454 swap into 76
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
if it's a 4 speed, you might want to change to a 11" clutch which would need a different bellhouse. if it's an auto, consider changing from the 350 to a 400 transmission. both these changes would only be necessary if you're going to build-up the engine for a little more power.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
if it's a 4 speed, you might want to change to a 11" clutch which would need a different bellhouse. if it's an auto, consider changing from the 350 to a 400 transmission. both these changes would only be necessary if you're going to build-up the engine for a little more power.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Kingston Ontario
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: chino ca
so other than my suspension it should drop right in its a 76 so i thought it came with the 400 turbo tranny i got some hooker pipes so i dont think the exhaust is the problem but like tall wise is it gonna come out the top will my stock hood still fit over flush?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,046
Likes: 675
From: FL
Torker 2 - Yes
Performer - Maybe since the '76 hood is taller than the '68-72. Use a drop base aircleaner.
Performer RPM or Victor - No
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
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Depends, are they corvette pulleys and mounts ?
If Yes ok.......... if NO,,,, they will not fit .
If Yes ok.......... if NO,,,, they will not fit .
Last edited by 69Vett; Aug 24, 2009 at 11:52 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
The issue here is the clearance between the front of the engine and the radiator and front suspension. BB Vettes used a short waterpump with pulleys and accessory brackets designed to fit in tight with the short pump. Big Block Impalas, trucks, etc. typically use the long waterpump, so those brackets and pulleys won't fit in a Vette application.Installing a 454 in your 76 is very doable, but you will need to do a bit of planning. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Cumana
A couple of months ago I just finished putting a blown 496 in my 76 vette. Because of the blower I had to do some major changes, but I can assure you that just putting a big block is possiblewith some minor changes. like brackets etc.
I also installed a set of jet hot hooker headers with sidepipes.
Also the steering and the suspension were changed for a rack and pinion steering and the monoleaf spring front and back suspension.
The powersteering system has a remote tank with it, where the pump is attached to the block.
I also installed a set of jet hot hooker headers with sidepipes.
Also the steering and the suspension were changed for a rack and pinion steering and the monoleaf spring front and back suspension.
The powersteering system has a remote tank with it, where the pump is attached to the block.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
A couple of months ago I just finished putting a blown 496 in my 76 vette. Because of the blower I had to do some major changes, but I can assure you that just putting a big block is possiblewith some minor changes. like brackets etc.
I also installed a set of jet hot hooker headers with sidepipes.
Also the steering and the suspension were changed for a rack and pinion steering and the monoleaf spring front and back suspension.
The powersteering system has a remote tank with it, where the pump is attached to the block.
I also installed a set of jet hot hooker headers with sidepipes.
Also the steering and the suspension were changed for a rack and pinion steering and the monoleaf spring front and back suspension.
The powersteering system has a remote tank with it, where the pump is attached to the block.
So lets say you have all the correct accessories bolted to the engine....how long (conservatively) would you say that it would take to unbolt the old engine, replace it with the BB, and have it on the road? Just trying to gauge the time involved, as I have never done this before. I have a buddy that would be helping as well. Any ideas?
PS....sorry...not trying to hijack the thead here, OP.
Trevor
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
You will need a short water pump and appropriate accessory brackets.
Using actual Vette brackets are the surest way to make sure everything fits, but they are usually a bit pricey.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
By today's standards the original Corvette Big Blocks are really gross.
They were all cast iron: blocks, heads, and intake manifolds.
All this cast iron boat anchor material really detracts from the extra power and really screws up the front suspension and handling.
To slide a BB into your car, I think you should really think aluminum heads and manifold. All the factory BB brackets, etc will make this a somewhat straightforward project.
They were all cast iron: blocks, heads, and intake manifolds.
All this cast iron boat anchor material really detracts from the extra power and really screws up the front suspension and handling. To slide a BB into your car, I think you should really think aluminum heads and manifold. All the factory BB brackets, etc will make this a somewhat straightforward project.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
So is there a place where you can buy a bracket kit, or do you have to piece it all together? Sounds like it could get real expensive if you have to do that. So far as being "gross"...I dunno. Never had a 454 in anything that I've owned, but isn't ANYTHING new far better than the old stuff? I mean, sure, you could throw $5000 grand at a new Vette motor, but the old ones got the job done, right? I see your point with aluminum heads and intake, but again...its seems to me that you have to have a considerable bank roll to pull that off. I'm just talking about a straightforward, no electronics, raw power swap. Sure, the springs would have to be upgraded and such, but those big motors were in the cars for a long time, and it seems like they did just fine. I dunno. Maybe I'm just being naive. :o
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
So is there a place where you can buy a bracket kit, or do you have to piece it all together? Sounds like it could get real expensive if you have to do that. So far as being "gross"...I dunno. Never had a 454 in anything that I've owned, but isn't ANYTHING new far better than the old stuff? I mean, sure, you could throw $5000 grand at a new Vette motor, but the old ones got the job done, right? I see your point with aluminum heads and intake, but again...its seems to me that you have to have a considerable bank roll to pull that off. I'm just talking about a straightforward, no electronics, raw power swap. Sure, the springs would have to be upgraded and such, but those big motors were in the cars for a long time, and it seems like they did just fine. I dunno. Maybe I'm just being naive. :o
An all iron BB C3 is a whole lot better than not having one. And even today, you can just about blow away any car on the street with one of these engines.
For brackets....I'd try VolunteerVette, Paragon, Dr Rebuild, ZIP. etc. Also J & D Corvette for salvage parts.
For a BB, you have to get a BB hood. More $$$ but they look better.
Last edited by 68/70Vette; Dec 18, 2009 at 11:19 PM.
