hi guys; can you put a ZZ502 in a 78 ? I'am thinking 1.) alloy heads not much difference in weight 2.) will it bolt up to my TH350 trans. 3.) do I need to change my radiator? 4.) Will it fit in engine compartment and clear power booster on firewall ? 5.) will it clear heater /ac box on pass. side? 6.) I know if I use carb that comes with it I will need a rasied hood. I also know about changing my front brackets . 7.) will the oil pan fit? If anyone has made this swap or install please any advice you can share would be very much appreciated. :cheers: :cheers: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

 

it will work and fit you will have to use some stuff from earler big blocks though :thumbs:

 

Yes, it'll work. And I have made the change. Not to a 502, but to a 427, which is still a big block. Lemme answer your individual questions:

1. Aluminum heads WILL save weight. Look for around 100 lbs savings. Those iron slugs are HEAVY.
2. Yes it certainly will. That's the nice thing about Chevy engines, they're so modular. Anything from a 265 to a 502 will bolt up just the same.
3. Absolutely. The more cubes, the more heat. Get the biggest, badest radiator you can.
4. Yes it will, but it's tight. The best valve covers are from GM and they're cast aluminum. If you need more clearance, you can do some minor grinding on the valve cover. Mine fit on and they're tall cast aluminum polished BBC valve covers with engraved flames.
5. I don't know, I don't have AC on my '68. Just the regular heater tubes, and yes, no problem there.
6. Okay. But I got mine to just barely fit under the stock small block hood. This is only temporary. I used a Torker II manifold, 1/4" carb insulator/spacer, BG Gold Claw carb, 14"x3" K&N round filter on a dropped base. BB hood is in the works, but lots of custom fiberglass.
7. Yes, no problem. These are the best cars for oil pans. You can even drop the pan with a minimum of difficulty if you need to get back in there.

If you have other questions, I'll try to answer.

 

Bearcat thanks for your help. I know on a 427 you must not use a truck block because it will not clear the power brake booster. the truck block 427 is taller. I hope this is not the case with the ZZ502.

 

The ZZ502 uses the "low-deck", or production-height, block.