C3 SBC to BBC conversion questions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Xenia Ohio
C3 SBC to BBC conversion questions
Thinking about SBC to BBC conversion, have couple questions.
Currently have '79 C3 350 w/4 speed, looking at 572 short deck install.
I'm assuming my current Lakewood bellhousing, 11" flywheel (168 tooth), clutch, mini starter, motor mounts & trans crossmember will work with BBC & in same locations.
Will the clutch "Z" bar work OK & is tapped hole in BBC block (for pivot ball) in same location compared to SBC? I'm probably going to use DART aftermarket block, hope it also has tapped hole provision.
My C3 sits low in the front, I'm going to rebuild frt end w/new springs also, but I'm still shooting for same lowered height, my stock oil pan w/SB (7 1/2" deep) doesn't have much ground clearance now.
I guess my question is, comparing stock SB to stock BB oil pan (factory type) what is the ground clearance difference with a BB pan?
As a point of reference the bellhousing ground clearance should be the
same because all the drivetrain components are at same height/ location SB to BB, correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks
Currently have '79 C3 350 w/4 speed, looking at 572 short deck install.
I'm assuming my current Lakewood bellhousing, 11" flywheel (168 tooth), clutch, mini starter, motor mounts & trans crossmember will work with BBC & in same locations.
Will the clutch "Z" bar work OK & is tapped hole in BBC block (for pivot ball) in same location compared to SBC? I'm probably going to use DART aftermarket block, hope it also has tapped hole provision.
My C3 sits low in the front, I'm going to rebuild frt end w/new springs also, but I'm still shooting for same lowered height, my stock oil pan w/SB (7 1/2" deep) doesn't have much ground clearance now.
I guess my question is, comparing stock SB to stock BB oil pan (factory type) what is the ground clearance difference with a BB pan?
As a point of reference the bellhousing ground clearance should be the
same because all the drivetrain components are at same height/ location SB to BB, correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Thinking about SBC to BBC conversion, have couple questions.
Currently have '79 C3 350 w/4 speed, looking at 572 short deck install.
I'm assuming my current Lakewood bellhousing, 11" flywheel (168 tooth), clutch, mini starter, motor mounts & trans crossmember will work with BBC & in same locations.
Will the clutch "Z" bar work OK & is tapped hole in BBC block (for pivot ball) in same location compared to SBC? I'm probably going to use DART aftermarket block, hope it also has tapped hole provision.
My C3 sits low in the front, I'm going to rebuild frt end w/new springs also, but I'm still shooting for same lowered height, my stock oil pan w/SB (7 1/2" deep) doesn't have much ground clearance now.
I guess my question is, comparing stock SB to stock BB oil pan (factory type) what is the ground clearance difference with a BB pan?
As a point of reference the bellhousing ground clearance should be the
same because all the drivetrain components are at same height/ location SB to BB, correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks
Currently have '79 C3 350 w/4 speed, looking at 572 short deck install.
I'm assuming my current Lakewood bellhousing, 11" flywheel (168 tooth), clutch, mini starter, motor mounts & trans crossmember will work with BBC & in same locations.
Will the clutch "Z" bar work OK & is tapped hole in BBC block (for pivot ball) in same location compared to SBC? I'm probably going to use DART aftermarket block, hope it also has tapped hole provision.
My C3 sits low in the front, I'm going to rebuild frt end w/new springs also, but I'm still shooting for same lowered height, my stock oil pan w/SB (7 1/2" deep) doesn't have much ground clearance now.
I guess my question is, comparing stock SB to stock BB oil pan (factory type) what is the ground clearance difference with a BB pan?
As a point of reference the bellhousing ground clearance should be the
same because all the drivetrain components are at same height/ location SB to BB, correct me if I'm wrong.
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
The "Z" bar will work. There is another thread on hear that covers all of the conversion questions. It also covers many options for the accessory belt drive.
I did a SBC to BBC in a Camaro one in life and helped with others. The BBC sits higher in the compartment and is around 1.5 inches longer. the dementions from the bell housing to the motor mounts is the same and the cross section of the block between the motor mounts are the same. So its a bolt in with mostly a change in exhaust manifolds/headers and belt set up.
Much more "WOW" than a SBC
I did a SBC to BBC in a Camaro one in life and helped with others. The BBC sits higher in the compartment and is around 1.5 inches longer. the dementions from the bell housing to the motor mounts is the same and the cross section of the block between the motor mounts are the same. So its a bolt in with mostly a change in exhaust manifolds/headers and belt set up.
Much more "WOW" than a SBC
