C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into?
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C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into?
I think i stumbled into the right place. I have a 1977 L-48 4 speed, and i wanna do a little motor swap. actually the reason is the 350 is gettin tired and my dad has a 427 just sittin around doing alot of nothing...so he's giving me the motor to put in my car. He once had this motor in his 1966 Chevelle and from what i've gathered from the origional builder of the motor and other accounts, it's pushin about 600hp. I have the origional balancing sheets and recipts from when it was assembled and purchased back in 1969. What all am i gonna have to do to my little 77 to make this conversion a success and not grenade anythign if i decide to go to the track? i know i'm in for it but i can't wait to see the finished result. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! thanks....
Drifting
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From: Marietta Ga.
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=300012
I think that's the site he 's talking about.
Welcome :seeya
Go to search in upper right cornor and search for "BB conversions" in "C3" and "archives" to see more.
I think that's the site he 's talking about.
Welcome :seeya
Go to search in upper right cornor and search for "BB conversions" in "C3" and "archives" to see more.
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (72GACRZR)
thanks alot! i managed to hunt him down and hopefully i'll be getting something in my e-mail soon. i should get some pictures up of the car...right now it's not that impressive, but i'm only 19, i own a vette, and i'm paying for everything out of my own pocket by virtue of my job at Wal*Mart. Most kids around here that have nice cars drive mommy and daddy's so i'm proud of that fact alone... if any of you are located in the northwestern pennsylvania/southern new york state area drop me a line...i'm kinda lonely up here...lol...on the bright side though, being in bradford, i get wicked discounts on Zippo lighters, seeings as the headquarters is 5 miles from my house :D
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St. Jude Donor '09
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
Welcome Omegaman! :D I'm sorta close to you, I'm just north of Pittsburgh. Bradford? :confused: Isn't that the snow capital of PA? You guys probably got a few inches by now. :lol:
I'm doing the BB swap also. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/the...t/index9.shtml
Do a search as described above & Bence has probably asked every possible question about the transfer. It's a great resource.
If you're getting the engine and it's also in good running condition, you're thousands of dollars ahead!
Good Luck.
Len
[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 6:09 AM 10/25/2002]
I'm doing the BB swap also. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/the...t/index9.shtml
Do a search as described above & Bence has probably asked every possible question about the transfer. It's a great resource.
If you're getting the engine and it's also in good running condition, you're thousands of dollars ahead!
Good Luck.
Len
[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 6:09 AM 10/25/2002]
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (1970 Stingray)
actually, we don't have any snow yet, and it's pissing me off...cause i love to ski...kinda hard to ski with no snow! lol...
and the motor has been completely disassembled and in storage for the last 20 years...i have block, crank, heads, cam, and all major parts...so i figure i'm about 4k ahead at this point already...but you know how it goes, i'll end up dumping twice that into the car anyways...lol :D
and the motor has been completely disassembled and in storage for the last 20 years...i have block, crank, heads, cam, and all major parts...so i figure i'm about 4k ahead at this point already...but you know how it goes, i'll end up dumping twice that into the car anyways...lol :D
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
Hey, you and Bence aren't that far apart, and your both 19 building your own 'vettes. You guys ought to get together, Bence could probably give you a lot of information. Good luck!
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Smokehouse69)
that's what i'm hoping, this big block stuff is totally new to me...i'm used to toying with my 1993 Eagle Talon TSi AWD Auto. she ripped off a 13.5 this year so i'm proud of her. i'm just finding my way into the light and finally going with an american V-8...something my dad and i have always wanted to do...
another thing...why are cars "female" 99.9% of the time? :confused: something i'll prolly never get...lol
another thing...why are cars "female" 99.9% of the time? :confused: something i'll prolly never get...lol
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Le Mans Master
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
BBC swap is a bolt-in for ALL C-3's.........the biggest thing you need to find are the pulleys (and short water pump). Pulleys from the 69-74 BB vette willl work fine.........Check on radiator size; I believe that the 76-82 uses the same size as a BB. "Fastguy" on this forum has a list of all parts necessary to do this swap.
:yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod:
:yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod:
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (MassVette)
so i guess all i really gotta worry about is getting the damn motor back together and i'll be set to go. everything else should come right along...aside form the motor though she needs alot of interior work, and despite the prospect of cutting the dash i might put an aftermarket stereo in it, though i won't be able to hear it over the sidepipes anyways :D
i do know one thing...i'm gonna own another vette...prolly 2...ah screw it i'm hooked for life :cool:
i do know one thing...i'm gonna own another vette...prolly 2...ah screw it i'm hooked for life :cool:
Le Mans Master
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From: San Diego CA
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
I'll be honest I thought about it and with a 383 I can maintain all the stock accesories and not have to change hoods etc. etc and perform equal to if not more than a BB.
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Cali,77,L-82)
i thought about that as well, but i already have the 427 sitting around and it needed a home...better in the vette than on the stand...the only benefit i can see to a 383 would be gas mileage...i've been told to expect no more than 4mpg...but if i honestly cared about that i'd go buy me another ricer :) ...i've already been there, i'm just ready for some real power...
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
i thought about that as well, but i already have the 427 sitting around and it needed a home...better in the vette than on the stand...the only benefit i can see to a 383 would be gas mileage...i've been told to expect no more than 4mpg...but if i honestly cared about that i'd go buy me another ricer :) ...i've already been there, i'm just ready for some real power...
W/ OD, and a mild big block, you could easily expect double-digit mpg.
-Steve
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Pacin'California)
15mpg? wow...my dad had this in his 66 chevelle and he documented about 5mpg around town and all purpose driving....i don't think that car weighs THAT much more than a 77...than again he had a muncie 4 speed and 4.88 gears...lol...
i am keeping mine 4 speed and i dunno what gearing but i know it'll be for 1/4 mile and not cruise
i am keeping mine 4 speed and i dunno what gearing but i know it'll be for 1/4 mile and not cruise
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
4.88 gears would definitely hurt the mileage just a tad. 50 mph @ 3000 rpm. Ick!
Would never have to worry about running in too high a gear, but DAMN. You really don't need gears like that with a big block.
-Steve
Would never have to worry about running in too high a gear, but DAMN. You really don't need gears like that with a big block.
-Steve
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Pacin'California)
i dunno what rear ratio the car has right now, but i know it's gotta be up there...the manual says i couldn't have any more than 3.70's that model year...how many rpm's would that equate to? (ballpark figure)..the car still has the stock tranny, i know that much is unchanged...also what would you recommend once the big block is in? if it is 3.70 should i keep it the same?
Race Director
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Omega1)
3.70s should be more than adequate...
I'm of a more conservative opinion than most, and think taller gears (lower numerically) are better for street driven cars than otherwise. Our torquey V8s don't need a ton of gear to accelerate well. A Miata w/ 4.30 gearing has about 1/3 the torque in first gear than my vette w/ 3.55s.
-Steve
I'm of a more conservative opinion than most, and think taller gears (lower numerically) are better for street driven cars than otherwise. Our torquey V8s don't need a ton of gear to accelerate well. A Miata w/ 4.30 gearing has about 1/3 the torque in first gear than my vette w/ 3.55s.
-Steve
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Re: C3 Big Block Conversion...What am i getting into? (Pacin'California)
true...my friends 94 z28 has stock 3.08 gearing and it feels like alot more...i prolly won't do anything till it breaks, and knowing my luck...it will at some point...oh well, it's all part of the game
on a different note i didn't really expect this kind of response to my initial post...thanks to everyone for your insight...if i get some pictures of my work, i'll post those as well...i'm sure somebody will be interested in seeing how my venture turns out...
on a different note i didn't really expect this kind of response to my initial post...thanks to everyone for your insight...if i get some pictures of my work, i'll post those as well...i'm sure somebody will be interested in seeing how my venture turns out...
