any info would be appreciated
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4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2018
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any info would be appreciated
i have a 1977 vette with a motor that needs rebuilt and i've been on the fence whether to rebuild or replace and i don't know if you have any info on this im just asking.i have the opportunity to get a 1966 chevelle 396 motor and i was wondering 1.will it even fit in the engine compartment 2.if i am getting into changing motor mounts ,different tranny ect? if this has been addressed in another part of the forum i apologize.thanks for your time
Team Owner
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...2.if i am getting into changing motor mounts...
...different tranny ect?...
You will want big block front springs if you decide to go with the 396.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I'm thinking, this would be a really fun swap to do,, yes more than JUST a motor swap, but all parts you will need are easily attainable, Not too difficult in my vue,,,,,
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
I have a 73 big block and there is nothing better than a big block (in my own opinion).
But if I was looking at rebuilding a small block or swapping in a 396, I think I would invest my time and energy into stroking that small block to 383 or even better to 427 cu in.
Now if you were talking about swapping to a 454 or 496, then I would say go for the big block.
But if I was looking at rebuilding a small block or swapping in a 396, I think I would invest my time and energy into stroking that small block to 383 or even better to 427 cu in.
Now if you were talking about swapping to a 454 or 496, then I would say go for the big block.
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4th Gear
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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maybe different bellhousing if its a 4 speed.
Dont forget the accessories, the brackets are different between small and big block I believe. If you get the motor, grab all the brackets, pulleys and anything else that was attached to the motor. You may not need all of it , but its better to have than need.
If you have power steering I believe the hoses are different. You will need to upgrade your radiator as well. I would go aftermarket and get electric fans. The single I have on my small block is adequate for me but you may need dual spals
The dive shaft might be a differnt length, I'm not sure but you will want to get the big block yokes and u joints
And you'll need something to wipe the big grin off your face after you feel that big block torque after using a small block smog motor
Dont forget the accessories, the brackets are different between small and big block I believe. If you get the motor, grab all the brackets, pulleys and anything else that was attached to the motor. You may not need all of it , but its better to have than need.
If you have power steering I believe the hoses are different. You will need to upgrade your radiator as well. I would go aftermarket and get electric fans. The single I have on my small block is adequate for me but you may need dual spals
The dive shaft might be a differnt length, I'm not sure but you will want to get the big block yokes and u joints
And you'll need something to wipe the big grin off your face after you feel that big block torque after using a small block smog motor
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 5, 2018 at 08:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: eastern NC
Joe, welcome to the Corvette Forum!
Unfortunately you haven't told us much about your Corvette except it's a 1977. What engine and transmission do you have and what condition are they in, mileage?
L48, or L82; 4-speed or automatic; if automatic, Turbo 350 or 400?
What options does it have and which are you wanting to keep operational?
Most '77s came loaded with "full" engine compartments. As others have said the 396 will fit, but the engine compartment will get tight. Additional heat from an even tighter engine compartment and a BB will need to be accounted for.
Turning your current 350 into a 383 will fit with few necessary modifications to the engine compartment. All current accessories will fit as well. Changing to a BB, will require a different accessory drive system. Some current brackets will work, some will not. I believe this will be the biggest challenge, getting all of the correct parts to make everything work together.
If you currently have an L82, 4-speed, upgrading to a 383 (yours or a crate motor) or even a BB will be easier than if you're starting with a L48, with a Turbo 350 automatic.
Good luck with your project... GUSTO
Unfortunately you haven't told us much about your Corvette except it's a 1977. What engine and transmission do you have and what condition are they in, mileage?
L48, or L82; 4-speed or automatic; if automatic, Turbo 350 or 400?
What options does it have and which are you wanting to keep operational?
Most '77s came loaded with "full" engine compartments. As others have said the 396 will fit, but the engine compartment will get tight. Additional heat from an even tighter engine compartment and a BB will need to be accounted for.
Turning your current 350 into a 383 will fit with few necessary modifications to the engine compartment. All current accessories will fit as well. Changing to a BB, will require a different accessory drive system. Some current brackets will work, some will not. I believe this will be the biggest challenge, getting all of the correct parts to make everything work together.
If you currently have an L82, 4-speed, upgrading to a 383 (yours or a crate motor) or even a BB will be easier than if you're starting with a L48, with a Turbo 350 automatic.
Good luck with your project... GUSTO
