can I install a 1990 350 gmc truck motor in 1996 gmc pickup w/ a bad 350 vortec(rod Knock)?

It's been my understanding that Vortec heads won't fit other SBC styles... I'd install whole motor into the truck.It would bolt up to the tranny easily The computer would prolly need to be switched out for the one from the 1990 though.

the heads n intake should bolt up on the 1990 block, ive heard of people doing it

Yes the heads and intake are different but all you have to do is switch then from the 96 to the 90 and then you dont have to change anything else.

it will just bolt right up. just take the hardware off the vortec and put it on the 90 block. you should be good with that. and if you have any questions check out the fullsizechevy forum

Can I do the reverse? I had some head gasket work done on my 1996 Yukon 350 vortec, found the heads were no good and put heads from a 1994 350 on it. Running rough and stalling at idle. Could it be the heads are not compatible?

So you are telling me. I could take the heads and intake off the 1996 vortec motor. And take the heads and intake off of my 1993 350 motor. And put the vortec heads and intake on my good 1993 350. And that would make the 1993 350 motor with the vortec heads and intake on it. Work in my 1996 truck. Right?

Heads off a vortec up to 98 will fit a tbi as long as they are 350 ci. Tbi (trottle body injection) can still be used but you either need an aftermarket intake for the swap intended or you need to drill the mounting holes in the tbi intake. One bolts straight in the other is diagnal. Cant remember which is which. The vortec intake has different coolant line setup and uses spider injection, therefore, cpu would need swapped. You will not see a significant hp gain with heads alone. The cam would need changed to vortec also. Open up airflow (intake/exhaust) for max gain.

Just curious.. would the distributor also have to be changed

I had to change the intake and heads but now I have problems with the crank sensor and

This is why I do not advise swapping old car engines into newer cars. You can't install all the control sensors and smog devices to make them run and be smog legal.

You will have to use the heads intake distributor timing cover and reluctor ring off of the 96 to 99 vortec you can use the cam in the throttle body engine with non roller but you will have to use the rockers and push rods off of the non roller tbi. Also if you use the 96 cam you will have to use the cam lock and notch it to use it. I done all this works perfect.

I’m putting a 95 block in my 97 I have everything in and hooked up only problem I have is I don’t have a crank sensor would I need a different distributor that’s non computer controlled?