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What all is involved in swapping a BB in to an '80-'81 Vette? What mods need to be done other than the obvious exhaust and probably motor mounts. Also assume Water pump & pulleys?
For the most part its a bolt in job.
A good cooling system is a must.
If I remember correctly the motor mounts were the same as the sb.
My 77 stock springs work just fine.
Most guys use the Corvette BB brackets and pulleys with the short pump.
I didn't, I used a long pump. It's not everybody's cup of tea but it works for me. Simple and functional.
That candy-*** aluminum differential ain't gonna like a big block, either, so plan on that swap. Stock rebuild of an early diff with verified good parts should handle quite a bit. There are a few things you'll need to do, but it's almost a bolt-in.
Check out GM's small block throttle body era serpentine systems to clean up the front of the engines. There are a few companies out there that make adapters, again, almost a bolt-in and takes care of a lot of things at once, should be into it for less than $250 and that should include clean-up and powder coat.
John, it looks like you've got a different brake booster there with your tall valve covers. What is the maximum OD on the booster? I stuffed a tall deck big block in mine and don't really want to cut my vintage Cal Custom valve cover on the drivers side if I don't have to. I may end up going hydraboost in the end anyway, but I'm trying to weigh all my options. Mine is also a 77, but I have an 80-82 front clip and hood clearance is a big issue. I need the L88 hood but don't want to spend the $$$ until I absolutely have to. Kids in college get the $$$ first.
That candy-*** aluminum differential ain't gonna like a big block, either, so plan on that swap. Stock rebuild of an early diff with verified good parts should handle quite a bit. There are a few things you'll need to do, but it's almost a bolt-in.
Check out GM's small block throttle body era serpentine systems to clean up the front of the engines. There are a few companies out there that make adapters, again, almost a bolt-in and takes care of a lot of things at once, should be into it for less than $250 and that should include clean-up and powder coat.
If I break something then chances are... I was having fun
John, it looks like you've got a different brake booster there with your tall valve covers. What is the maximum OD on the booster? I stuffed a tall deck big block in mine and don't really want to cut my vintage Cal Custom valve cover on the drivers side if I don't have to. I may end up going hydraboost in the end anyway, but I'm trying to weigh all my options. Mine is also a 77, but I have an 80-82 front clip and hood clearance is a big issue. I need the L88 hood but don't want to spend the $$$ until I absolutely have to. Kids in college get the $$$ first.
It's 7" wide. I put it there hoping to save a little weight, as I needed a new one anyway. Works fine.
For hood clearance I was able to close my stock hood by using a choke-less Holley carb, combined with a drop base air cleaner and a flat cap.
Should bolt straight in , a good cooling system is critical , DeWitts make a heavy duty radiator with twin thermo fans it does the job , also a good front spoiler is important to direct more air up into the radiator.
You should already have a decent spoiler on the 80-81 models , the spoiler extension for a 79 will also help to cure any overheating.
As for the pulleys I would have a look at the March serpentine belt set up bit pricey but very tidy
