427 conversion kit?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
Guess, you need to define "street package." I got along fine with my BB despite the fact that it had trips and mechanical lifters. Only problem were all the guys that wanted to "run" when you were driving around. I carefully avoided the "red light" stuff (the 2.20 first gear and 3.36 rear were worthless until about 45 mph). But on the interstate, they only challenged me once!! 
Funny thing. I had a lot of challenges on the highway the first year, but only one after 1968 (I think the word was out about BB Vettes by then.
One other thing, nothing else comes close to the sound of a real BB with side exhausts.
Funny thing. I had a lot of challenges on the highway the first year, but only one after 1968 (I think the word was out about BB Vettes by then.
One other thing, nothing else comes close to the sound of a real BB with side exhausts.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,685
Likes: 61
By street package I meant mostly daily driver usage. I worked at a Chevy dealer in 1967 and we had 427s in the service dept. every day with valvetrain problems. I drove dozens of 427/435s all over Southern California doing dealer trades, and was always glad to get back in my 327 at the end of the day.
A big block made perfect sense for stock class drag racing and a weekend cruiser, but overheating issues, fuel consumption and nose-heavy handling made them less pleasant to live with on a day-to-day basis.
How much horsepower does it take to move two people? A 327/350hp had more than enough, especially with skinny OEM tires.
I could say similar things about a 396 Camaro or 390 Mustang.
A big block made perfect sense for stock class drag racing and a weekend cruiser, but overheating issues, fuel consumption and nose-heavy handling made them less pleasant to live with on a day-to-day basis.
How much horsepower does it take to move two people? A 327/350hp had more than enough, especially with skinny OEM tires.
I could say similar things about a 396 Camaro or 390 Mustang.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 25
From: Rochester Minnesota
The 427 Vettes weren't really nose heavy as there was only about 52% on the front wheels---probably less with the driver.
I never had valve train problems but I also never exceeded 6500 rpm. Too many people tried to drive them like mouse motors----that they weren't.
Over heating wasn't much of an issue either (at least without A/C which wasn't available on the 435 hp). Of course, there aren't too many 90 degree + days in Wisconsin and Minnesota like you may have in southern California.
There also wasn't much stop-and-go traffic in Milwaukee or Minneapolis in the 60's either.
There's an old motorcycle saying that goes, "You want to travel on a Honda, but arrive on a Harley!!!" Whatever issues there may have been with the BB's, they were always great to drive.
In any event, it was my DD for 5 years as well as our only mode of travel on trips. I was a field test engineer working on farm implements back then-----I can still remember hauling a tool box and plow shares around in the back!!
I never had valve train problems but I also never exceeded 6500 rpm. Too many people tried to drive them like mouse motors----that they weren't.
Over heating wasn't much of an issue either (at least without A/C which wasn't available on the 435 hp). Of course, there aren't too many 90 degree + days in Wisconsin and Minnesota like you may have in southern California.
There also wasn't much stop-and-go traffic in Milwaukee or Minneapolis in the 60's either.There's an old motorcycle saying that goes, "You want to travel on a Honda, but arrive on a Harley!!!" Whatever issues there may have been with the BB's, they were always great to drive.
In any event, it was my DD for 5 years as well as our only mode of travel on trips. I was a field test engineer working on farm implements back then-----I can still remember hauling a tool box and plow shares around in the back!!
Last edited by 427435; Dec 20, 2008 at 12:47 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Redding California
With good maintenance modern big blocks are very reliable. I used to shift my 532 at 9200 rpm. In 6 seasons of racing we never broke a single engine part, but we did preventive maintenance after each season.
Is it worth it to convert to a BBC? It all depends on how hard you want to get pushed back into the seat and if the rest of your drivetrain and chassis is up to the task.
Is it worth it to convert to a BBC? It all depends on how hard you want to get pushed back into the seat and if the rest of your drivetrain and chassis is up to the task.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 16
From: Carson City Nevada
Keep in mind I'm not talking about putting in the old heavier 427, I'm talking about the new zz427 with aluminum heads, roller cam, etc. that weighs LESS than my L79. Again, I'm not talking clone; I'm talking new modern bb Mark IV engine technology (but not LS) stuffed into a sb car. I'm looking for the "sights" and sounds of a 427 without all the hassles everyone talks about with their old 427's.
And Dave, if you're serious, I'll take you up on that offer. As I don't expect to start this project until I know what the heck our legislature is going to do, our timing might be just right. Probably won't be this car show season, but watch out for the next one. FYI, I got a spot in HAN this year after only one year on the wait list. Whoo Hooo! Nick
And Dave, if you're serious, I'll take you up on that offer. As I don't expect to start this project until I know what the heck our legislature is going to do, our timing might be just right. Probably won't be this car show season, but watch out for the next one. FYI, I got a spot in HAN this year after only one year on the wait list. Whoo Hooo! Nick
