bigblock question
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by Enersis
i might not keep my 383 and return it, and get a 454 big block
what will i have to change, will the tranny be fine, i think i have a th350
what will i have to change, will the tranny be fine, i think i have a th350
- Chilli
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,390
Likes: 1,225
From: Tampa Florida
Originally Posted by 72 LT1
Chilli, I think your the first person I ever heard that HAS a bigblock and WANTS to go smallblock!! I've got to ask WHY??
The 454 BB is too much engine for me...my '69 350/350 4 speed was perfect!
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by 72 LT1
Chilli, I think your the first person I ever heard that HAS a bigblock and WANTS to go smallblock!! I've got to ask WHY??
- taller hood ($$$$)
- replace front springs
- replace TH350 with TH400 (and shortening driveshaft)
- replace rad and fan ($$$$)
- spend piles of cash on keeping the rear end together
- go insane trying to squeeze in 2" primary/3" collector headers.
I salute everyone who swaps a big block into their C3, but it looks like more time, money and insanity than I can handle.
- Chilli
Last edited by Chilli; Oct 11, 2006 at 12:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,497
Likes: 136
From: Butler Pa
I'm swapping a 454 into my '69 right now and it's not that bad, but I have a 4 speed. So far the only problem I have is valve cover clearance, but I need to use tall covers because of the solid roller cam requiring the use of stud girdles. Most people won't have this problem.
I have pulleys and an alternator bracket coming from Summit. Should be here today so I'll let you know if they work. Other than that, I'm going to try and use the original radiator. If it won't cool it, I'll have to get a bigger one. Oh, I also have an aftermarket L-88 hood.
All in all, I'd say go for it. There's no comparison between a small block and a big block.
I have pulleys and an alternator bracket coming from Summit. Should be here today so I'll let you know if they work. Other than that, I'm going to try and use the original radiator. If it won't cool it, I'll have to get a bigger one. Oh, I also have an aftermarket L-88 hood.
All in all, I'd say go for it. There's no comparison between a small block and a big block.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by Chilli
- spend piles of cash on keeping the rear end together
- go insane trying to squeeze in 2" primary/3" collector headers.
they fit, it was easy you just need the body off
- go insane trying to squeeze in 2" primary/3" collector headers.
they fit, it was easy you just need the body off
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: EDMONTON ALBERTA
The TH350 will hold up just fine if it's built right, i am running a 600hp 502 in my truck turning 50" tires no problems at all. also as a bonus for the TH350 is more horsepower to the wheels 20 to 50 depending who you talk to.
enjoy
J-P
enjoy
J-P
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: Orange massachusettes
Chilli, I thought that you had bigblock installed and you were looking to swap it for small block. I can understand trying to save money/work with in a budget. I was thinking the same thing when I bought my ZZ4, instead of a 454 h.o. crate engine. But come to find out, I bought new headers, new radiator and core support, new flywheel and clutch, and am completly going thru suspension rebuild/upgrade w/new coil springs ect. Other than the initial price difference between the 2 engines (about $1400) I've ended up spending almost the same money anyways. I allready have LT1/ bigblock hood. Live and learn.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by 72 LT1
Chilli, I thought that you had bigblock installed and you were looking to swap it for small block. I can understand trying to save money/work with in a budget. I was thinking the same thing when I bought my ZZ4, instead of a 454 h.o. crate engine. But come to find out, I bought new headers, new radiator and core support, new flywheel and clutch, and am completly going thru suspension rebuild/upgrade w/new coil springs ect. Other than the initial price difference between the 2 engines (about $1400) I've ended up spending almost the same money anyways. I allready have LT1/ bigblock hood. Live and learn.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by FRANKENSTEIN4x42000
The TH350 will hold up just fine if it's built right, i am running a 600hp 502 in my truck turning 50" tires no problems at all. also as a bonus for the TH350 is more horsepower to the wheels 20 to 50 depending who you talk to.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 756
Likes: 2
From: EDMONTON ALBERTA
Originally Posted by Chilli
Holy crap, what did you do to a TH350 to make it stand up to that engine?
Keep in mind the Vette is not a big heavy beast to move, also the tires will break loose with too much power, my truck has traction for the most part so it's really hard for the tranny to be stuck in the middle.
J-P
P.S. even tough it's 3 years old it probably has no more than 8 hours of actual use, mind you every hour has been hell for it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,497
Likes: 136
From: Butler Pa
Originally Posted by Chilli
The 454 I'm building should offer about 450 hp and about 500 tq. (that's my GUESS) - it'll be a very streetable engine, but I still worry about breaking gears, twisting half shafts and spitting out u joints in the Vette. I can afford to put in solid Spicer u joints, but carbon fibre half shafts are a bit pricey by my standards.