Engine swap
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Engine swap
Just getting started with an '80. Have an interesting offer on a new-build 454. Would like to replace the anemic 350, but what are the obstacles? Motor mounts, accessories, exhausts, etc.? BB has 2X AFB 4's on Edelbrock. Hood clearances? Any advice appreciated
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
It won't clear a flat hood, everything you mentioned needs to be changed. When I did mine, I used a Torker II intake, Edelbrock carb, banjo fitting and a drop base air claner to fit under the 75 hood. To keep the PS, I used factory 74 vette pulleys, alt and PS brackets available in any resto catolog. I went with a bigger front spring, bigger radiator, felx a lite dual electric fans, Hooker headers and a 74 PS pump.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
To my knowledge there are no stock BB v-belt brackets for a short compressor. The later 454s used a serpentine system, until that they all got long compressors.
I'd build a better small block or go TPI, LT1, or LS1 swap (in progressively harder order). my.02
I'd build a better small block or go TPI, LT1, or LS1 swap (in progressively harder order). my.02
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound Texas
I changed out a 400ci for a 540ci a few months ago. The springs were fine, believe it or not. I kept the small-block radiator and it cools fine, but I was (still am) running an aluminum radiator with dual spals. I kept the old TH400 tranny for now (ran out of money) and I needed a new flex-plate, of course. Motor mounts will work fine, but you might want to change the driver side out for a poly mount because of the extra torque.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Originally Posted by JDRez42
motor mounts will work won't they?
On an 80, depending on local smog laws, you may be better off with a stroker motor, much less labor/fabrication. I went with a BB because I had blown up my motor and had a 454 siting on an engine stand.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Another thing to consider is the rear end...the 454 might tear out the half shaft u joints...don't forget the case is aluminum...you might want to switch to the stronger cast iron case ifrom 79 and earlier years.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City MD
Originally Posted by GDaina
Another thing to consider is the rear end...the 454 might tear out the half shaft u joints...don't forget the case is aluminum...you might want to switch to the stronger cast iron case ifrom 79 and earlier years.
Have fun!
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Charleston SC
Originally Posted by Brandywine
You see where this is all going, don't you? Hood modification$...exhaust... powertrain$$$$$$$$$...followed by $u$pen$ion upgrade$ to handle all it and put it on the pavement! Have fun!
Have fun!
