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Will a 1979 454 big block bolt right in to 1969 Chevy dump truck that has the 396 or is it not compatible?

A 1979 454 big-block will likely not be a direct bolt-in replacement for a 1969 Chevy dump truck's 396. While both are big-blocks, there are significant differences between engine generations that affect mounting, accessories, and potentially even the bellhousing.

Here's what you need to consider:

* Motor Mounts: The location and style of motor mounts changed over the years. You'll almost certainly need to adapt or replace the motor mounts.

* Bellhousing: The bellhousing (connecting the engine to the transmission) may not be compatible. The bolt pattern on the 454 block might differ from the 396's, requiring a different bellhousing.

* Transmission: Make sure your transmission is compatible with the 454. A 396 might have been paired with a transmission that won't work with a 454.

* Accessories: The placement of accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and air cleaner may differ, requiring modification or the use of different accessories.

* Exhaust: The exhaust system will almost certainly need to be modified or replaced.

* Wiring Harness: The wiring harness may need to be altered or replaced to accommodate the 454.

In short, while it's *possible* to swap a 1979 454 into a 1969 Chevy truck, it's not a simple bolt-in affair. It will require considerable mechanical knowledge, fabrication skills, and potentially many replacement parts. You're looking at a significant project, not a simple swap. A professional mechanic specializing in classic Chevy trucks would be best equipped to assess the feasibility and cost.