Engine and Transmission Swap
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Engine and Transmission Swap
Hello,
I plan on purchasing a 1968 - 1971 C3. At this time, I only have enough cash for a small block. When I'm able to upgrade to a big block, will I have to replace the transmission?
Any information for a beginner would be appreciated.
I plan on purchasing a 1968 - 1971 C3. At this time, I only have enough cash for a small block. When I'm able to upgrade to a big block, will I have to replace the transmission?
Any information for a beginner would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Manual or automatic ? My opinion, if your building just a nice daily driver and do not plan on drag racing, a small block tranny like a th350 will do just fine.
I just put a big block in my 76 and left the original small block tranny and rear alone.
I just put a big block in my 76 and left the original small block tranny and rear alone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
those years all used a th400 for automatic transmissions-bb or sb. if it's a 4 speed, the transmissions are the same, but the bellhousing on the bb is for an 11" flywheel, the sb is a 10.5" flywheel. there are some variations (super hp used a 10.5" setup) but you won't find them in your car. you can buy a 10.5" flywheel that will bolt to the standard sb clutch from aftermarket suppliers. biggest cost is in the accessory parts when converting to a bb-brackets for the alternator, p/s, etc. probably be cheaper to wait for the right bb to come along.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
If you're tight on cash, not interested in restoration, investment, etc, you may be better off looking for a NOM big block. They're out there. Many other parts change when swapping from small block to big block, more than just the transmission.
