[C1] Who among you has installed a big block Chevy engine in a 57 Corvette ?
01-23-2018, 07:43 PM
#1
Le Mans Master
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Who among you has installed a big block Chevy engine in a 57 Corvette ?
Anybody here done this? What is required and what should be avoided? Looking for suggestions and comments from anyone who has actually done this. As always.........................thanks for your input.
Forgot to mention the engine would be one of the new 427 aluminum ZL-1.
Rex
Forgot to mention the engine would be one of the new 427 aluminum ZL-1.
Rex
Last edited by Dr L-88; 01-23-2018 at 08:26 PM.
01-24-2018, 10:01 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
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01-24-2018, 11:59 AM
#5
Safety Car
I have a tall deck 572 in a '59, but I did not use the stock frame.
Mine has C4 suspension, custom radiator and headers, hood scoop required. No power steering or AC.
http://www.carols62.com/59
Mine has C4 suspension, custom radiator and headers, hood scoop required. No power steering or AC.
http://www.carols62.com/59
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Loren Smith (09-14-2018)
01-24-2018, 01:50 PM
#6
Race Director
Does a 409 count as BB for you? I think they are the same ext dims as MkIV.
From 1975:
New front motor mount towers need to be fabricated, as you want the location of the rear of the block/bellhousing interface on the same line as the rear of a small block. This pushes the front of the motor forward about 2.5".
Check your water pump fan to sway bar clearance, you may not be able to use a fan clutch, and have to use fan direct to WP, no spacer.
You can move the motor back maybe 3/4" at most, but leave dizzy clearance.
You will need a hood scoop
Doug
From 1975:
New front motor mount towers need to be fabricated, as you want the location of the rear of the block/bellhousing interface on the same line as the rear of a small block. This pushes the front of the motor forward about 2.5".
Check your water pump fan to sway bar clearance, you may not be able to use a fan clutch, and have to use fan direct to WP, no spacer.
You can move the motor back maybe 3/4" at most, but leave dizzy clearance.
You will need a hood scoop
Doug
01-24-2018, 02:19 PM
#7
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Back in the late 60s a high school friend had an FI 58 that he sold and the guy that bought it put an old school (newer engine at that time) 427 in it. I have no idea what it took to get it done but it WAS done.
09-13-2018, 11:44 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
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I'll drag this one out again................................... ..........
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time.
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time.
09-14-2018, 11:38 AM
#10
Le Mans Master
Me too.............
I am wanting to do this and have a copied set of motor mounts that I believe came off of an early swap kit. I forget the name but have the info in my files. I can get you pics if interested. I had the headers and foolishly sold them years ago. My big question has always been "would the low rise 454 LS6 aluminum intake clear the hood or would a scoop still be needed?" Let me know what you decide. Good Luck
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Dr L-88 (09-14-2018)
09-14-2018, 11:55 AM
#11
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No reason to, with the available power from small block engines currently. My co-worker just bought a 578 HP, 561 TQ 427 SBC stroker engine that weighs a couple hundred pounds less than a BBC and screams. His car will handle much better, too. I've spent a lifetime driving front-heavy big block sleds....no way would I want one in an early Corvette. Just my personal take on it, as I do understand and appreciate the bragging rights and the cool factor of a monster motor under the hood!
09-14-2018, 12:37 PM
#12
Safety Car
I'll drag this one out again................................... ..........
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time.
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time.
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Dr L-88 (09-14-2018)
09-14-2018, 01:06 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
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I had a 427 in a '57 years ago. I bought it with the car already converted. Headers would be an issue and a different motor mounting system is needed. The engine fit in the compartment very well, however, with actually more room than I would have thought. If I can find some pics, I will post them. This was in 1980.
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09-14-2018, 01:07 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
Come on Rex, you know it can be done by someone with your talent and resources!! You just need a big frickin hammer and a sawzall.
Your guy that fabs the L88 headers should be able to whip up a nice set of headers for you. How is Irvin coming along on the body??
Jim
Your guy that fabs the L88 headers should be able to whip up a nice set of headers for you. How is Irvin coming along on the body??
Jim
09-14-2018, 02:52 PM
#15
Not sure whose car this is, but somehow he jammed a Ram Jet ZL1 in a 57 without a hood scoop:
I have to assume it has a restomod frame.
I have to assume it has a restomod frame.
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09-14-2018, 03:03 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
Great thx
I had a 427 in a '57 years ago. I bought it with the car already converted. Headers would be an issue and a different motor mounting system is needed. The engine fit in the compartment very well, however, with actually more room than I would have thought. If I can find some pics, I will post them. This was in 1980.
09-14-2018, 03:04 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
Intake
Not sure whose car this is, but somehow he jammed a Ram Jet ZL1 in a 57 without a hood scoop:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/
I have to assume it has a restomod frame.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/
I have to assume it has a restomod frame.
09-14-2018, 04:59 PM
#19
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09-14-2018, 05:26 PM
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Cool set up. What is it? With the 'current' sensor plug in, it does not appear to be something from back in the day.....
On another note, it is always fun to see what is in the background in photos. Carpet on the floor, cabinets with fancy hardware.... a beauty like that DOES deserve to be in the house, not out in the shop.....
On another note, it is always fun to see what is in the background in photos. Carpet on the floor, cabinets with fancy hardware.... a beauty like that DOES deserve to be in the house, not out in the shop.....
