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question on 73-74 big blocks

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Old Oct 16, 2003 | 09:39 PM
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Default question on 73-74 big blocks

I know on the earlier models the hood was different between the BB and SB equiped cars. But what about the hoods on the 73 and 74 models? Were the hoods the same? My 73 SB has factory cowl induction. Did the 73 BB models also have the same cowl induction? Just wondering since if in the future I decide to drop in a BB, could I keep my current stock 73 hood and cowl induction? I understand I may need to make adjustments to breather height but was wondering if the basic setup is within reach. My little 350 is qiute fun. I can only imagin what a healthy BB would feel like.
:chevy
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Old Oct 16, 2003 | 09:43 PM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (Jvette73)

i am 99.9999% sure that they are the same.
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Old Oct 16, 2003 | 10:26 PM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (Redshark6974)

:iagree:
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Old Oct 16, 2003 | 10:39 PM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (bgrice)

If you swapped in an original 73 454 you would have a lotta fun!!! :lol: Your car would be slower, but alotta fun!! :lol: MJ
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Old Oct 17, 2003 | 09:08 AM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (Redshark6974)

i am 99.9999% sure that they are the same.
I'm 0.0001% sure so that 100%! :jester

I too believe they are the same, the intake on the bb probably has the carb postion lower to make it in the same place as the sb (or the sb is higher depending how you want to look at it) because I also believe they use the same air cleaner assembly.
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Old Oct 17, 2003 | 10:30 AM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (Jvette73)

I have a 74 BB and your hood looks exactly like mine. In any of the Corvette parts catalogs that carry air cleaner assemblies there is only one listed for 73-74 with no distinction between SB and BB, so I'm sure if you put my engine in your car it would work with your hood (no, not an offer). Every time I fire mine up my nephew who owns a '80 L82 gets jealous, he says it just sounds mor powerful than his.

Here is a picture of my air cleaner so you can compare it to yours.

Here is a picture of the intake manifold.

As you can see its a pretty low manifold with 1,4,6,and 7 passing under 2,3,5 and 8. Which is why none of the aftermarket BB manifolds will work with the stock hood.

Also, the carb spacer is only about 3/8 of an inch.

I here there is no replacement for displacement. If only it could breath a little better.

David


[Modified by GATOR454, 10:34 AM 10/17/2003]
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Old Oct 17, 2003 | 05:59 PM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (Jvette73)

cool..thanks for the input everyone :thumbs:

BTW..are there any aftermarket aluminum intakes for the BB that are stock height? Or close to stock height?


[Modified by Jvette73, 5:01 PM 10/17/2003]
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Old Oct 19, 2003 | 06:24 PM
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Default Re: question on 73-74 big blocks (GATOR454)

Check out the air cleaner lip piece on Gator454's post. It is not concentric with the air cleaner base - it is offset to the rear.

That's the only difference between big block and small block with respect to the air cleaner assembly - to get it to line up with the cowl induction. So you'll have one piece to swap out to get the air cleaner to seal to the hood properly.

Problem is, I don't think these pieces are available, or available for reasonable prices. I could be wrong.

Big blocks are great fun! Everyone should have at least one!
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