One word: Don't. If this is your first engine swap, stick with an original small block Chevy or as a stretch, an LS engine. At least for that Atlas engine in the Wikipedia picture I saw, you'd never get the hood to close. That black thing on top would prevent closure.

Putting in oddball engines means that you are utterly on your own with little to no help from others and it'd be the Lewis & Clark Expedition of Engine Swaps!! There will also likely to be zero manufacturing support for engine mounts, transmission cross members, oil pan, engine wiring harnesses and the powertrain control module reflash of the operating system needed by the Atlas engine.

Rick

 

X2. For ease of swapping, a traditional SBC is a no-brainer. But, if the truck is really to be a "daily" driver that you put a lot of miles on, a properly set up LS type (5.3L) - with the factory or, aftermarket fuel injection - will provide the best fuel mileage and trouble-free driving.

 

Or leave the 454 alone and put the money you’d spend on the swap into the ‘gas fund’. Or, use that money to buy a cheap commuter appliance like a used Cavalier (or motorcycle!).
Patrick

 

B52bombardier1: Which black thing, the valve cover or the airbox? I don't think the valve cover would be an issue, and I'd probably have to do something different with the intake anyway. Worst case, I get a slightly taller hood. Also, I live next to the Missouri River, so the Lewis & Clark of engine swaps would only be appropriate =).

pbr400: Just running the 454 would work, but I don't see it as being ideal, especially in the snow (front heavy, a little too much power...). I currently drive a Ford ZX2, which my dad (it's part of his beater fleet) would probably still let me drive, but I also have project ideas for it, so having another car that can be run somewhat practically for a few months would be a good idea.

As for ease of swapping, it really shouldn't be too far off from swapping in an LS (which was also used in the Atlas's native vehicles). The motor mounts will probably be different, but I know some people that could probably help me out with that. The transmission could be about any GM transmission since the bellhousing pattern has been the same for decades. The computer system may be a bit tricky, but again, I can find help.

 

The air box black thing. And I'm pretty sure there are no tall enough hoods for that. My taller cowl induction hood has extra structure on the engine side that would be an even worse problem.

Don't forget about drive line angles to the rear.

Rick

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I didn't really want the cowl hood per se, but it was thought. Also, if the transmission doesn't change location, driveline angles shouldn't change, but I suppose since this one was being slightly hot rodded with an automatic transmission, a new driveshaft may be in order anyway.

Also, while this is technically a thread about engine swaps, are there any ideas out there for the transmission? I'm thinking of using one of the Muncies. The Aisin AR-5 that went behind the smaller Atlas engines is only rated for 260 lb-ft of torque, and the I6 is good for 275 lb-ft stock. I suppose Tremec has something that would work, but I don't see too many of them come up for sale.

 

Check out this article.

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A little more than I'm looking to do, but indeed a very nice job. Glad I'm not the only crazy person out there.

 

It sounds like you really want to go with the straight six, which I respect, but the LS has so much going for it including reliability. The 4.2 Trailblazer engines have a lot of flaws, less power and will present more challenges to swap. You could eat soup with a fork to be different. Sometimes the most common way is most common for a reason.
Patrick
(I’m an old school guy, though-I could never run an ls in an old Pontiac or Buick even though it’s common. But a Chevy, sure!

 

I get what you're saying, but it is an interesting engine, and while it may not embarrass the neighborhood Dodge dealer, it produces enough power & torque for my purposes. I did consider a small diesel engine, but the only option that would be cheap enough while still being in the GM family would be an old Isuzu 4 out of a mini pickup.

 

Hi American idiot, Merry Christmas and welcome from Idaho. Glad you've joined us. Enjoy the 67 and have fun.

 

I still have my 40,000 mile 305 that I pulled out of my El Camino. I replaced it with a 350 HP 327. I rebuilt the top end with fresh 305 heads and a GM Q-Jet Aluminum intake.It was a casual weekend driven engine that I drove without any problems.I also have a Saginaw 4 speed with shifter, if your're interested and can get it.

 

This one is currently on the NECOA FB page. Now this is wanting something different and unusual! 24v Cummins.

 

When you figure in what this engine swap will cost, I don't think you will save anything. You will take a lot of fun out of the car.
If its a low compression 454 you can do things with the timing to get very good mileage. I have a 1978 low compression 454 in my 69. I run 22 initial with 14 mechanical that comes in slowly till 2800. The car is such a joy to drive with all that torque right off idle and runs on 87.. It likes the cheap gas from Sams club too...

 

I've seen two Cummings transplants. One in a 72 Duster, the other in a 66 Chevelle. The Duster was very well done with a Ramchargers scoop. The Chevelle was a four door Rat Rod. Crazy fast.

 

Like I said, I've thought of the diesel option, but there isn't much out there that will move a car faster than a glacier without breaking the bank (used Cummins 4BTs start around $3000 for just the engine). As for it being a low compression unit, I doubt it. It looks like the current owner was going to make some sort of hot rod out of the car.