1973 small block to big block problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21
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From: cloverdale bc
1973 small block to big block problem
Hay i am having a little problem with my 73 it was a small block car and i have put a big block into it with the what i thought or no is a big block LS4 oil pan on the engine that was in a corvette and it seems to hang up on the left front corner of the pan and the steering ram, is there a diferent ram for a big block car, a diferent hanger for the ram or what do you guys think,
James
James
Last edited by dieseldust; Mar 27, 2010 at 09:02 PM. Reason: spelling
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 16
From: Fl
all the PS parts are the same for big block and small block.
I am pretty sure that there is no difference in frames too.
More than likely the incorrect oil pan.
I have taken out BB engines from a Corvette with/without the body on - never had any issues with alignment.
hope this helps some.
I am pretty sure that there is no difference in frames too.
More than likely the incorrect oil pan.
I have taken out BB engines from a Corvette with/without the body on - never had any issues with alignment.
hope this helps some.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Williston Florida
James,
I too have a transplanted 454 in a '73. I can take some pictures of what mine looks like if you have something you'd like to see. I can tell you this... everything is TIGHT! Especially the radiator core support/fan shroud... what a PAIN! I believe the PS ram/hanger do not change for the SB/BB. Use a bigger hammer?
Good luck.
David
I too have a transplanted 454 in a '73. I can take some pictures of what mine looks like if you have something you'd like to see. I can tell you this... everything is TIGHT! Especially the radiator core support/fan shroud... what a PAIN! I believe the PS ram/hanger do not change for the SB/BB. Use a bigger hammer?
Good luck.
David
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Comanche Tejas
I have a big block 73 car and pulled the motor for a major rebuild. It wasn't the factory motor but it fit when we pulled it out and we th ought there was no way it would fit back in. It is definitely a tight fit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The steering linkage runs close to the pan. After putting my rebuilt BB back in, I noticed the relay rod has put a small dent in the pan. It makes contact only when the car is on jack stands and the wheels are off the ground and being turned back and forth. I believe the contact is made by the bulge in the relay rod, where the PS ram connects, and not where the tie rods connect. I just don't remember the dent being in the LF corner of the pan, but more to the center or right. My pan is new from GM and never did this before the rebuild. But then, I never turned the wheels back and forth while on jack stands. The geometry evidently changes when the suspension is compressed, providing more clearance.
