drd21968

I recently purchased a nice 79 corvette.it has a nice 350 in it and it runs better than stock,just a mild cam 350, edlebrock intake,quadrajet,i would say it is in the 275 to 300 hp range.it runs good but I like a little more power.i looked at maybe doing a 383 I have one in my 89 and it is a very strong motor.for a little more I can build a 496 bb.i have one in my 68 Camaro and it is a beast.here is my question,will it fit in a 79.with aluminum heads will I need to change front springs.is this too much power for this car and will I be opening a can of worms and have to upgrade trans,drivetrain and brakes to handle a 600hp engine.i think a bb 79 would be very cool.i would like to keep it bone stock with the bb power plant.i have also looked at a lower hp 496 that has around 500 hp,maybe that would be a better match.

TimAT

The biggest can of worms will be the cost of the accessory drives. All the BB brackets and pulleys are not cheap.
A 383 or even a 427 SB is a bolt in. More bang for the buck.
I'm a BB fan- IF you want a BB, go for it.

John 65

Not on my 77.
Cheap.... and SIMPLE.

drd21968

I have big block brackets.i may leave it alone.the 350 runs good.i just think a bbc in the 79 would be nice.

mysixtynine

It will fit in with the same motor mounts. It's longer so accessories get difficult but you appear t be capable of doing that with ur other swaps. I used mc jacks headers to simplify the exhaust long tube heAders just take up allot f room and then there's ground clearance. Mcjacks and a 2 1/2 chambered exhaust all the way out fine and easier to install.

Trans and rear components hold up depending n ur foot and how you traction is wether its a good small block or big block.

You won't need springs with aluminum heads and it depends what u do with the AC.

Small blocks can produce big hp and simplify install ....but a big block looks really cool with hood open.

Matter of taste and wallet really.