350/454 swap
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Good call, I think you're right. I think the long water pump crank pulley hits the crossmember. I was under the impression that the water pumps weren't interchangeable, but I really didnt think about it. It came with a LWP and I just ran with it. Better to find out know that when I start lowering it in.....
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Just wanted to post this in case someone can use it. Found the mount kit for alternator and power steering to include bolts for $175. Original style.
https://keenparts.com/pages/detail.p...partnum=140318
https://keenparts.com/pages/detail.p...partnum=140318
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
http://www.ebay.com/itm/310869325721
Seems like the only thing I have left are a fuel pump and belts. My biggest fears are the fan hitting the rad(meaning electric water pump & fan) and hood not closing.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
So far Ive ordered the BBC long water pump pulleys and a set of shorty headers. Am I correct in assuming that if they fit a '73 with a big block it should fit fine in a '77? I dont have an air pump and removed the A/C compressor, so with that setup I think the alternator is on the pass. side and P/S on drivers side, but Im having a real hard time finding the V-belts. After looking at comp cams I found the Xtreme Energy cam kit that fits well with the stock motor/torque converter, and has a rough idle.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-k11-242-3
That and new main/rod bearings and rings for peace of mind, and I think Ill be ready to put it in.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-k11-242-3
That and new main/rod bearings and rings for peace of mind, and I think Ill be ready to put it in.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I am also converting my 1971 Coupe from 350 auto to 454(468) 4-speed. Mine is a project car I bought without an engine or trans so my expenditure will be close to just restoring her with the 350 auto or darn close. Anyways, nobody has mentioned drive line issues such as trans slip yoke, differential yokes(3) and half shafts. I have 454 half shafts already but now have to contemplate issues with small block standard yokes and drive shaft(s) I have a 4-speed drive shaft so I think thats fine and my input yoke on the differential is fine. My Muncie M21 I have is a 27 spline output and I have a yoke for that, GM standard slip yoke, but wonder if I have to go beefier on that. I do plan on heavy duty u-joints all around. This 454 has been bored .60 over and I want to use a cam just 2 steps over a stock 70 LS5 spec. Holly 750 and performer intake. I wouldn't think my horsepower and torque will end up crazy or even close. I hoping for around 425 h.p. and 450 ft/lbs.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
I am also converting my 1971 Coupe from 350 auto to 454(468) 4-speed. Mine is a project car I bought without an engine or trans so my expenditure will be close to just restoring her with the 350 auto or darn close. Anyways, nobody has mentioned drive line issues such as trans slip yoke, differential yokes(3) and half shafts. I have 454 half shafts already but now have to contemplate issues with small block standard yokes and drive shaft(s) I have a 4-speed drive shaft so I think thats fine and my input yoke on the differential is fine. My Muncie M21 I have is a 27 spline output and I have a yoke for that, GM standard slip yoke, but wonder if I have to go beefier on that. I do plan on heavy duty u-joints all around. This 454 has been bored .60 over and I want to use a cam just 2 steps over a stock 70 LS5 spec. Holly 750 and performer intake. I wouldn't think my horsepower and torque will end up crazy or even close. I hoping for around 425 h.p. and 450 ft/lbs.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
w/batts/Ignore internet hp #s there is NOthing like the torque of a BBC esp at part throttle. I had a 427 BB build planned til the motor was stolen (Orig 390hp block)
Sure my 383 makes lots of hp but is not th esame compared. Plus the exh note is pure thunder, cant help but want it.
Sure my 383 makes lots of hp but is not th esame compared. Plus the exh note is pure thunder, cant help but want it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Didn’t NEED springs per se, I saw the leaf spring cushions were dry rotted. I was just going to replace them but found the monospring and liked it, lol. Still need to add a rear sway bar, and thinking of beefing up the front springs but i don’t think it truly needs it. Definitely plan on getting some QA1s and Wilwood brakes.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Oh yeah! Small block high revving to get power. But nothing like that low end torque and exhaust rumble(vibration) of that rat big block. Got a 455 matching numbers in my 76 Trans Am and a 402 BBC for my 72 Camaro SS project. Waiting in the wings is my other 76 T/A rust bucket for the 71 455 Poncho I have for her. I'll keep my 350 small block equipped 77 Z28 by using the 71 Vette 350 CJL engine, should make an enjoyable cruiser. But for brute power and grunt, big blocks make for nice feelings and sound. My opinion though. LOL
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Dont remember if I got it from ekler but that’s the part. I love it. I’m not really into keeping it original. I’m all about new tech. And I prefer it built, not bought, lol.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Yup, same here when the 454 went in my 77. Same front and rear springs.
All I did was add the rear sway bar, which bolted right up.
Had a handful of Corvettes through the years, but my Frankenstein 77 is the most fun.
Good luck.
All I did was add the rear sway bar, which bolted right up.
Had a handful of Corvettes through the years, but my Frankenstein 77 is the most fun.
Good luck.