Engine and Trans swap question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
Engine and Trans swap question
Hey guys,
First off if this question has been asked 1000 times already, let me apologize in advance.....I have a 1995 LT1 six speed, and hang out often in the c4 section. I owned a 79 L82 when I was a kid, but never did any mods, and am clueless about c3s. I have a 502 big block, and an Art Carr turbo 700 in a 72 Camaro. My girlfriend, bless her 34 Cs destroyed it for me a few months ago, but the motor and trans are still ok. I have a chance to buy a average condition 76 vette from my cousin for about $6000. My question is, how much of a pain in the butt would it be to pull the wheezing L48 and the turbo 350 out, and install the big block and the turbo 700? I would probably have a shop do the install, but before I even investigate the idea I wanted some opinions from you fellas on the difficulty of the swap. Money is not a huge object, but I dont wanna spend a fortune either. Thanks for any input.
First off if this question has been asked 1000 times already, let me apologize in advance.....I have a 1995 LT1 six speed, and hang out often in the c4 section. I owned a 79 L82 when I was a kid, but never did any mods, and am clueless about c3s. I have a 502 big block, and an Art Carr turbo 700 in a 72 Camaro. My girlfriend, bless her 34 Cs destroyed it for me a few months ago, but the motor and trans are still ok. I have a chance to buy a average condition 76 vette from my cousin for about $6000. My question is, how much of a pain in the butt would it be to pull the wheezing L48 and the turbo 350 out, and install the big block and the turbo 700? I would probably have a shop do the install, but before I even investigate the idea I wanted some opinions from you fellas on the difficulty of the swap. Money is not a huge object, but I dont wanna spend a fortune either. Thanks for any input.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 462
Likes: 1
From: York PA
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (93LT1Vette)
Well, if you will lend the combo to me, I'll let you know how it works in a 76 :jester
Seriously, that is a mod which many of us would love to do. There are many here who have swapped in BBC's and OD trans. I'm sure the experts will chime in soon with detailed info. Good Luck!
Seriously, that is a mod which many of us would love to do. There are many here who have swapped in BBC's and OD trans. I'm sure the experts will chime in soon with detailed info. Good Luck!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 569
Likes: 0
From: SLC, UT USA
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (76Frankenstein)
Should not be much of a problem, early C3 came from the factory with BBC, and the cross member for the tranny is easy.
You will need the BBC front springs unless you have alum heads & intake on the BBC.
Searcjh on this forum for a guy named Bence, he converted to a BBC, and can probably give you details down to the part numbers.
You will need the BBC front springs unless you have alum heads & intake on the BBC.
Searcjh on this forum for a guy named Bence, he converted to a BBC, and can probably give you details down to the part numbers.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (93LT1Vette)
The swap is a direct bolt in...except for accessory brackets and you may have to modify the driveshaft....again no big deal, maybe cost you 200-300 to do that. 4 core radiators can be purchased from supporting vendors. Why don't you do most of the grunt work yourself, and farm out the final assembly?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (GDaina)
Thanks for the info. I plan on doing all the work my limited knowledge allows. I am glad to hear its not too difficult a project. It will give me something to do this winter. If anyone knows where I can get a list of the parts I need, please let me know. Thanks again for the replies.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Australind, Western Australia
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (93LT1Vette)
I'm in the process of installing BB into 81 which i would imagine that the engine bays would be the same. U can check out some pics at http://www.cardomain.com/id/bigblockvette which may help.
I got a trans crossmember from http://www.700r4.com/catalog/catalog...CAT&CATID=BA2. My trans is a TH700R4, Don't know if that is different to yours. U do have to shorten the tail shaft & maybe heavy duty for the 502 & u will have to look at a high rise hood. I found pullies & brackets were the hard items to sort out.
Best of luck
Mick
I got a trans crossmember from http://www.700r4.com/catalog/catalog...CAT&CATID=BA2. My trans is a TH700R4, Don't know if that is different to yours. U do have to shorten the tail shaft & maybe heavy duty for the 502 & u will have to look at a high rise hood. I found pullies & brackets were the hard items to sort out.
Best of luck
Mick
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo MI
Re: Engine and Trans swap question (C3 - 81)
Mick,
Thanks a million for the info. Your car is very cool. I dont have the smog equipment to worry about. I live in Michigan and cars over 10 years old here are exempt from smog checks. I was glad to see the motor fit so nicely. Your engine bay is the same as the 76 I am buying, so from what I could see it will be a pretty straight forward swap. I also will be using a turbo 700 tranny. thanks again for the info.
Ric
Thanks a million for the info. Your car is very cool. I dont have the smog equipment to worry about. I live in Michigan and cars over 10 years old here are exempt from smog checks. I was glad to see the motor fit so nicely. Your engine bay is the same as the 76 I am buying, so from what I could see it will be a pretty straight forward swap. I also will be using a turbo 700 tranny. thanks again for the info.
Ric
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