Engine Swap
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 945
Likes: 0
From: Ventura California
I believe the springs are different between the big block and the small block. If they springs you have are stock smallblock springs, seriously consider changing them. You'll want to do front and back so you are matched up as far as spring rate or you'll have some adverse handling issues.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Lufkin Texas
Thanks for the advice I did not even think about the rear spring.
I believe the springs are different between the big block and the small block. If they springs you have are stock smallblock springs, seriously consider changing them. You'll want to do front and back so you are matched up as far as spring rate or you'll have some adverse handling issues.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
Likes: 4
From: Austin Tx
I was about to tackle the same project with my 72 before I sold it. I think an number of other guys here on the forum have swapped in BBs and have gotten away with not changing the front springs. If you go with Alum heads, alum intake, mini starter, you will shave quite abit of the weight diff, so you won't need to change springs.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
half shafts and springs comment
A guy told me to always make sure your half shafts can easily handle the power. He said if you have Posi and you break a half shaft, your going into whatever is next to you such as people, cars, poles, ditches. So when you drop in more power you have to upgrade other things.
As far as springs go I would think that it isn't just the weight consideration. Don't you need heavier springs to handle the acceleration and cornering loads? I don't really know, just throwing it out there.
As far as springs go I would think that it isn't just the weight consideration. Don't you need heavier springs to handle the acceleration and cornering loads? I don't really know, just throwing it out there.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 393
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
make sure you've got spicer solid u-joints, and the hardest part of the swap is sourcing all the brackets, i had considered doing it myself, the rear and tranny(BW-T10 and Muncie are both good and the THM-400) are not of huge concern unless your gonna use slicks, as long as the car doesn't hook your parts will last a lot longer.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
[QUOTE=1fastC3;1561789111]make sure you've got spicer solid u-joints, and the hardest part of the swap is sourcing all the brackets,
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Exactly
You may find buying an old rust bucket pick up truck with a big block in it ,a fair option. It comes with everything you need engine wise.
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Exactly
You may find buying an old rust bucket pick up truck with a big block in it ,a fair option. It comes with everything you need engine wise.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 221
Likes: 30
From: columbia mo.
with out considering weightsmall versas big the thing you need to check first is can you get all of you brackets psteering ac etc remember these are corvette only. ones off a chevell camaro impala wont work also the raditor is 1 inch bigger in a big block so you will have less cooling capacity .
one option to consider is a big small block
one option to consider is a big small block
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Lufkin Texas
Found an engine in Houston for $550.00 complete from carb to pan it has a Holly 780 on it. My 72 does not have air, power steering, or power brakes so I really don't need any brackets.
with out considering weightsmall versas big the thing you need to check first is can you get all of you brackets psteering ac etc remember these are corvette only. ones off a chevell camaro impala wont work also the raditor is 1 inch bigger in a big block so you will have less cooling capacity .
one option to consider is a big small block
one option to consider is a big small block