Im about to rip out the 350 and throw in a 496 stroker. My question is, What kind of suspension upgrades am i going to expect? And what kind of changes will i need such as starter, alternator, radiator? Thanks

 

I used the stock 350 starter for a few years then went to a mini starter out of boredom, just wanting a change. I used the stock 2 core rad for a few years but it isn't up to hot weather. I then went with a Griffin camaro rad that fit perfectly except for the lower rad outlet that required creative pluming. I also use 2 large 16 inch electric fans. The stock igniton will drop right in. The stock transmission regardless of what it is bolts right up. I used a set of headers to get away from exhuat hookup problems.
If you are willing to modify the crossmember a camaro set will move the collects more outboard and make exhaust hookup even easier. Stock vet headers twist in towards the transmission while camaro header point straight back keep the exhaust away from the transmission.
I believe passing the exhaust through those 2 holes in the crossmember is a dumb idea. It requires pipes too close to the transmission and any future exhaust drop requires the system to be pulled apart.
Good luck and go for it.

 

Who will be the last C3 small block owner? Will it happen in this decade?

Chuck

 

:lol: :lol: :lol: Thats funny Chuck.

 

Dr. stingray, I put a 467 rat motor in my 71 coupe last winter, well worth the effort! The power is unbelievable, gas milage sucks but who cares! I had to put in new BB spings up front and new shocks, new drive shaft and new u-joints all around. The brackets are special for a BB, but you can find them from any Corvette parts dealer. You will need a good radiator, suggest a BeCool with twin fans. Good luck with the project!

 

Sounds like a fun little project. Good luck !!
I like driving my vette to work - so the small block will be there forever.
However, the wife wants a BB Camaro - so I'll still get to have some BB fun !!
:seeya

 

:cool:

 

Here is an old e-mail I sent to someone regarding mine.

Well, this may not be complete and I don't have any specific part numbers but this is what I bought to convert a 75 350 4-speed to a 454 4-speed. I bought everything from Eckler's and from Steve at Corvettes and Classics in Taunton. I just bought everything for a 74BB with PS and no air. Some things I just bought because they were worn out, not necessarily different like the radiator and motor mounts.

complete 1974 454 from a suburban with Edlebrock cam and lifters, Performer Intake(had to pull it) Ed carb, note:454's are externally balanced unlike a 427
short water pump
stamped steel dual crank pulley
stamped steel dual water pump pulley
dual cast iron PS pulley
alternator
2 brackets for alternator,
PS cradle bracket
2 bracket braces (these are pictured in most catalogs as they are taken right from the assy manual)
crank to WP to PS belt
PS to alt belt
upper and lower radiator hoses
new radiator
removed SB shroud extension
Comp Engineering poly lock motor mounts
Hooker Super Comp headers
Full dual exhaust from Steve ( nice fit, heavy gauge, aluminized, 5 year warranty)
Edelbrock Torker II intake, it is the ONLY aftermarket intake low enough to clear a stock hood. A low rise cast iron will fit as well as a 69 Vette aluminum intake
Fan
74 power steering pump, if the car is 75 or later
flywheel, must be a 454 not SB, 396 or 427
new clutch, PP TO bearing and pilot bearing
low valve covers to clear brake booster
air cleaner, drop base style
angle plug wires
throttle bracket
vacuum ports
heater hose fittings

the oil and temp senders screw right in
carb vacuum port for brakes screws right in
clutch ball screws right in
starter bolts up
bellhousing bolts up
I was able to re-use these parts and the distributor but that's about it.

Hope that helps.

 

uuuuuuu, that's a lot of info :smash: