Engine Swap Advice
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: McComb mississippi
Engine Swap Advice
I have a 1972 Convertible, small block. I have stumbled upon a new custom built 496 which produced 662 hp/584 ft-lbs torque on Dyno. Engine builder checks out. The price for the engine is almost too good to be true, but it is legit. Just wanted to get some thoughts on installing this strong of an engine. I drive this car to local car shows and general just want something to tinker with.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 10,628
Likes: 132
From: Duvall, WA
The pros are more power and, well, that's about it.
Cons include lots of work to swap out the engine, get a transmission capable of handling the power, either beef up the driveline or get tires that aren't sticky, lower mpg, more weight (resulting in worse braking and handling), you'll need more cooling capacity.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea or don't do it. These are just some of the things to consider when making your decision.
Cons include lots of work to swap out the engine, get a transmission capable of handling the power, either beef up the driveline or get tires that aren't sticky, lower mpg, more weight (resulting in worse braking and handling), you'll need more cooling capacity.
I'm not saying it's a bad idea or don't do it. These are just some of the things to consider when making your decision.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 281
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I have a 1972 Convertible, small block. I have stumbled upon a new custom built 496 which produced 662 hp/584 ft-lbs torque on Dyno. Engine builder checks out. The price for the engine is almost too good to be true, but it is legit. Just wanted to get some thoughts on installing this strong of an engine. I drive this car to local car shows and general just want something to tinker with.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,236
Likes: 4,327
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi TMcK,
Welcome!
First post!!!
Quite an interesting possibility for you.
That's a serious amount of horsepower/torque, and using it changes almost everything as far the running gear goes.
Everything from the radiator to the rear tires!!!
Do your homework!
Was this engine built to be a street motor or something for a race car?
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First post!!!
Quite an interesting possibility for you.
That's a serious amount of horsepower/torque, and using it changes almost everything as far the running gear goes.
Everything from the radiator to the rear tires!!!
Do your homework!
Was this engine built to be a street motor or something for a race car?
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: McComb mississippi
You haven't really stated why you're thinking of changing to a big block. Is there something wrong with the engine you have in the car now? It's obvious that the 72 base motor lacks the power of the BB you're looking at, but have you considered changing the cam, heads, intake and carb and maybe add some headers? Just food for thought.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: McComb mississippi
Hi TMcK,
Welcome!
First post!!!
Quite an interesting possibility for you.
That's a serious amount of horsepower/torque, and using it changes almost everything as far the running gear goes.
Everything from the radiator to the rear tires!!!
Do your homework!
Was this engine built to be a street motor or something for a race car?
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First post!!!
Quite an interesting possibility for you.
That's a serious amount of horsepower/torque, and using it changes almost everything as far the running gear goes.
Everything from the radiator to the rear tires!!!
Do your homework!
Was this engine built to be a street motor or something for a race car?
Regards,
Alan
I'm just trying to get as many opinions from others who have "been there, down that" to learn where I'm heading with the change.
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Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,236
Likes: 4,327
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
Just happened to think...
you probably need to figure on the $$ for another hood and then painting it, or maybe painting the front clip.
Regards,
Alan
Isn't 650 hp/600 lbs/t going to be a handful on the street?
Just happened to think...
you probably need to figure on the $$ for another hood and then painting it, or maybe painting the front clip.
Regards,
Alan
Isn't 650 hp/600 lbs/t going to be a handful on the street?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
The price of the motor is just the beginning. You will need to upgrade every piece from the motor on back. Trans, driveshaft, rear end, half shafts and spindles all were not made to take that kind of power. They are also old parts there for sure to break them one at a time. A motor like that continues to find the weakest link. You will need a set of headers and custom exhaust to let that motor breath and as Alan said a hood and paint. So that motor even if it was given to you will cost upwards of 10K to get the rest of the car ready for it. I'm not saying don't do it because I am all for power and upgrades but you better come armed with a fat wallet and lots of labor. It is not just a swap in and go. Ive done many a swap and this much power if you are going to use it will break a lot of parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,236
Likes: 4,327
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi G,
When I was typing my last post I wondered how many $$ signs to type.
I was thinking a pretty easy $10,000, but didn't want to seem like a 'downer' because I know so little about modified stuff!
I was relieved to see your post.
Regards,
Alan
When I was typing my last post I wondered how many $$ signs to type.
I was thinking a pretty easy $10,000, but didn't want to seem like a 'downer' because I know so little about modified stuff!
I was relieved to see your post.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
It sounds like a nice upgrade to me. If your driveline is in good shape, just dont get tires that are real sticky. You'll pretty much just burn rubber if u get on it. If u want to seriously race it, you will find the weakest link. I agree with the warnings, but only smile at the possibilities!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: Herndon VA
The price of the motor is just the beginning. You will need to upgrade every piece from the motor on back. Trans, driveshaft, rear end, half shafts and spindles all were not made to take that kind of power. They are also old parts there for sure to break them one at a time. A motor like that continues to find the weakest link. You will need a set of headers and custom exhaust to let that motor breath and as Alan said a hood and paint. So that motor even if it was given to you will cost upwards of 10K to get the rest of the car ready for it. I'm not saying don't do it because I am all for power and upgrades but you better come armed with a fat wallet and lots of labor. It is not just a swap in and go. Ive done many a swap and this much power if you are going to use it will break a lot of parts.
Sounds awesome, just do your home work because this will cost alot more than just the price of an engine. Keep us posted!