with this Summit fuel line kit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3154. Now if I go with this where would I place the fuel filter? Did you put the fuel filter near the tank or in-line with the carburetor? The carburetor I'm getting is the Holley Street Warrior Model 4160 part number 0-80457S.




 
japete92 
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2314
japete92
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
06-14-24 07:15 AM - Post#2870857    
    In response to Impala Steve

  • Impala Steve Said:
Okay I've ordered everything except for the fuel line that will go from the fuel pump to the carburetor. I am thinking of going with this Summit fuel line kit https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g3154. Now if I go with this where would I place the fuel filter? Did you put the fuel filter near the tank or in-line with the carburetor? The carburetor I'm getting is the Holley Street Warrior Model 4160 part number 0-80457S.






Many ways to do the filter. I had a filter between the pump and the carb to protect the carb. To do that you will need a part similar to:

https://www.amazon.com/Edelbrock-8131-FUEL-L INE-KI...

But one for your carb. And maybe a shorter line between filter and the pump.


If desired, a simple plastic/paper filter may be added in the line just downstream of the pump. It will protect the pump. May be overkill but I had problems with fuel tank corrosion (until I replaced it).

Pete



 
49_Purple 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 177
49_Purple
Loc: Krydor, Sask. Canada
Reg: 08-21-15
06-18-24 07:36 PM - Post#2871002    
    In response to japete92

The 283 / 348 motor mounts are the same , and I've put a 350 in there using them also. If that was a 6 cyl car then the frame towers are taller than the V8 towers. They are bolted to the crossmember so you can change them if needed no mods required , just have to find the V8 ones if you don't have them.

58 Impala Sport Coupe 348 tripower
58 Impala Convertible 348 tripower
58 Sedan Delivery 348
65 Pont Custom Sport
66 Toronado
49 Chev 5window diesel
76 Sierra Classic 454
82 Corvette
84 Corvette
93 Corvette
95 Camaro Z28 Conv.


Edited by 49_Purple on 06-18-24 07:39 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
06-23-24 09:17 AM - Post#2871143    
    In response to 49_Purple

Thank you for clearing up the motor mounts. I will buy the 348 ones. Also, will the upper and lower radiator hoses from a 348 work on a 350? Or do I have to use different ones? I am using Alan Grove Component brand brackets for a Vortec/Blueprint heads part numbers 129R-Tall A/C, 228L-Tall Alternator, 409L-Type II power steering pump.



 
49_Purple 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 177
49_Purple
Loc: Krydor, Sask. Canada
Reg: 08-21-15
06-23-24 09:52 AM - Post#2871144    
    In response to Impala Steve

The 348 sits abit closer to the rad than the 283 so hoses are abit different. The new 350 would be sitting the same as the 283. Not sure on the water pump inlet size you will be using but my guess all should be the same as the 283 pump and thermostat housing. Flex hoses are a option also to match up exact fit.

GM for the 283 top # 3742375 , bottom # 3742376.

GM for the 348 top # 3755917 , bottom # 3742374.

58 Impala Sport Coupe 348 tripower
58 Impala Convertible 348 tripower
58 Sedan Delivery 348
65 Pont Custom Sport
66 Toronado
49 Chev 5window diesel
76 Sierra Classic 454
82 Corvette
84 Corvette
93 Corvette
95 Camaro Z28 Conv.


Edited by 49_Purple on 06-23-24 09:55 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
JayChicago 
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 570
JayChicago
Loc: Chicago
Reg: 01-03-13
06-23-24 12:35 PM - Post#2871148    
    In response to Impala Steve

Because the 348 sat little closer to the radiator, the radiator's fan shroud was little shorter than small block cars. But I would not even think about that at this point, because there are other variables that may make your existing shroud work just fine. (long vs short water pump, reach of whatever fan clutch is used)



 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
06-23-24 09:05 PM - Post#2871158    
    In response to JayChicago

Anyone on here who bought Sanderson headers CC158 BP modify the passenger side dipstick? How did you modify your existing dipstick assembly? If you bought from Lokar, what flexible oil dipstick did you purchase? What is the part number?



 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-02-24 01:12 PM - Post#2873382    
    In response to Impala Steve

Okay Sanderson headers and engine are assembled. Now I'm at the part where I need to hook up the red wire from the electric choke from the Holley 4160 carburetor to a 12V source. What is the best location for a 12V source, ignition switch or fuse panel?



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3536

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
09-02-24 02:16 PM - Post#2873384    
    In response to Impala Steve

I used a circuit in the fuse panel, that was ignition on only, low draw circuit.



 
japete92 
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2314
japete92
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
09-02-24 02:32 PM - Post#2873385    
    In response to Impala Steve

If the car has electric wipers, that is conveniently located, and is only 'on' when the ignition switch is 'on'. The wipers don't come on with the ignition switch; only the power to them. The wiper switch opens/closes the ground.

I personally would NOT use the car's ignition circuit.

Pete



Edited by japete92 on 09-02-24 02:39 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 
JayChicago 
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 570
JayChicago
Loc: Chicago
Reg: 01-03-13
09-04-24 06:10 AM - Post#2873454    
    In response to japete92

Feed to ignition switch is not fused. If you take power directly from the ignition switch you have an un-fused circuit. Not good.



 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-15-24 06:35 PM - Post#2873894    
    In response to JayChicago

So I feed the 12v source to the ignition switch with an inline 10 am fuse. Got it.




 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-15-24 06:37 PM - Post#2873895    
    In response to Impala Steve

Engine update: I noticed an small puddle of oil on the garage floor today. The car has been sitting for a couple of weeks after the new engine had been started. Should I betting a rear main seal leak where the transmission dust cover is located? I thought new engines shouldn't have this problem.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3536

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
09-15-24 06:56 PM - Post#2873896    
    In response to Impala Steve

You need to actually determine the source of leak. 86 and newer engines used the one piece seal solved the leak in that area. Oil inside the inspection cover could be one of plugs in the rear of the block.



 
49_Purple 
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 177
49_Purple
Loc: Krydor, Sask. Canada
Reg: 08-21-15
09-15-24 07:05 PM - Post#2873897    
    In response to Shepherd

Maybe check the color of the oil first, if it's red then it's the tranny , if it's engine oil then it can be the rear crank seal or maybe even seeping down from the back of the valve cover.

58 Impala Sport Coupe 348 tripower
58 Impala Convertible 348 tripower
58 Sedan Delivery 348
65 Pont Custom Sport
66 Toronado
49 Chev 5window diesel
76 Sierra Classic 454
82 Corvette
84 Corvette
93 Corvette
95 Camaro Z28 Conv.


 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-15-24 10:54 PM - Post#2873904    
    In response to Shepherd

Okay I will use a dye test to track that leak and see where it's located.




 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-15-24 10:56 PM - Post#2873905    
    In response to 49_Purple

The break in oil for Blue Print engines is light blue color.



 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
09-29-24 05:11 PM - Post#2874300    
    In response to Impala Steve

Now question about the TV cable coming from the transmission how do I know if I have properly adjusted. I have a Holley 4160 carburetor and have installed on the middle hole.



 
Shepherd 
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3536

Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
09-29-24 06:00 PM - Post#2874301    
    In response to Impala Steve

What trans?



 
JayChicago 
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 570
JayChicago
Loc: Chicago
Reg: 01-03-13
09-30-24 07:16 AM - Post#2874308    
    In response to Impala Steve

"...TV cable coming from the transmission how do I know if I have properly adjusted."

Seems to me that is a fine-tuning adjustment specific to your engine/trans/rear end ratio/weight of the car. To be done by drive-testing to see what feels right for your car. When you accelerate hard the trans should down-shift. If you want it to down-shift sooner, adjust at the carb to shorten the TV cable.





Edited by JayChicago on 09-30-24 09:43 AM. Reason for edit: changed "up-shift" to "down-shift"

 
Impala Steve 
Poster
Posts: 89

Reg: 02-22-13
10-07-24 08:36 AM - Post#2874474    
    In response to Shepherd

4L60 or 700R4. Changed the TV cable shifts good now. Now another mystery I get a squeal when I put the car in reverse. When I put it in drive or another gear no squeal. I noticed on the top of the belt that goes from the crank pulley to the power steering its got a rub mark on it. The diameter of the power steering pulley is 5.5 inches that came with the power steering pump from PSC. Any ideas?



Edited by Impala Steve on 10-07-24 08:40 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

 


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