HI guys I'm new here so if I'm repeating a standard newbie question sorry, but I wasn't really able to find the answers I'm looking for searching old posts. I've got a 454/TH350 combo in a 67 Chevelle bracket car that I almost never get to run (strip only), and I've been thinking about moving the engine/tranny combo back to a street/strip type car. I had a 79 Corvette a few years ago but it was my daily driver and parts and reliability kind of killed me on it. Now times have changed and the Vette would be a playtoy only kind of thing. So what I'm wondering is:

1) What's the fit like with a BBC in a C3 corvette? Pretty tight, tough to work on? Are finding headers that fit a problem? Are there any fitment issues with the later years (late 70s) that didn't have big blocks factory?

2) How well do these cars hold up with bigger power? Will I be shredding rear end parts? Similarly, does it take much to get these cars to hook very well (maybe a set of slicks for the track)?

3) Any other BBC swap into a former SBC car hints/issues I should know of? Should I put big block spring in it while doing the swap? What about a bigger radiator?

4) Anybody around here know of a good roller (or running car) C3 in the DFW Texas area? Anybody out there have any interest in a 67 bracket car trade?

Any help and opinions are welcome here, and thanks in advance for your feedback! Also, by the way, I'm not looking to make a fake/clone car to pass off as a "real deal", in fact at this point it looks more like I'd be starting with a later 70's car that wouldn't have been a factory BBC anyway.

 

From a long term '78 BB owner:

1) There weren't any significant frame changes during the entire generation which effected the engine bay, so it bolts right in (you can use the same PN# mounts as for a SB). If you don't have A/C and power steering, not that tight to work on. Plenty of headers to choose from (I like Hooker sidemounts).

2) You need to read this: http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/1...dup/index.html I've had a 12-bolt IRS in my C3 for many years. If you ever put slicks on it, you really need to beef this up.

3) The car will sit lower with the BB. Suggest at least 550# front coils and setting front and rear Z and D ride heights to Power Book specs, except if going to the strip means more to you than hugging corners, and unless you have clearance issues to account for. Install an aluminum aftermarket HD rad. Personally, I'm upgrading to Griffin # 6-577AF-BXX, which will handle 600hp: http://www.griffinradiator.com/

4) Can't help on this one.

Lot's of us have put BB's in late C3's, so you should find plenty of help with specific issues you come accross. Best of luck, and welcome to the club.