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Was wondering if putting as BBC in a 76 Coupe is possible. Lots of mods or and easy swap? Can the 76 stock frame take the additional weight and torque?
Thanks,
Diesel
The only difference is the bellhouse (if it's a manual and you want to use the 11" clutch), the accessory brackets, and the radiator and shroud(but now would be a good time to go electric).
The only difference is the bellhouse (if it's a manual and you want to use the 11" clutch), the accessory brackets, and the radiator and shroud(but now would be a good time to go electric).
Would my current stock L82 4spd tranny bolt up to a BBC?
Diesel
you should use heavy springs and a bigger radiator .get a raised hood for more carb clearance .you stock 700r will bolt up ,but it won't live too long .
You've both got my attention. I'm considering the same thing: have a SB in my '73 roadster and a 454 would make it more valuable, not to mention way more fun. Did you install larger springs to compensate for the added weight? Can you list the items you had to change just to install the big block? Thanks!
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
All C3s are BB ready. I first did the swap from an L82 SB (w/auto) to a 427 BB (w/stick) in my '78 SAE circa 1980.
Unfortunately, in this day and age you probably ought to check to make sure the compliance ***** won't spoil your fun before committing.
And, before you loose any sleep over the additional weight, bear in mind that an iron BB w/aluminum heads, intake and water pump only weighs roughly 100# more than an L82, and that weight is behind, NOT above (as certain haters persist in claiming), the front axle. IMOE this nominal gain poses no handling issues which a bit of chassis tuning can't cure. My $.02, no charge.
The 1963-1982 corvette was the same frame and essentially the same car with body changes and miner mechanical changes throughout the years..(they added up to a lot of changes from 63 to 82) is stands to reason that since the they offered a big block in the 1974 c3 and the 1976 is essentially the same car and same body only more emissions, bemperettes and a steel floor that it would work just fine.
as others stated depending on where you live and who inspects your vehicle it may not be worth it.
Very possible. No problems for the frame if its in good shape.
Another small block auto, to big block stick swap here. It was no problem at all and was well worth it. In my 77 I installed a rear sway bar like the factory big block cars have and went with a quality aluminum radiator to control the temps. Same motor mounts and the stock springs have been fine for the last couple of years.
I like the plain look of the car and got lucky fitting the stock 77 hood over the 454 with a drop base air cleaner.
Biggest part of the job is swapping in the pedals, everything else bots up for the most part. Good luck.
Very possible. No problems for the frame if its in good shape.
Another small block auto, to big block stick swap here. It was no problem at all and was well worth it. In my 77 I installed a rear sway bar like the factory big block cars have and went with a quality aluminum radiator to control the temps. Same motor mounts and the stock springs have been fine for the last couple of years.
I like the plain look of the car and got lucky fitting the stock 77 hood over the 454 with a drop base air cleaner.
Biggest part of the job is swapping in the pedals, everything else bots up for the most part. Good luck.
My floors were rotted out, so when I cut them out, I put the car on my lift and did the pedal swap standing thru the floor
I did the swap over a year ago in my 76. Love it. BBC springs, 3 core aluminum radiator, tuarus 2 speed electric fan. The motor is a stock 454, bolted it right up to my th350. Had to change the flex plate to the universal one which has two set of holes. All the accessory brackets are mid 60s BBC, eazy peezy. Also adding a BBC rear sway bar. Also a high rise hood till I get my L88 hood done.
Last edited by scrappy76; Jul 16, 2014 at 01:28 PM.
Reason: add
with the skunk works, check your local regulations. in Maryland the environazis aren't easy on stuff like this. I lived most of my life in Northern Virginia, so I'm well aware of the constraints you live under. beside that it isn't a tough swap at all. i hope you can do it.
I'm starting to feel pretty encouraged about this project! I think I'm going to start looking for a BBC engine. Preferably one that has already been rebuilt...
Diesel
with the skunk works, check your local regulations. in Maryland the environazis aren't easy on stuff like this. I lived most of my life in Northern Virginia, so I'm well aware of the constraints you live under. beside that it isn't a tough swap at all. i hope you can do it.
Actually in MD the enviroNazis are Uber easy for my 76 cause emissions tests are only required on 1977 model years or newer...
Diesel
BBC in a SBC C3?
I first did the swap from an L82 SB (w/auto) to a 427 BB (w/stick) in my '78 SAE circa 1980. 
No problems for the frame if its in good shape.
with the skunk works, check your local regulations. in Maryland the environazis aren't easy on stuff like this. I lived most of my life in Northern Virginia, so I'm well aware of the constraints you live under. beside that it isn't a tough swap at all. i hope you can do it.
easy for my 76 cause emissions tests are only required on 1977 model years or newer... 