Evasive

Hi everyone -

I have a '66 convertible 327 4spd (NOM) with factory side pipes and am considering installing a Chevy crate 502 big block. I'll have one of the professional shops in FL do the work but want to have an idea what it would entail first. I'm not looking to replicate an original BB car so originality isn't a factor. I travel for months at a time and want to get as much research done before I return in a few months. Thanks!

Here is what I think is needed so far:

Alternator Pulley
2-groove crank pulley
Lower alternator mounting bracket
Alternator mounting bracket with power steering
Alternator adjustment bracket
Alternator mounting strap
Big Block radiator (aluminum w/electric fans)
Big block radiator core support (?)
Big Block coil springs
Flaming River Big Block PS kit with Flaming River pump kit
Big Block side pipes (factory style)
Hurst Driveline 5-spd conversion kit
Hood
Vintage Air A/C for BB

Appreciate any advice on what else is needed. Thanks!

SI67

Rear anti-roll bar--all big-block cars had it, I believe.
Possibly larger front anti-roll bar--I don't know if all big-block cars had it, or only those with F41 suspension.

Evasive

Good point, I will be updating the suspension to a more modern set-up as well.

856666

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I used lots of the good information here.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...6-427-car.html

Phil

Evasive

Thanks, that's a great thread although I didn't need to see the part about the Pace improved 502

1965fuelie

The 502 comes with flexplate for an auto trans. You need a 168 tooth flywheel and the big bellhousing. You will also need headers or exhaust manifolds for bb. Throttle linkage is also different. DeWitts have a big block radiator to fit in small block radiator support.

plaidside

If you are going to use a carburetor and a mechanical fuel pump the fuel line leading to the pump is different.
The fuel line for a BB will have a 90 deg bend at the fuel pump, a SB fuel line has about a 45 deg bend.
Joe

DansYellow66

I think some current big blocks lack provisions for a mechanical fuel pump so you might want to check that out. If you are adding electric fans and AC your alternator is going to probably have to be considerably upgraded. The side pipes will have to be changed or some muffler shop cobbling performed on them to mate up.

Easy Rhino

Beefier u-joint caps on your half-shafts, like the originals. The small block ones have been known to let go, and they're right behind your seats.

j_66chevelle

Unless you have your heart set on a BB the extra weight will be a detriment to the car and you can easily build a small block to make as much power, just a thought.

Bluestripe67

and you can do it for less $$$$$. SB's are soooo.... much easier to work on. Dennis

Donny Brass

DeWitts makes a conversion radiator, big block ready and fits in the small block radiator support..........

Mr D.

You will also need at least $10K for the swap.

Crunch527

To each his own, but if I was going down the BBC swap path, a stroked big block is what I would consider...preferably a 496 or 540...they make power so much more efficiently/effortlessly than the 502...besides the 502 is all in at 5000 rpms...for the money, time, and effort a stroked BBC is my recommendation. The BBC strokers make more power than you or anyone really needs in a C2 but its how they make the power and the drivability is what matters.

Oh, you want the TKO600 trans...3:73 or 4:11s are good gear choices...

Hedman coated side pipe headers...about $500 from Jegs/Summit...get rid of the stock side pipes...go to Classic Chambered Exhaust and get the 3.5" OD pipes and have an exhaust shop weld up the pipes and flanges, etc...whether you go with a 502 or other BBC, it has to breathe and the stock side pipes are killers on hp...

As others have said...Dewitts has a radiator (about a grand) that will cool a BBC AND fit into the SB rad support, no need to spend money and time swapping out the rad support.

For suspension the ideas and options are endless...I use the kits from vette brakes....street and slalom kit...500# coils and 360# fiberglass mono spring with upgraded front and rear sway bars, rear struts and bilsteins...looking at another 1200-1500 bucks...also good to go through all the other suspension components and freshen them as well...ball joints, control arm bushings, rear trailing arms, wheel bearings, etc.

Its a fun build for sure...just takes money and time...

Good Luck!

Joe Inama

Don't forget the clutch Zbar pivot ball mount

Biggus Blockus

2nd on the DeWitts radiator. I added a SPAL electric fan on a small toggle switch under the dash to boost the airflow in traffic on demand. Works great as insurance.

Oh, you can go ahead and delete your heater now. With a BB you won't need it. :-)

Crunch527

If he gets the electric fan with the thermostat relays, he wont need the switch...great setup...

Evasive

For labor?

Crunch527

Evasive,

This isn't a cheap move...parts alone is more like $21K for all the things you mentioned...I do all my own work so I can't speak on labor. The build is the allure for me...

For example:

Pace Improved zz502 is $11,100
TKO600 5speed swap is $4000 (trans/driveshaft/crossmember support, etc)
Clutch/bellhousing/flywheel - $700
Headers/exhaust/welding - $1500
Dewits radiator is about $1000
Misc - $200 (hoses/belts/hardware, etc)

$18,500 so far in parts...and I didn't address pulleys/brackets but you can use OEM-style and they are cheap(er).

You also mentioned steering and suspension...add another $2500 in parts.

So that rounds it out to $21K.

That said, none of this is hard...the only piece that needs welding is the exhaust...the rest is putting together a puzzle...with all the parts on hand, it can easily be swapped over a couple weekends or less.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

1965fuelie

I am in that prosess rght now. Putting a ZZ502/502 into my '67. Bolts right in, but plenty of small things that need attention.....