looking to put a 454 in my 1975 vette,will my original 400 THM400,and drive shaft still fit without beging modified?
Any modification/upgrades at all?

Still have the original block (350 5.7)##match or just rebuild this motor, or do the swap,What do you guys think!



Thank
Steve Z.

 

Trans back shouldnt be an issue def. drop the 454 in
Screw #s matching if its about a 350. Youll love the BB torque!

 

If that's what you want, put it in. But don't listen to me, look at my name, I modify everything. As far as upgrading, I guess it depends how much power you are planning, the condition of the other components, and how you intend to drive it. A fresh big block would probably eat a marginal transmission. You could end up spending a lot of money, especially if you intend to pay others to do the work. You can keep the original engine in case you want to go back. I say its your car, enjoy it the way you want it. Some here would advise you drive on bias ply tires and not change the radio channel because they all left the factory listening to one station.

 

Great line 74


Pete
PS. I like to keep 'em as original as possible, but each owner has the final say as to what he/she does with their Corvette.

 

I believe you'll need a bigger radiator to cool that 454. Didn't the big block slushbox trans have a different shiftpoint than mouse motors? If so, perhaps only a vacuum modulator change would be needed.

 

Go for it ! Just put a 454 in my 77 project. Lots of fun !!!!!

 

Just put a stock 454 from a truck into my 1976. love the added power and torque over the stock 350 that was in there before. only have about $800 into the swap including the price of the motor. Definately happy with the swap. still using the original rad. and th350 trans.

 

I'm about to venture into this territory as well. I plan on a set of Procomp heads, Air gap intake , L88 hood and drop in a 454, throw my 350 on an engine stand.

What parts are required to put in the 454 in regards to pullies, engine mounts, oil pan etc., I plan on using under chassis headers, & the current M21

 

I put a 396/375 in my 75. It was a breeze. If you need parts for it, just ask for a 74 454. I've done that and never had an issue.

BTW, if any one wants to sell the complete 350(w/brackets, etc) for a 75-76, I am in the market for one. I want to remove the 396 and use it for another project and I don't really want to put a BB in it this time. Wish I had kept to original engine.................

 

I did the 350 to BB427 in my 74 corvette and it was awesome!!! It costs a few bucks but I reuse the original front springs (only dropped 1 inch), distributor, carb, and adapted the exhaust .
Your biggest expense will be radiator, headers and brackets.

 

I think one of the main problems you will face is the pulley set up as in if you are going to go with a factory style set up or aftermarket. I am sorry as I do not know what is out there right now to help with this problem.

If you are going to go the factory rout I think it would be worth it to look at Paragon Corvette Reproductions. But the Water Pump pulley will set you back in your seat a bit lol.

But you might get lucky here on the forum for a WTB add for the pieces that you need and save some Bucks.

I would also look into upgrading the Cooling System.

As for the Front Coil springs you can run stock for awhile if you wish to save some funds till you have them for an upgrade to some of the VBP 550's. I would also think about upgrading your rear spring to something heavier due to the increase of rear end squat with the increased TQ.

Also make sure that all of your running gear is in good shape. As when you start upgrading HP/TQ numbers they will always find the weak link lol.

 

I just went through all this on my 72. It was pretty easy. I did however use the stock style brackets. I ended up scoring them on the forum for about the same price as the water pump pulley alone online, so there are deals out there if your patient. I had put new 2 1/2" CC exhaust on the car when it was a small block and I adapted that with a set of headmen headers for the BBC. I had to get a new oil pan as the 454 was from a truck and was over 9.75” deep so that is something you need to look for as well. Your flex plat or flywheel will also need to be for a 454 also, and if you have a manual tranny make sure you have the large bell housing. I also ended up rebuilding the BBC and then my M20 tranny as well so my costs, ended up being more than some on here. I am also using the stock SBC radiator and it works just fine, however I was told it was new when I purchased the car. If you have not done your front end take the time to do it now with the motor out during the swap as it gets real tight with the BBC in there. I have now pulled the motor back out and am now in the process of rebuilding my complete front end along with new lower control arm mounts and gussets. I am not sure if I will use BBC springs up front or not as I really like the way the car sites. There is a lot of info on the forum and some posted by both Scrappy76 and John 65.