Back to the 6 banger

[Beast]

Well today will start the first day of the swap from the 400 Pontiac in my 715 back to an original 230. I have been collecting parts along the way to do this, and was prepared to do it the last few winters before being sidelined with other projects (M37 resto and business work) I know most people will think it's weird to go from a v8 back to the stock 6 but for me I would rather have a truck with the original motor in it since mine is such a clean truck. About the only thing I'm left still searching for is a gauge dash panel. Most all the suppliers seam to be out of them. I do however have a super nice custom one that is set up for 6 gauges, speedo, and tach plus 4 accessory gauges that I would be willing to trade to anyone who has a good condition stock panel.

Fits in the stock location.

[Duane]

if this was a facebook post I would click the "like" button. I think down the road, when people realize that M715's deserve the same recognition as as its older relatives. the stock ones will be the appreciated ones. but I also beleive that if its your truck its your right to do whatever you want with it. are you going back to 24v? I may have a panel but dont know if i have gauges. I will look after the weekend. I have a pretty big to do list before our Daytona 500 party


Duane

[Beast]

Yes, going back to 24v, and I have all new 24v gauges for it, just need the panel.

For me I'm doing it for the collectability value some where down the road. Not that I would ever sell mine, but just for the value of it. When I originally started restoration on my truck back in 2004 it was the only military vehicle I had, so I wanted to make it as original as possible on the outside and leave the 400 in it for driving. But as my collection of military vehicles grew so did the desire to return the 715 back to all stock.

[Wintermute]

heck, I'll trade ya a stock panel for that one. I've been trying to find a panel to be able to add a tach to mine at some point

--Wintermute

[wrecker]

I will trade as well if for some reason the others back out.

[militarypotts]

There's a switch, going from a V8 to a 230ci six. I personally love the idea. Beast, did you have the 230ci motor, or did you have to build a new one? I have the original Tornado motor in my truck, it has 13,700 miles on it. I don't drive fast anyway. I love the feeling of having everything original. Nothing against anyone who modify's their own truck tho.The old saying "To each his own".

[Dan Mac]

The fire depts mine came from had already done the chevy swaps in both of them and I wouldn't change them back but I wouldn't swap out a good running stock motor either if that's what they had come with. I'd really like one of each.

[Wintermute]

I will trade as well if for some reason the others back out.

Wrecker, if you need it, I'll let you take it. I was going to machine one for my truck out of billet aluminum, so I'll just go that route still and let you trade for this one . Figured it'd be an easy stopgap route for me to get this one and then machine the other one, but no point in me doing that if someone else will use it.

--Wintermute

[Beast]

My truck came with the 400 Pontiac in it when I got it. When I started thinking about the swap back, I acquired a running 230 from Tomahawk and also have a back-up 230 sitting in BB715's garage that I still need to drive down and pick up. Then I started colloecting up the bits and pieces to make the swap. When this is all over, I'm going to have some really good stuff for anyone who's looking to do a v8 swap (400, adapter plate to trans, and all kinds of 12v stuff) for a good deal.

Wrecker, I'll shoot you a PM about the dash panels.

[wrecker]

Pm returned. Thanks to both of you--Wintermute and Beast.

Also, I might as well get some decals while I'm at it. Heading out of town right now, I'll get more info tommorrow evening.