If you have ever wondered what LS swapping an International Travelall would be like, YouTube channel Salvage to Savage can help. In a recent video, they add a 6.0-liter LS engine into an International Harvester Travelall. While the engine sounds great and will build up the power, the process isn’t without its hiccups, as is the case with most classic car modifications.
Check out the video to see them go over what modifications they are making and what it’ll take to get this classic SUV running again.
LS Swapped Travelall
First off, they mention needing to replace the fuel and brake lines that need to go into the Travelall in addition to a new Holley oil pan since it will be low to the ground once it is roadworthy again. They get the engine bolted onto the transmission and begin work on the motor mounts and the brake plumbing as the next steps necessary. With those steps complete and with the engine and transmission in, they must work on the fuel system plumbing and get the body panels mocked up to begin work on the radiator.
The Travelall originally came with four-wheel drum brakes, and they are converting it to four-wheel disc brakes. They install the shift knob and the cover and then put it back into the air to get the exhaust put onto the vehicle. At that point, with it together enough to start, they get it gassed up and add oil to the engine. The modifications are a far cry from the stock International Harvester from decades ago that in many ways was simply ahead of its time as a large, multi-passenger SUV. Given the popularity of large SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer today, it’s easy to assume a modern Travelall would thrive in today’s automotive environment.
Starting Up The Travelall
With the engine attempting to fire up, it initially sounds aggressive, but quickly realize that the fuel pressure needs an adjustment and that the valve covers are too small to support the Travelall running. This discovery essentially means that they’ll be unable to get it running today, and additional work will be necessary before it is ready to turn over and run under its own power. During the initial attempt, they noticed a valve cover moving, which was a quick indicator of an issue.
They determine that the Travelall will need a tall style valve cover and that the vehicle not starting turns out likely to be advantageous as it could have damaged the push rod had it fully turned over. The hypothesis is that if the fuel pressure had worked initially, it would cause more problems and despite the end result not being the intent, it all ended well for now. Tune in to future videos to see this classic International Harvester eventually run.
