big block in a 75 stingray
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big block in a 75 stingray
Hey all, I'm new here, just picked up a 75 L-82 4 speed manual stingray, oxblood, 170k miles, was in great condition until a dirt road crumbled out on me in a storm on my journey home with it. Right front wheel hooked around a tree, smashed up right fender and i'm sure the front suspension's gonna be shot. frame looks ok.
my question, however, is about engines. the l-82 in it is a piece of crap.. burns an assload of oil, horrible gas mileage, and im sure its lost alot of compression over the years. I've been thinking about engine swaps, and was looking at the gm performance parts 502ci, 502hp ram jet. However, I'm fairly new to the muscle car scene... I just came here from the late-model sport compact 4-cyl, rice burner group. What sort of modifications would it take to install a big block chevy like this into a car built with a small block? I take it id be using a different tranny, and would it take any frame modification? Or would i possibly be better off sticking with a new small block 350 or 383 stroker? all input is appreciated!
rob
my question, however, is about engines. the l-82 in it is a piece of crap.. burns an assload of oil, horrible gas mileage, and im sure its lost alot of compression over the years. I've been thinking about engine swaps, and was looking at the gm performance parts 502ci, 502hp ram jet. However, I'm fairly new to the muscle car scene... I just came here from the late-model sport compact 4-cyl, rice burner group. What sort of modifications would it take to install a big block chevy like this into a car built with a small block? I take it id be using a different tranny, and would it take any frame modification? Or would i possibly be better off sticking with a new small block 350 or 383 stroker? all input is appreciated!
rob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
A big cube small-block would be hassle-free and not require a tall hood and other chassis mods to accomodate the big-block. BTW, the L-82 is a good starting point for a potent 350 cube screamer.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
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From: Big Pine Key FL
I'm doing the 502 Ramjet thing now there are others who have completed this already.
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If it was my first time doing something like this I'd rebuild the L82 it's a real good place to start. It would respond well to a TPI setup and a Vortech Blower and be kinda cool.
IMHO
See My Corvette Photos
If it was my first time doing something like this I'd rebuild the L82 it's a real good place to start. It would respond well to a TPI setup and a Vortech Blower and be kinda cool.
IMHO
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 42
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From: ny ny
I have a 77 with 454. No problems at all the only modifications that i had to make was to the stock hood and replaced the springs in the front end. I had a hole cut in the hood and had a 4" cowl induction scoop molded to it. I say go for the bigblock!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
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From: Chattanooga TN
Do a search on big block swap. It can be done. That being said, I'd put a fuel injected SB in there. A late LT1 or even an LS1, which is a tad more difficult swap but worth it. Do a search on those and there is much info. Also see www.corvettefaq.com
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
The motor bolts right in, same motor mounts , same transmission and even same distributor as the small block. You will find headers fall right in. The big block is actually easier to change plugs on then the small block.
The frame needs nothing. I even ran small block springs for years and loved them.
I would upgrade the rad to an alluminum one, run the short water pump if possible. I ran the long water pump along with the accessory brackets for years and an electric fan before finally swaping to the short pump a few years ago.
It is a drop in swap.
The frame needs nothing. I even ran small block springs for years and loved them.
I would upgrade the rad to an alluminum one, run the short water pump if possible. I ran the long water pump along with the accessory brackets for years and an electric fan before finally swaping to the short pump a few years ago.
It is a drop in swap.
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Instructor
Joined: May 2005
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One thing that has not been mentioned here yet is cost. Be prepared to spend some serious money to complete this conversion. Don't forget that you will need to change the exhaust, front coil springs (because of the weight) and all of the accessory brackets for the alternator, PS pump, water pump, air cond. etc. not to mention all the pulleys. A cooling system upgrade may also be required. Take a look at a good Covette parts catalog and research what all this is going to cost before you make the change. For example, a three groove big block water pump pulley is going for two to three hundred dollars depending on the vendor. I am in the process of this conversion now and in retrospect I wish I had stayed with a small block. I would have been better off spending the bucks on performance upgrades for the small block. I will probably enjoy it once its done, but it has been a serious financial drain to accomplish. Good luck either way.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,997
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From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
Originally Posted by eddie74-454
I put a 454 in my 82 no problem, I also have a 74 with the factory 454 it also came with a 350. You will love the power of the big block. Good luck !
For 80/82, what type of headers are used for these year models??
I looked through summit last nite, and seen almost nothing
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Not sure if the current 502 has a clutch ball boss...if not you will have to make a bracket for the ball. Another thing, the 502 has no mechanical fuel pump, so you have to install an electric pump.
I'm not sure if the 502 is internally balanced or not...if externally balanced, then you will have to purchase a new flywheel. Other than getting the BB chevy accessory brackets, radiator hoses, everything is a walk in the park.
Good Luck
I'm not sure if the 502 is internally balanced or not...if externally balanced, then you will have to purchase a new flywheel. Other than getting the BB chevy accessory brackets, radiator hoses, everything is a walk in the park.
Good Luck
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thanks for all your input. so big blocks pretty much fit right in the same spot as small blocks, no framework, custom mounts, or welding required. the only stuff you have to do a bunch of work on is all the power accessories, and all the systems that work along with the engine (Fuel pump, etc). im just making sure i got all this right... did i miss anything? also, what clutch and what weight flywheel would you guys recommend? And, in total honesty, would 502hp be streetable, or would it just be too much of a pain in the *** to drive all the time?
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so what sort of skill do i need to get a fuel injected engine, like the ram jet, running? does the engine come with a computer, and oxygen sensors and stuff? or would i need to setup a standalone Engine Management System to control the injectors and adjust the fuel/timing curves?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,486
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From: Big Pine Key FL
502 ramjet comes with EVERYTHING down to a Oil Primer and a Code reader for the ECU, new Starter, and a Air Filter, all of the required sensors and wiring.
You need to supply BAT +12VDC for the ECU, Ignition switch signal for run, and 48-52 PSI of fuel and a return.
It's quite easy.
It comes with a flexplate for AT, GM makes a nice 15 lb nodular iron flywheel for 454-502 for around $100.00
Spend some time reading the forum, all will be answered.
Hood clearance and drivline reliability will be your biggest worry. It has mild manners starts runs and idles like a late model car with over 500 ftlbs of torque.
You need to supply BAT +12VDC for the ECU, Ignition switch signal for run, and 48-52 PSI of fuel and a return.
It's quite easy.
It comes with a flexplate for AT, GM makes a nice 15 lb nodular iron flywheel for 454-502 for around $100.00
Spend some time reading the forum, all will be answered.
Hood clearance and drivline reliability will be your biggest worry. It has mild manners starts runs and idles like a late model car with over 500 ftlbs of torque.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 141
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500 ftlbs of torque is awesome, but a 383 small block can easily break 400 hp 450 ftlbps torque with almost no modification to the car, like hood, suspension,etc.
also, the small block will weigh much less, which will help when trying to drive the car on real roads.
for straight line driving/racing: big block rules.
for real roads: small block CAN NOT be beat, especially when the small block is a stroker.
also, the small block will weigh much less, which will help when trying to drive the car on real roads.
for straight line driving/racing: big block rules.
for real roads: small block CAN NOT be beat, especially when the small block is a stroker.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
502HP big block will be OK on the street, you can always modify it later for more power 
Last edited by MotorHead; Oct 16, 2005 at 10:18 PM.