small block versus big block in '71
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
small block versus big block in '71
Other than the engine what are the differences between a 1971 small block and big block car with auto?
radiator
brakes
differential
transmission
shocks
spring
thanks
radiator
brakes
differential
transmission
shocks
spring
thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Rear sway bar on the BBs. Half shafts and yokes might be bigger. Front sway bars were usually a little bigger.
Purchase the 71 assembly instruction manual (AIM). The AIM will show everything needed for the factory installation of a big block in a '71 Corvette. It will also have notes on the installation, the original part numbers, where the option varied from the base car and where it did not, etc.
Use what you find in the AIM to put together a parts list of what you'll need for the swap.
Purchase the 71 assembly instruction manual (AIM). The AIM will show everything needed for the factory installation of a big block in a '71 Corvette. It will also have notes on the installation, the original part numbers, where the option varied from the base car and where it did not, etc.
Use what you find in the AIM to put together a parts list of what you'll need for the swap.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
The 454 cars had heavy duty retainers on the inboard side of the half shafts. They used a cap with bolts.
The small block cars used a U bolt with nuts.
There was an execption on the LT-1 cars, thay also used the heavy duty clamps.
The red line on the tach would also be different.
The small block cars used a U bolt with nuts.
There was an execption on the LT-1 cars, thay also used the heavy duty clamps.
The red line on the tach would also be different.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
I own a small block '71 and was curious about the differences between the small block and big block cars other than the engine. I am very happy with my matching numbers small block.
If I really need a rush i take out the 69 Camaro with the 502 big block and Tremec 5 speed manual.
If I really need a rush i take out the 69 Camaro with the 502 big block and Tremec 5 speed manual.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 331
From: Indy Indiana
red line different on the tach, front spring specs, emissions sticker above the master cylinder.. radiator support is different size, caps on the half shafts, rear stabilizer bar, i think the front stabilizer bar is a notch thicker, console data plate, certain cars had different fuel lines
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Base SB used a metal 'tube' type radiator shroud. SB with A/C used the same rad shroud as the BBs. Build differences are dependent on options selected, as well as whether it's a SB or BB.
