454 swap
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
454 swap
Ok, I've found a 454 and was thinking of dropping it into my '74. Anybody know the essentials? I know off the top of my head I'll need motor mounts and any accessories like 454 power steering, alternator, a/c, and other accessories. Will I need another radiator? Will I need to modify any of the front end? Please advise.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
454 swap
Sorry Shake,
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
3) Hood clearance
4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
5) Motor mounts
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
Can you think of anything else?
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
3) Hood clearance
4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
5) Motor mounts
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
Can you think of anything else?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Sorry Shake,
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
This may not be a must have if you are short on funds. Norvall on this forum has run a Big Block with a 8-71 Blower and the small block springs. If you would like to upgrade the while you are at it thing lol. Contact VBP and they can give you the skinny for what would work depending on what you are going to do with your car.
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
You can get these from http://www.corvette-paragon.com/ for a decent price.
3) Hood clearance
This will depend on what you would wish to live with as far as an intake. You Can use the Edelbrock TQ and a drop base air cleaner and fit under the stock hood. Or if you are looking for performance then you would have to go with an L-88 hood and or a cowl hood like this. And or Modify your hood.
But I am going to use the Edelbrock Vc Jr. This is not my car but I also have a 73 as well as the same hood. 
4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
You have a few choices on this. One is DeWitts which is a bolt in along with his duel spal fans. And he has a top notch product. The other is a universal unit along with a Mark 8 fan.
5) Motor mounts
On Motor mounts I would say to go with the solid type. But everyone has there thoughts on this.
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
No you do not have to but the 350 behind the Big Block may not last long. Even though you could have it built to last a pretty good while as well as have a better gear selection since the 1st gear is lower than the Turbo 400 and will use less HP to turn the 350 trans.
Can you think of anything else?
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
This may not be a must have if you are short on funds. Norvall on this forum has run a Big Block with a 8-71 Blower and the small block springs. If you would like to upgrade the while you are at it thing lol. Contact VBP and they can give you the skinny for what would work depending on what you are going to do with your car.
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
You can get these from http://www.corvette-paragon.com/ for a decent price.
3) Hood clearance
This will depend on what you would wish to live with as far as an intake. You Can use the Edelbrock TQ and a drop base air cleaner and fit under the stock hood. Or if you are looking for performance then you would have to go with an L-88 hood and or a cowl hood like this. And or Modify your hood.
But I am going to use the Edelbrock Vc Jr. This is not my car but I also have a 73 as well as the same hood. 4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
You have a few choices on this. One is DeWitts which is a bolt in along with his duel spal fans. And he has a top notch product. The other is a universal unit along with a Mark 8 fan.
5) Motor mounts
On Motor mounts I would say to go with the solid type. But everyone has there thoughts on this.
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
No you do not have to but the 350 behind the Big Block may not last long. Even though you could have it built to last a pretty good while as well as have a better gear selection since the 1st gear is lower than the Turbo 400 and will use less HP to turn the 350 trans.
Can you think of anything else?
Last edited by SHAKERATTLEROLL; Nov 12, 2007 at 01:08 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Sorry Shake,
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
3) Hood clearance
4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
5) Motor mounts
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
Can you think of anything else?
The author of that article just wouldn't shut up. I wish he'd get to the point. Ok, here's what we have so far.
1) Coil springs for BB
2) Acessories brakets for BB alternator, powersteering
3) Hood clearance
4) Radiator w/ corresponding lines/hoses
5) Motor mounts
Will I need to upgrade to a TH400 tranny? Currently have a TH350 automatic. If so, 6) will be modified driveshaft.
Can you think of anything else?
1) What car or truck did this motor originate from ?....e.g. if it's a tall deck, you're going to have some challenges...
2) What fuel delivery....is it a late model injected motor or carb?....
3) What intake manifold is on the motor (this will be important for hood clearance)....
4) And what heads are on it....oval or rectangular port ? ....
BTW, swapping trannys and the extent of suspension replacement will depend on the power figures of the motor you plan to install and the intended end use of the vehicle, e.g. drag or autocross racing vs street.....also you will need to address the exhaust system and possibly the oil pan....
Edit: You'll most likely have to replace the water pump as well.............
Last edited by standup; Nov 12, 2007 at 01:32 AM. Reason: trust me the list of replacement parts will grow
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Ok, I've found a 454 and was thinking of dropping it into my '74. Anybody know the essentials? I know off the top of my head I'll need motor mounts and any accessories like 454 power steering, alternator, a/c, and other accessories. Will I need another radiator? Will I need to modify any of the front end? Please advise.
Accessories are the same
You will need:
a short water pump
74 power steering and alternator bracket kit
crank pulley
water pump pulley
exhaust manifolds or headers
modify the exhaust to mate up
fuel pump
fuel line
It will most likely run hot with a factory SB radiator and will be very nose heavy with SB springs.
A factory BB intake will fit under a 74 hood as will a Torker II with a banjo fitting and drop base air cleaner. If you are running that massive scooptacular hood, you probably won't have any clearance issues but good luck seeing over it.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 374
Likes: 4
From: decatur ga
76
I changed my 76 over to 454.all the parts above will be needed.
Check out parts books get what you need from a 74 vette.
PS pump and pulley
Short water pump and pulley
If you run air you will need a idle pulley
New fan belts
You can keep the 350 trans no need to cut drive shaft
If you make over 500 hp get a 350 from TCI $900.00
I can be reached at
jakebowls@aol.com
Check out parts books get what you need from a 74 vette.
PS pump and pulley
Short water pump and pulley
If you run air you will need a idle pulley
New fan belts
You can keep the 350 trans no need to cut drive shaft
If you make over 500 hp get a 350 from TCI $900.00
I can be reached at
jakebowls@aol.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,442
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Motor mounts are the same.
Accessories are the same
You will need:
a short water pump
74 power steering and alternator bracket kit
crank pulley
water pump pulley
exhaust manifolds or headers
modify the exhaust to mate up
fuel pump
fuel line
It will most likely run hot with a factory SB radiator and will be very nose heavy with SB springs.
A factory BB intake will fit under a 74 hood as will a Torker II with a banjo fitting and drop base air cleaner. If you are running that massive scooptacular hood, you probably won't have any clearance issues but good luck seeing over it.
Accessories are the same
You will need:
a short water pump
74 power steering and alternator bracket kit
crank pulley
water pump pulley
exhaust manifolds or headers
modify the exhaust to mate up
fuel pump
fuel line
It will most likely run hot with a factory SB radiator and will be very nose heavy with SB springs.
A factory BB intake will fit under a 74 hood as will a Torker II with a banjo fitting and drop base air cleaner. If you are running that massive scooptacular hood, you probably won't have any clearance issues but good luck seeing over it.
With most of this. I swapped a 454 in my '69 small block car. It always runs at 180* with the small block radiator. If the seals and rad are good, you shouldn't have a problem.Many people put a lot of work into lowering the front of their car. I would do the swap first and see how the car sits. It may end up being just where you want it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
THM 350 sounds a little "iffy", unless the 454 is not very stout. It still has a lot of cubes and a lot of torque. You could either do some upgrading on the 350, replace with a std. THM400 or install 200R or 700R. The THM 350 would do just fine, if you didn't push it too hard.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,855
Likes: 2
From: Columbia South Carolina
If you have all the add on accessories the brackets and pullies will be the biggest pain in teh tail. also Exhaust manifolds are very pricy so you will likely opt for hedders, not hard to put in from the bottom but you will need to figure out standoffs for the AC brackets. use the hardest studs you can find or the softest because if stuff isnt lined up just right you will be breaking them off. other than those issues it a completely do-able swap. I had the LS 5 hood already on my 71 so havnt had issues there.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
454 swap
The 454 I bought is off a late model (early eighties) Dually. It's coming with all the accessories. Alternator, power steering, water pump, and pulleys. I guess my question now is, do I need a different, "Corvette" set of brackets / accessories specifically for my '72 Stingray?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 589
Likes: 62
From: USA
I put a BBC into my '78. 540ci.
dually alternator - probably no good unless custom brackets.
P/S - might be able to re-use the pump, need to get BBC C3 brackets.
water pump - no good, need short Vette BBC pump. will need to get appropriate viscous clutch (optional) and correct fan to fit the fan shroud, may be able to re-use SBC fan.
pulleys - need to get the C3 BBC versions. for sure. "deep groove" SHP ones preferrable.
I think you could get the TH350 to survive behind a BBC, but will need some "souping up" depending upon end-result perf level of dually BBC. you're probably going to replace the cam, heads, intake... to create your new beast. I can't see putting a truck motor "as-is" into a vette.
I think 80's dually probably had the infernal peanut ports. unless you're intending to use your vette to pull stumps...
dually alternator - probably no good unless custom brackets.
P/S - might be able to re-use the pump, need to get BBC C3 brackets.
water pump - no good, need short Vette BBC pump. will need to get appropriate viscous clutch (optional) and correct fan to fit the fan shroud, may be able to re-use SBC fan.
pulleys - need to get the C3 BBC versions. for sure. "deep groove" SHP ones preferrable.
I think you could get the TH350 to survive behind a BBC, but will need some "souping up" depending upon end-result perf level of dually BBC. you're probably going to replace the cam, heads, intake... to create your new beast. I can't see putting a truck motor "as-is" into a vette.
I think 80's dually probably had the infernal peanut ports. unless you're intending to use your vette to pull stumps...