Big block conversion
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Lots of time patience and money....
I am in the process of fitting a 454 now.
Main things are:
Headers and larger exhaust
Uprated cooling system
New carb (and pos uprated fuel system)
New hood
New pulley set up
Also take into concideration plugs, leads, fluids, engine mounts, cam covers, gaskets, air filter, etc, etc. When you start you think you will reuse the SBC parts as they are 'ok'. When it comes to it and your fitting a new engine the urge to replace everything gets stronger and stronger.
I am in the process of fitting a 454 now.
Main things are:
Headers and larger exhaust
Uprated cooling system
New carb (and pos uprated fuel system)
New hood
New pulley set up
Also take into concideration plugs, leads, fluids, engine mounts, cam covers, gaskets, air filter, etc, etc. When you start you think you will reuse the SBC parts as they are 'ok'. When it comes to it and your fitting a new engine the urge to replace everything gets stronger and stronger.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Search here for my thread "The great rat transformation". Lots of pics info there.
You will end up replacing a lot more then you think you will. I did use my SB shroud, fan, radiator, alternator, PS pump. Pretty much everything else had to be changed. It ain't cheap, that's for sure...especially if you buy all new repro. Pullies, brackets etc etc. It is worth it when it's done though.
You will end up replacing a lot more then you think you will. I did use my SB shroud, fan, radiator, alternator, PS pump. Pretty much everything else had to be changed. It ain't cheap, that's for sure...especially if you buy all new repro. Pullies, brackets etc etc. It is worth it when it's done though.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Illinois
383
Go 383 stroker, there is a lot of info on the internet. You can build a mild 383 from 350hp to a wild 500hp plus and anything in between! They also are capable of large torque numbers. There is also a large supply of crate motors and all the parts you will need.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Cumana
I did change the sbc I had in my 76(TH350) to a blown 496(TH400).
Also changed the suspension to the monoleaf spring in front and back and changed the steering to a rack and pinion.
The a/c was a no no.
Powersteering is the pump attached to the block with a remote tank.
Pulley and belt is from March. Because of blower belt a dual electric fan was used as pusher and the radiator is from The Witts. One fan starts with the engine the other one kicks in at 185 degrees.
Also changed the suspension to the monoleaf spring in front and back and changed the steering to a rack and pinion.
The a/c was a no no.
Powersteering is the pump attached to the block with a remote tank.
Pulley and belt is from March. Because of blower belt a dual electric fan was used as pusher and the radiator is from The Witts. One fan starts with the engine the other one kicks in at 185 degrees.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
It's really not that hard, and it doesn't have to be crazy expensive either. I just did this in my 81. I used the original carb, and dizzy, built a 2004r (modified the stock shifter so I can reach 1st gear manually) for it and obviously true dual exhaust. I used an aluminum radiator with dual fans to keep it cool. I also adapted a stock sbc serpentine system to the bb so I could use all the factory accessories. I've just put the L88 hood on it, but haven't painted it yet, as there's some prep work to do and I haven't had time yet.
Pics are posted in "My Garage"
Pics are posted in "My Garage"
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Big block conversion
I used the original carb, and dizzy, built a 2004r (modified the stock shifter so I can reach 1st gear manually) for it and obviously true dual exhaust. I used an aluminum radiator with dual fans to keep it cool. I also adapted a stock sbc serpentine system to the bb so I could use all the factory accessories. I've just put the L88 hood on it
I would be replacing the manifolds, carb, intake, fuel pump, fan shroud, intake manifold, air cleaner, distributor and converter (400 has been rebuilt) anyway for the 383.
Also, i have true SS dual exhaust (no cats) that I might have to modify...BUT really like the look of the side pipes so am considering that route.
not sure about my stock l88 hood and the cost of the pulleys and accessories.
I think the springs will be ok with all the cast of the sbc being replaced with aluminum.
Do a BB search. There should be a ton of threads over the years
) for the last two months, there is a lot of great threads but they go all over the place and there is usually a couple of things that are different that raise more question for me. 
It would be great if there was a sticky on the subject
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 5
From: Middleburg Florida
Yeah, well....tried that. Used the "New Post" option, but the manage attachments button doesn't show. Also in the posting rules that shows up on my side, it says "You may not post attachments". Don't know why?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Open a Photobucket account and upload your pictures there first. Once you have them uploaded, copy & paste them into your forum post.
