91 Blazer frame-over question

[Studeclunker]

I have been given a '91 S10 Blazer (4 dr) that is destined for a frame-over of a '64 Studebaker Champ pickup. I've taken measurements and am pretty sure that the old Studee will fit. Likewise it has the firewall brake cylinder and should work with the Chevy brakes. Likewise the Studee has the small block V8 (actually it's a Packardbaker motor) so the 350 should work in the engine compartment. My friend tells me that I can also switch out the V6 with a V8, in this case a 350. He says that the V6 is adapted from the V8 block and the transmission along with the flex-plate and Torque Converter should just bolt up. I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with putting a V8 to the S10 transmission and if it can handle the larger engine. My evil plan for this is to use it as a tow vehicle for my Spartanette (30-ft) trailer. It's less than 6k lbs loaded so the chassis and drive train should be able to handle it, to my limited experience. This old Blazer was rolled and the previous owner removed all the doors and roof to play with it off road.

Yes, I know the limitations for towing such a large trailer with such a small pickup. I have a larger truck to haul the trailer over mountains and such (also a Chevy, by the way). Just in case anyone might be concerned.

So, just to recap:
Is is possible to switch the V6 with a small block V8?
Will the S10 transmission handle the V8?
Will the drive train work without a computer, specifically the transmission?
etc...

 

[zora]

Transmission mounting pattern is the same but any electronic transmission or fuel injection requires a ecm so you would need a 200r4 probably.

 

[Studeclunker]

Transmission mounting pattern is the same but any electronic transmission or fuel injection requires a ecm so you would need a 200r4 probably.

I had to look up what an ECM is. Okay... If I disconnect the rest of the electrics from the current computer will it freak out? As far as I know, the ECM on a '91 is really basic. However, the current oil pressure safety switch has been tripped with the current engine and shuts the motor down. Is there a way to bypass it? The current engine has a carb. The replacement will also. If I can bypass everything else, will it be possible to retain the current computer, or is that the ECM? My evil plan is to keep as much of the current wiring harness as possible. As far as the engine compartment is concerned.

By the by, thank you again for a quick response.

 

[zora]

You made no mention of the transmission, if electronic it needs a computer.

 

[Studeclunker]

You made no mention of the transmission, if electronic it needs a computer.

Haven't gotten that far. I'm going to get under it this afternoon or tomorrow. However, the 4WD (transfer case?) selector is a manual lever. The transmission looks to be normal, that is to say the Linkage and so on, visible from the engine compartment and inside, looks just like my '66 C-20. This is rather close to the ground and currently has flat tires which only makes it worse. I'll get back to this tomorrow.

Thanks again for the info. So far, it looks like I'll do the Studebaker frame-over first at this point.

 

[Studeclunker]

Okay, going by the link provided in the other thread, the tranny pan is largely square and sixteen bolts. Hence a TH700-R4. Big tranny for a little vehicle. Maybe they bought it with the towing package?

 

[Studeclunker]

Well, the left-side drag link is really bad! So, I'll have to replace that. Anyone know where I can get a rebuild kit for the front end on this?

 

[zora]

Try Rockauto or find a Studebaker forum

 

[Studeclunker]

Try Rockauto or find a Studebaker forum

I'm already a member of the Studebaker Drivers forum and club. However, If I am framing over to a Chevy, must come here for anything dealing with the Chevy running gear. I already know of quite a number of Champs which have been framed over to an S10 chassis. So I know it can be done. However my other Chevy is a '66 and just about everything I know about that is useless with a '91 Blazer. Believe it or not, the frame rails to an S10 are almost identical to those of a Champ pickup. Particular the '63-4 models. However, the S10 is a lot shorter ahead of the firewall. Still, this has been done and I have been questioning them about it. Which is why I am here. You folks know about the S10. I know this marriage will work. However I need your expertise on the newer generation Chevrolet.

 

[Studeclunker]

Firewall is off and I'm finding all kinds of lovely surprises!

Okay... found wires going across the top of the tranny. But, but, but... The oil pan says not electronic (whine, whine, whine...) However it looks to only be three or four fine wires. Boy clearance is TIGHT in this thing! there's only about a quarter of an inch between the tranny and the floor! Well... maybe half an inch. I'm still hoping the wires have to do with the 4X4 position indicator.

It has a computer module I pulled out of the dash. They put these things in the most interesting places, don't they? Kinda makes one think they don't want us finding them!

 

[Studeclunker]

Okay, I have the wiring harnesses freed from the instrument panel. Looks like the wiring for the transmission is only indicators (?). I hope... However the engine is run by an ECM. Not a good thing for me. I have to think this over. There is a 350 available to swap this out and get MUCH simpler operations from and it looks like the available donor is just a bolt up? Hmmm...

 

[Studeclunker]

Okay, I have the wiring harnesses freed from the instrument panel. Looks like the wiring for the transmission is only indicators (?). I hope... However the engine is run by an ECM. Not a good thing for me. I have to think this over. There is a 350 available to swap this out and get MUCH simpler operations from and it looks like the available donor is just a bolt up? Hmmm...

Of course, then there's the wiring on the steering column...