1976 big block or small block
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise Ut
I think installing one will not be a problem, but you are going to gain around 200 lbs with that extra 46 cubes. If it was me and I was going to go big block I would do at least a 454... or maybee a 502...or maybee a 540. whatever you choose good luck!!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
I have a big block car and did not have to do a conversion. With the HP and torque that you can get out of a small block these days then I agree with the other poster, why deal with all that weight?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
If you want a big block there were 100 of thousands of 454s put in pickups find a rebuildable one, nice thing about big blocks over small blocks they have much better breathing heads by design.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
I agree with most above except 1 or 2 of em.
If you can get 396/402 BBC for free or cheap ... then get it ...
... but sell it to someone requiring 396/402 BBC for a correct camaro/chevelle etc project.
Most non-vette BBC going in a sbc vette will require different brackets & pulleys from a 3'rd source.
Many non-vette BBC exhaust manifolds will not fit in a BBC vette; count on sourcing manifolds/headers.
Bigger motors need bigger radiators than smaller motors; maybe existing rad up to snuff, maybe not ... dunno.
If you still want BBC swap then get a 454 ... relatively cheap & plentiful.
If you can get 396/402 BBC for free or cheap ... then get it ...
... but sell it to someone requiring 396/402 BBC for a correct camaro/chevelle etc project.
Most non-vette BBC going in a sbc vette will require different brackets & pulleys from a 3'rd source.
Many non-vette BBC exhaust manifolds will not fit in a BBC vette; count on sourcing manifolds/headers.
Bigger motors need bigger radiators than smaller motors; maybe existing rad up to snuff, maybe not ... dunno.
If you still want BBC swap then get a 454 ... relatively cheap & plentiful.
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
You can bore a 396 out to 4.25" (plenty of cylinder wall thickness) - easy to make it into a 427 (same 3.76" stroke).
A 396 from a 72 Chevelle may actually already be a 402 (396 bored .030 oversize).
Most 396 blocks made after 1969 will also except a 4" stroke Mark IV 454 crank without clearancing.
If you go looking for a 454 be careful that you don't end up with a tall deck truck motor and that it does not have the peanut port heads on it. You want at least large oval port heads or go aftermarket alum and save some weight.
A 396 from a 72 Chevelle may actually already be a 402 (396 bored .030 oversize).
Most 396 blocks made after 1969 will also except a 4" stroke Mark IV 454 crank without clearancing.
If you go looking for a 454 be careful that you don't end up with a tall deck truck motor and that it does not have the peanut port heads on it. You want at least large oval port heads or go aftermarket alum and save some weight.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
Pickup engines were all standard 9.8 deck, 10.2 tall decks (366/427)
they used three compression rings were only put in things like small dump trucks.
they used three compression rings were only put in things like small dump trucks.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Jan 20, 2008 at 02:06 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
Good choice!!
