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Has anyone ever swapped a bbc for the sbc in the c3? I pulled the 350, and it looks like the bbc is 4” longer than the bbc and there may be some front crossmember issues with the longer block. Putting a m22 rockchrusher behind the new 496, just curious how much real estate I do or don’t have. Thanks for reading!
Lots of C3 have had an engine transplant to a bb. The PO of my 68 convert swapped the 327 for a 454. You are correct to consider the room available- the big block takes up more space. The tightest area on my car is clearance between the long tube headers and the steering gear on the driver side and the idler arm bolts on the passenger side. Plan on spending time and $$$ finding brackets for the alternator, power steering and air conditioner.
Has anyone ever swapped a bbc for the sbc in the c3? I pulled the 350, and it looks like the bbc is 4” longer than the bbc and there may be some front crossmember issues with the longer block. Putting a m22 rockchrusher behind the new 496, just curious how much real estate I do or don’t have. Thanks for reading!
The C3 frames including front crossmember and motor mount location were the same for both small and big blocks. The BB and the SB might not be the same as to exact length but the mount points are the same. It will fit and bolt right in. One of the more expensive problems is the cost of the accessory drive mounts for the conversion. (ps, alt, ac, smog pump?)
Last edited by CanadaGrant; Oct 7, 2018 at 01:04 AM.
I put one in my 77 and for the most its a simple bolt in swap. I purchased a quality radiator and also used my stock hood.
Being a 77 BB is incorrect anyway, using the correct Corvette only parts regarding the pulleys and brackets was not an issue to me.
So I mounted the alternator on the right side. Plain and simple, with plenty of room. It's not for everyone, but I'm very happy with it.
A Mercruisers alt-ps setup might also be worth considering. Uses short water pump and puts steering pump above alternator. Big PITA with stock setup is adding or checking power steering fluid.
Last edited by derekderek; Oct 7, 2018 at 11:29 AM.
Not hard to do at all. corvettes had 454's in them all the way up to 74. I installed a 454 in my 76 with short water pump, electric fans and even a spreader bar. Runs great, cools good. enjoying the runmble of the bbc, sidepipes and headers.
Did any did anyone have any issues with interference with the brake booster and firewall in that area with the back of the head or valve cover? Did anyone use rollers and tall valve covers? I made cardboard block, heads, and valve covers and it looks like I’ll have some interference. Comments greatly appreciated!
I have rollers, my valve covers are three and a half inches tall. They don't need to be that tall but that's what was on there when I purchased the engine and I liked the look.
I dont know if they would have cleared the stock booster or not but prior to the install I went with a smaller booster just to be sure.
Looking back, I should have waited. The stock unit just may have fit. It would be close.
Did any did anyone have any issues with interference with the brake booster and firewall in that area with the back of the head or valve cover? Did anyone use rollers and tall valve covers? I made cardboard block, heads, and valve covers and it looks like I’ll have some interference. Comments greatly appreciated!
When I first installed the 454 in my 76, all I had was a set of tall valve covers. There was no problem with it fitting. The only thing I am not sure of, is it there will be enough room to remove the valve cover with roller rockers, my 454 still had stock rockers when I removed the tall valve covers to put on a lower height set of valve covers.
496 BBC, roller rockers, 3/4" taller than stock valve covers, March Performance serpentine with short water pump, Hooker sidepipes. ZERO clearance issues in my '75.
Originally ran tripower carbs under stock hook. Now running custom 3x2 EFI.
Last edited by SteveG75; Oct 11, 2018 at 04:34 PM.
Thanks for the replies. Steve, my setup will be identical to yours except for the valve covers. Are you using rollers with those 3/4 higher covers? Any issues with the brake booster or firewall in that area? What oil pan did you use, stock?
You know they make roller rockers, studs and nuts that will clear factory valve covers. Don’t overthink and complicate things . Or you can use standard stamped steel rockers.
Thanks for the replies. Steve, my setup will be identical to yours except for the valve covers. Are you using rollers with those 3/4 higher covers? Any issues with the brake booster or firewall in that area? What oil pan did you use, stock?
No problem clearing stock booster. Oil pan is a Milodon 31185. Great clearance for stroker cranks.
I am also using a Type 2 PS pump with remote reservoir. March makes kit for both types of pumps. All the pump required was a remote reservoir and extended hard line from pump to PS pressure hose (used '82 Corvette hose to get the metric O-ring at pump end).
Last edited by SteveG75; Oct 12, 2018 at 01:52 PM.
Thanks Steve, those covers are out of stock, but you gave me the height to search for. Did you do anything with your front suspension? Any issues with the milodon pan clearing the steering linkage? I can see witness marks on the linkage where I presume the sbc pan rubbed.
Thanks Steve, those covers are out of stock, but you gave me the height to search for. Did you do anything with your front suspension? Any issues with the milodon pan clearing the steering linkage? I can see witness marks on the linkage where I presume the sbc pan rubbed.
Running 550# front coils and custom 400# rear spring shortened 1/2" per side (before VBP closed shop). Bilstein shocks.
454 in a 76
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