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Add Another Big Block........
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 182
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From: Clinton Indiana
Add Another Big Block........
Add Another Big Block transplant to the list. I've managed to aquire a 454 out of '72 Impala. It's already torn down, as the fella' that I'm getting it from was gonna' build it for a Nova project was is doing. He decided to sell the Nova and called me and asked if I wanted the 454 for my '73 Vette.. Silly question!!! 
And I sure can't beat the price. I get it out of his garage and I can have it. So, at the ripe old age of 55, I'll finally realize the dream of driving a BB Vette. Now I just need to get my butt back out in the garage and get busy welding and gusseting the frame I bought. The body should be ready to lift off the frame around the first of April. It then head across town for some birdcage repairs and fresh paint. Hopefully by the end of summer, I'll have the rebuilt rolling chassis done (a complete VBP performance plus system is going on the new frame). Getting the BB has also tipped the scales towards a 4 or 5 speed in place of the 200r I was use behind the SB. Getting the BB sure has breathed some excitement back into the project.
And I sure can't beat the price. I get it out of his garage and I can have it. So, at the ripe old age of 55, I'll finally realize the dream of driving a BB Vette. Now I just need to get my butt back out in the garage and get busy welding and gusseting the frame I bought. The body should be ready to lift off the frame around the first of April. It then head across town for some birdcage repairs and fresh paint. Hopefully by the end of summer, I'll have the rebuilt rolling chassis done (a complete VBP performance plus system is going on the new frame). Getting the BB has also tipped the scales towards a 4 or 5 speed in place of the 200r I was use behind the SB. Getting the BB sure has breathed some excitement back into the project.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Clinton Indiana
'Bout forgot. Anyone aware of a good reference source, other than the assembly manual or factory service manual, for drive train and suspension differences between a BB & SB car?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 4
From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!
Try starting another thread about differences. Many here have done just what you're about to do. Offhand I can think of:
-Exhaust manifolds and overall exhaust system
-Accessory pulleys are all different but some may cross over from your donor impala
-Starter (your donor Impala will work)
-Radiator, fan and shroud
-Flywheel or flexplate (see donor Impala)
-Differential axle shafts have caps for big block, U bolts for small block
-Big block Corvettes had rear sway bar
-Front spring spring rates
-Tach redline differences
-I think either BB or SB fit under same '73 cowl hood but not sure- might be some differences in air cleaner configurations.
I'm sure there's more and not everything I mentioned here is critical to get the big block to work (like the rear sway bar) but Chevy added this stuff to improve the handling and driveline durability. There's certainly some aftermarket alternatives to some of the stuff here that would be much cheaper than buying original Corvette pieces (like electric fans, aluminum radiator, etc).
-Exhaust manifolds and overall exhaust system
-Accessory pulleys are all different but some may cross over from your donor impala
-Starter (your donor Impala will work)
-Radiator, fan and shroud
-Flywheel or flexplate (see donor Impala)
-Differential axle shafts have caps for big block, U bolts for small block
-Big block Corvettes had rear sway bar
-Front spring spring rates
-Tach redline differences
-I think either BB or SB fit under same '73 cowl hood but not sure- might be some differences in air cleaner configurations.
I'm sure there's more and not everything I mentioned here is critical to get the big block to work (like the rear sway bar) but Chevy added this stuff to improve the handling and driveline durability. There's certainly some aftermarket alternatives to some of the stuff here that would be much cheaper than buying original Corvette pieces (like electric fans, aluminum radiator, etc).
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
I think all 73 radiators were the same, and for the shroud you just have to remove the 2" extension piece. Soounds like a fun project, if mine wasn't a daily driver I'd have put a big block in by now. Joe
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Low rise manifold
You will need a low rise manifold. E/brock sells them I think it is Torker II intake PN # 5061. Then you will also need a low aircleaner,, from a similar vet or aftermarket to make the hood clearance.
Front springs?
Also check the vib. damper clearance to frame cross memeber. You might have to cut a notch and weld in a plate.
Best of luck.. 99 Nassau Blue
Front springs?
Also check the vib. damper clearance to frame cross memeber. You might have to cut a notch and weld in a plate.
Best of luck.. 99 Nassau Blue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Clinton Indiana
Fellas, thanks for the words of encouragement and information!
After driving this car for 11 years and then parking and then storing it for 7, due to good ole' Indiana frame rot, my initial inclination was to "restore" it. Problem is I'm just and old muscle car freak/street rodder at heart. And what better platform to use than a C3. I'm fortunate to have a access to an excellent engine builder (he got a grin on his face from ear to ear when I stopped by his shop last night to tell him I'm dropping off a BB for him to build) and a bodyman/painter who has specialized in Corvette restoration for years. He's getting the body to do birdcage repairs and the paint. The rest I'll do myself, along with help from a good friend that's just starting the rebuild of the '72 convertable he bought last fall. And lord knows I'm greatful for my lovely wife who constantly encourages me get out in the garage and work on the car.
It's been close to 35 years since I've torn into a project like this. If anyone is interested, I'll be documenting the entire process on film. Best darn resourse for putting some thing back together, is a picture of it before it was taken apart.
After driving this car for 11 years and then parking and then storing it for 7, due to good ole' Indiana frame rot, my initial inclination was to "restore" it. Problem is I'm just and old muscle car freak/street rodder at heart. And what better platform to use than a C3. I'm fortunate to have a access to an excellent engine builder (he got a grin on his face from ear to ear when I stopped by his shop last night to tell him I'm dropping off a BB for him to build) and a bodyman/painter who has specialized in Corvette restoration for years. He's getting the body to do birdcage repairs and the paint. The rest I'll do myself, along with help from a good friend that's just starting the rebuild of the '72 convertable he bought last fall. And lord knows I'm greatful for my lovely wife who constantly encourages me get out in the garage and work on the car.
It's been close to 35 years since I've torn into a project like this. If anyone is interested, I'll be documenting the entire process on film. Best darn resourse for putting some thing back together, is a picture of it before it was taken apart.