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BBC Conversion Question:
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
BB conversion
I have a 75 and want to convert to a BB. It is an automatic with ac and stock l88 hood.
Can I use the same wiring harness (just replaced mine)...ac, distributor, alternator etc.
can I use the same ac lines
I am pretty sure I can use my stock hood.
what is the best way to go as for brackets and exhaust
anything else you might add would be GREATLY appreciated.
Can I use the same wiring harness (just replaced mine)...ac, distributor, alternator etc.
can I use the same ac lines
I am pretty sure I can use my stock hood.
what is the best way to go as for brackets and exhaust
anything else you might add would be GREATLY appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,993
Likes: 9
From: Gig Harbor WA
In my case, I want good manners, as mine will be strictly a street car, no racing or track.
I cant see driving over 80 or so, and dont know if that means "top end", but I think low-midrange torque and acceleration would be more important to me.
I have A/C and an 2004R automatic with a 2400 converter, and plan on Hooker sidepipes. I also upgraded the suspension to VBP sport w/ front and rear sways.
I also dont want 8-10 mpg, as I have an O/D transmission and 3.08 rear end. I've read that with even a BB I could get in the mid-high teens at cruise??? Possible? Obviously, more foot, more gas..
My budget will be around $10k. I have been looking into a ZZ502.
Thanks!!
Last edited by MakoShark72; Jan 17, 2010 at 11:16 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
BB conversion
It will be drivin on the street only, so I want it to be a convertable reliable driver. I also am looking for it to pull through 5500-6000 with as much as can be handled down low (stock rearend and rebuilt TH400)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I have an opportunity to get 2 454's......the first is a 1985 truck 454, bored .030 over with an RV cam.........and the other is an early to mid 70's 454 from a truck with ALL accessories. Both are $500. Will they work?PS....for those that know about my TPI swap....I am reconsidering, simply for a motor that can be installed with no wiring and such (no ECM).....still undecided.
Deja
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
i used a truck block 454 in my 72 project. the alternator was mounted on the pass side, had to get brackets and pulleys for p/s and alternator from supplier ($500 !). had the engine rebuilt as a mid range torquer for $2400. used a performerII intake and had to put a tall L88 style hood on it. it came with 3.70 gears and used a m21 trans, so it's not a top end car. but "she do light 'em up". 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
I have an opportunity to get 2 454's......the first is a 1985 truck 454, bored .030 over with an RV cam.........and the other is an early to mid 70's 454 from a truck with ALL accessories. Both are $500. Will they work?PS....for those that know about my TPI swap....I am reconsidering, simply for a motor that can be installed with no wiring and such (no ECM).....still undecided.
Deja
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 13
I agree, take a look at the total cost of the conversion. It is not inexpensive. Particularly the accessory brakets. Don't forget possible upgrades to the suspension, cooling, and exhaust. I enjoy my bigblock but if I had it to do over again I would go with a small block.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: Magic Valley ID
I see....so let me ask this......would a complete 454 with all accessories and the alternator already mounted on the driver's side, drop in and fit....I mean using the existing 454 pullies ad cast exhaust manifolds? Or will the pullies hit somewhere? And would an 85 block be a tall deck motor? I hear that there are clearance issues with a tall deck motor, but I don't know how you can tell short from tall decks.
The front suspension has to be rebuilt anyways, so the upgrade to BB springs is no biggie.
And what displacement is a 454 that has been bored .060 over
Deja
The front suspension has to be rebuilt anyways, so the upgrade to BB springs is no biggie.
And what displacement is a 454 that has been bored .060 over
Deja
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
PLEASE create a sticky for C3 BB conversion
I am in the process of doing a BB conversion.Concerns of a BB are
- the pulley system
- if you have a tall BB it can be done but is a bit more complicated
- if the BB has alum. heads, manifold and WP the weight should not be an issue for the suspension
- cooling is a concern for me ( I live in South Florida) but an alum. rad. will help with the weight
- the oil pan has to be one of the shallower ones
- if you go with a serpentine system the crossmember might have to be modified
- and of course you must have it so your tires will NOT hook (they are the fuse)up unless you upgrade the rest of the drivetain (this also applies to a built SB)
- if it has tall valve covers they could hit the PB booster
- Also I have heard the oil guage hook up is at a different location
I know these are general statements, but I have found that for every answer I get with this project it creates 2 questions. I really wish whoever has the ability to create a sticky on this great forum would do so. I have read it is a drop in project by some, but I think that term means different things gor different people AND different projects.
I see....so let me ask this......would a complete 454 with all accessories and the alternator already mounted on the driver's side, drop in and fit....I mean using the existing 454 pullies ad cast exhaust manifolds? Or will the pullies hit somewhere? And would an 85 block be a tall deck motor? I hear that there are clearance issues with a tall deck motor, but I don't know how you can tell short from tall decks.
The front suspension has to be rebuilt anyways, so the upgrade to BB springs is no biggie.
And what displacement is a 454 that has been bored .060 over
Deja
The front suspension has to be rebuilt anyways, so the upgrade to BB springs is no biggie.
And what displacement is a 454 that has been bored .060 over
Deja
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Here is some info that may help. 
Vette Magazine's "Big-Block from Hell" articles make up the longest running project car series ever published by any Corvette magazine. http://www.idavette.net/hib/vette_bbfh.htm
Vette Magazine's "Big-Block from Hell" articles make up the longest running project car series ever published by any Corvette magazine. http://www.idavette.net/hib/vette_bbfh.htm
