Big Block engine swap???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Big Block engine swap???
How much trouble is it to swap to a big-block engine in a '68-'72 vert. I've heard that the transmission, radiator, and front springs need to be larger to handle the weight. I like the big-block bumper shark cars, but the motor's don't put out the performance I'd like. I am considering building a Monster Merlin 540 - 632 cu in motor, and would set aside any stock original motor. With this in mind, it shouldn't matter if I look at buying a small or big-block car, right?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Big Block engine swap??? (BlackRocket)
It is mostly bolt in but you will need a L-88 big block hood for any manifold /carb except stock. Even with stock carb and manfold you still need a big block hood. Not true for '73-up. :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 26,679
Likes: 17
From: This vette goes to 11 Milford MA
St. Jude Donor '03-'05
Re: Big Block engine swap??? (silvervetteman)
This is what I needed to do mine.
Well, this may not be complete and I don't have any specific part numbers but this is what I bought to convert a 75 350 4-speed to a 454 4-speed. I bought everything from Eckler's and from Steve at Corvettes and Classics in Taunton. I just bought everything for a 74BB with PS and no air. Some things I just bought because they were worn out, not necessarily different like the radiator and motor mounts.
complete 1974 454 from a suburban with Edelbrock cam and lifters, Performer Intake(had to pull it) Ed carb, note:454's are externally balanced unlike a 427
short water pump
stamped steel dual crank pulley
stamped steel dual water pump pulley
dual cast iron PS pulley
alternator
2 brackets for alternator,
PS cradle bracket
2 bracket braces (these are pictured in most catalogs as they are taken right from the assy manual)
crank to WP to PS belt
PS to alt belt
upper and lower radiator hoses
new radiator
removed SB shroud extension
Comp Engineering poly lock motor mounts
Hooker Super Comp headers
Full dual exhaust from Steve ( nice fit, heavy gauge, aluminized, 5 year warranty)
Edelbrock Torker II intake, it is the ONLY aftermarket intake low enough to clear a stock hood. A low rise cast iron will fit as well as a 69 Vette aluminum intake
Fan
74 power steering pump, if the car is 75 or later
flywheel, must be a 454 not SB, 396 or 427
new clutch, PP TO bearing and pilot bearing
low valve covers to clear brake booster
air cleaner, drop base style
angle plug wires
throttle bracket
vacuum ports
heater hose fittings
the oil and temp senders screw right in
carb vacuum port for brakes screws right in
clutch ball screws right in
starter bolts up
bellhousing bolts up
I was able to re-use these parts and the distributor but that's about it.
Hope that helps.
George
Well, this may not be complete and I don't have any specific part numbers but this is what I bought to convert a 75 350 4-speed to a 454 4-speed. I bought everything from Eckler's and from Steve at Corvettes and Classics in Taunton. I just bought everything for a 74BB with PS and no air. Some things I just bought because they were worn out, not necessarily different like the radiator and motor mounts.
complete 1974 454 from a suburban with Edelbrock cam and lifters, Performer Intake(had to pull it) Ed carb, note:454's are externally balanced unlike a 427
short water pump
stamped steel dual crank pulley
stamped steel dual water pump pulley
dual cast iron PS pulley
alternator
2 brackets for alternator,
PS cradle bracket
2 bracket braces (these are pictured in most catalogs as they are taken right from the assy manual)
crank to WP to PS belt
PS to alt belt
upper and lower radiator hoses
new radiator
removed SB shroud extension
Comp Engineering poly lock motor mounts
Hooker Super Comp headers
Full dual exhaust from Steve ( nice fit, heavy gauge, aluminized, 5 year warranty)
Edelbrock Torker II intake, it is the ONLY aftermarket intake low enough to clear a stock hood. A low rise cast iron will fit as well as a 69 Vette aluminum intake
Fan
74 power steering pump, if the car is 75 or later
flywheel, must be a 454 not SB, 396 or 427
new clutch, PP TO bearing and pilot bearing
low valve covers to clear brake booster
air cleaner, drop base style
angle plug wires
throttle bracket
vacuum ports
heater hose fittings
the oil and temp senders screw right in
carb vacuum port for brakes screws right in
clutch ball screws right in
starter bolts up
bellhousing bolts up
I was able to re-use these parts and the distributor but that's about it.
Hope that helps.
George
