Big Green is our 1985 Chevy K10 project truck. It’s a regular cab long bed, and it has plenty of visual punch. It does not have a lot of punch under the hood though. The original 305 cu-in V8 is on its way out and the brand-new 350 cu-in Chevrolet Performance ZZ6 turn-key engine package is in. We are transforming Big Green from quiet and slow to loud and fast.
We join ace mechanic – Ted Ax (of Ax and Allies classic car specialty shop in Denver, Colorado) to perform the swap. None of us have swapped a Chevy V8 before, so this will be a fun experience.
The ZZ6 is a carbureted 350 cubic inch “Chevy 350” engine that is rated at 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to Chevrolet for providing the ZZ6 engine package for our Big Green project.
Yes, we are doubling the power output of our 1985 Chevy K10. The original engine was rated at 160 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. What can go wrong? We made a lot of progress, but we are still far away from taking Big Green down the highway and up a mountain trail.
Join the fun in this part 2 of 3 engine swap video where Ted and Roman work to lift install the new Holley carburetor and headers. In case you are curious, you can link to the first day of the engine swap.
