CRATE AND COMFORTS
We've done some work on Kerry's C20 in the past, giving it a 3"/4" static drop. It runs a vortec 350 and TH700 from a mid 80's Chev that has been getting smokey over the last few years and developed some blow-by and a general lack of power. The decision was made to tear down and rebuild the old engine, upgrade some bolt-on parts like intake and carb and also while we're at it, install A/C.
We pulled the engine and sent it to our engine builder to tear down and inspect. The outcome wasn't good, 2 cylinders had heavy pitting from water sitting in them from years ago, broken piston rings, also needed new pistons to suit the overbore, new roller cam, lifters and all top end gear. The decision was made to scrap that engine and use a brand new 400hp Blueprint 350 crate engine. These engines come with a warranty, a dyno sheet and fully dressed from sump to air cleaner, brand new Blueprint casted 4 bolt mains block, Blueprint alloy heads, roller cam, 4bbl Holley carb, aluminium intake, new distributor and leads, chrome valve covers the lot!
Crate engine came to us in a few days from our supplier, we didn't hesitate to open it up and have a peak!
While the engine was out, we gave the bay a degrease and pressure wash, we replaced an inner fender that was rusted and cleaned up a heap of wiring issues. We also recoated the radiator support.
We started on the A/C install, removing the factory heater box from the engine bay and interior. We ordered up a Vintage Air kit , which is what we always use for these truck which tucks up nicely under the dash behind the glovebox as well as factory dash vents. A plate is then fabricated to cover the firewall holes and the dash is cut to accept the factory vents, 2 round side vents and a rectangular center vent.
The evaporator unit was fitted under the dash and custom bracketry made, A/C hoses were made and crimped and installed from evap unit to firewall bulkhead. A new glovebox panel was then fabricated to hide the unit and house the A/C controls and head unit. Condenser was fitted with custom bracketry, dryer mounted and hoses made and crimped.
The engine could finally be installed, wired up and fluids filled ready to start up. The A/C lines made from the firewall bulkhead to the compressor and dryer.
Engine fired up great, timing was pretty spot on and carby needed a few adjustments but all in all a great little engine swap. We had the A/C charged and is super cold, right in time for Summer! The engine bay looks totally different to how it was before.
Check out the before and after photo of the engine bay!
BEFORE
AFTER