Motor Swap?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 458
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Motor Swap?
I have a complete 454 I have been eyeing for my 79'.I don't want to hack the car up since it is all original,but I'd like more pwr than the stock motor can give me.So I am probably gonna put the stock motor in a corner and put in something else.I was going to do a stock appearing SB but the BB is just screaming in my ear.So aside from front springs what else is needed for a big block in 79'?And do I need to change the hood or is there an intake and air cleaner that will work under the stock hood?Thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Do a search. Lots of info on this out there.
You need BB accessory brackets, exh manifolds or headers. Some intakes fit, but they are pretty flat-also not sure about with a stock hood. Possibly bigger radiator.
IMHO you are better off with a better small-block. Put your original in a corner, buy a $100 core motor and build a monster.
You need BB accessory brackets, exh manifolds or headers. Some intakes fit, but they are pretty flat-also not sure about with a stock hood. Possibly bigger radiator.
IMHO you are better off with a better small-block. Put your original in a corner, buy a $100 core motor and build a monster.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
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From: South Florida
Originally Posted by markdtn
IMHO you are better off with a better small-block. Put your original in a corner, buy a $100 core motor and build a monster.
Don't hack up the car to accomodate a BB. You can get crazy horsepower out of a SB without the headache...
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by Eric79-L48
Don't hack up the car to accomodate a BB. You can get crazy horsepower out of a SB without the headache...What does he need to hack up?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Here to make friends
St. Jude Donor '11, '16-'17
Originally Posted by Jughead
What does he need to hack up?
He may need to buy a new hood, and will need to buy big block pullies, brackets, and radiator, but I don't think there's any hacking necessary.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by ESC3
Got all the pulley's and most of the brackets,so if it's a matter of a hood?
You don't have to hack the car to install a BB, but you will have to change at least some of your exhaust at a bare minimum. I think you need a taller hood, even to run a stock iron BB intake. I don't have anything against a BB, but they are heavier on the nose and if you already have a SB in there, there are some costs that you would not have to deal with if you stay with a SB. If you are bent on having one, it's not that big a deal to swap-just money for little stuff.
