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1970 454 car ?

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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 08:28 PM
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Default 1970 454 car ?

I just bought a supposed BB car with a SB engine- what clues do I look for to authenticate it. Im new into the c3 world. It does have the BB hood - with 454 drilled holes for the emblems- the shifter ID plate is worn but has 454 390 HP spelled out with other compression specs etc..it has rear sway bar- battery is behind drivers seats- red line on tach starts at 5000 rpm-is there published info available ? Build sheet on tank has crumbled to nothing.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 08:34 PM
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Hope this helps.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...early-c3s.html

I have a 68 BB and it has sway bars where the 68 SB does not.

Last edited by Stingray-Jer; Aug 21, 2012 at 08:38 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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Ok , thanks for your input - just checked axle shafts and they are caps instead of u-bolts!
So looking more promising! I had BB mid year 65 and the battery location was on the same side as an air car in the engine compartment . Is it normal for the battery to be behind the divers seat? The other obvious thing about the rear differential on mid year was the larger diameter axle shafts. Does this apply to the C3 ?
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Tugboat53
I just bought a supposed BB car with a SB engine- what clues do I look for to authenticate it.
And if you can somehow "authenticate" that the car originally left the factory with a big block, what does that mean to you? It means virtually nothing to the C3 world...and hopefully you paid for what the car is now and what it has in it, not what it used to be or have in it.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:04 PM
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That is the BB axle shafts were larger in diameter than the small blocks and was very obvious on initial inspection.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:07 PM
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Hi TB,
The battery was in the same location for both sb and bb cars.
So you're o.k. there.
I believe the sb/bb half shafts were the same diameter in 70.... just the difference in the strap between (sb) or cap (bb + LT-!).
Good Luck!
Regards
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Aug 21, 2012 at 09:13 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:11 PM
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Well your right but I wanted to make sure that I restore the car close to what it was born with - from a safety and operating standpoint. I love a BB car sound and torque and don't want to drop a big block into small block set up - I perceive more expense to clone a BB from a SB platform.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:15 PM
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Thanks Alan 71 for your input ! I'm new to forum and looking for tips and advise!

Last edited by Tugboat53; Aug 21, 2012 at 09:29 PM.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Tugboat53
Ok , thanks for your input - just checked axle shafts and they are caps instead of u-bolts!
So looking more promising! I had BB mid year 65 and the battery location was on the same side as an air car in the engine compartment . Is it normal for the battery to be behind the divers seat? The other obvious thing about the rear differential on mid year was the larger diameter axle shafts. Does this apply to the C3 ?
The battery is where it should be. I recommend a battery disconnect switch for it.
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:21 PM
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Faster Rat - thanks for your input as well and also Stingray-Jer very helpful - just trying to decide which way to go with this car !
Tb
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:25 PM
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Stingray - Jer please advise why the battery disconnect and where to locate it ? Again I'm old school but a rookie to C3 and restoring .
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Tugboat53
Stingray - Jer please advise why the battery disconnect and where to locate it ? Again I'm old school but a rookie to C3 and restoring .

You can find them at O'Reilly's or other auto parts stores. This will help keep your C3 safe when not in use. Also serves as a kill switch.


http://www.gemplers.com/images/items/G57452-a1.jpg
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Stingray-Jer
You can find them at O'Reilly's or other auto parts stores. This will help keep your C3 safe when not in use. Also serves as a kill switch.


http://www.gemplers.com/images/items/G57452-a1.jpg
Hey,Stingray- Jer thanks for taking time to share that - I'm trying to learn how to use the forum and appreciate your input !
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Old Aug 21, 2012 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Tugboat53
Hey,Stingray- Jer thanks for taking time to share that - I'm trying to learn how to use the forum and appreciate your input !
You are very welcome. I am just trying to pay it forward from the great guys here that have helped me.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:34 PM
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The front springs on a big block vette where larger or more heavy duty for the weight of the bb motor. Cant remember if the front sway bar was larger size as well but think it was from the stock small block.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:56 PM
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Originally Posted by GPGG70
The front springs on a big block vette where larger or more heavy duty for the weight of the bb motor. Cant remember if the front sway bar was larger size as well but think it was from the stock small block.
Hey, thanks for the input I will try to determine that I guess by finding someone with a small block car and compare the diameters. I'm pretty sure this car is formerly a big block car and I will feel safe with the suspension designed for the heavier weight and torque output of the BB engine.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 12:31 AM
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Are you sure about the redline? I have a 1970 454 and the redline starts at 5600.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 12:49 AM
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Originally Posted by orourke
Are you sure about the redline? I have a 1970 454 and the redline starts at 5600.
You know I thought it was 5000 maybe the start of the yellow warning and not the actual redline- I will confirm your observation and get back to you- thanks for your input- please point out any other things that I can look for to confirm it being a BB car. Thanks agin Orourke!

Respectfully,
Bill(tb)

Last edited by Tugboat53; Aug 23, 2012 at 12:53 AM.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by orourke
Are you sure about the redline? I have a 1970 454 and the redline starts at 5600.

My 68 BB is the same.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 01:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Stingray-Jer
My 68 BB is the same.
I will confirm the red line in the morning - my car is in my shop behind my house- alarms are all set - but very interesting ! I will confirm tommorow - thanks for your input Stingray-Jer and you as well OROURKE !

Respectfully,
Bill(tb)
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