another big block swap question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 99
From: Nova Scotia
another big block swap question
i was wondering how hard it is to drop a big block into say a 76-77 corvette. I read that its a pain to get big blocks into later C3s, i assume it meant 78-82, but i'm not sure. I know chrome bumpers are pretty much meant for big bocks. does a big block pretty much jsut drop into a 76-77 as well?or does it require lots of modification?thanks
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I dropped one in my 75 and it was easy. The stock small block bellhousing works, the stock motor mounts work and the stock small block distributor works. I have lots of clearance for headers. Unless the 76 is changed alot over the 75 it is a simple bolt in deal.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
I think the hard part about the later C3s is that most of them have A/C and power brakes. There is not much clearance between the BB valve covers and the A/C and the brake booster.... but it can be done!
I am in the process of dropping a 454 in my '78, and have not run into any problems. Just for more room to work with, I have pulled the factory A/C out for a Vintage Air, or HotRod Air unit, and am replacing my brake booster with a HydraBoost.
The frames from '63 - '82 are basically the same, so the Big Block years are no different from your C3.
www.bigdogvettes.com
I am in the process of dropping a 454 in my '78, and have not run into any problems. Just for more room to work with, I have pulled the factory A/C out for a Vintage Air, or HotRod Air unit, and am replacing my brake booster with a HydraBoost.
The frames from '63 - '82 are basically the same, so the Big Block years are no different from your C3.
www.bigdogvettes.com
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Okemos MI
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
I dropped one in my 75 and it was easy. The stock small block bellhousing works, the stock motor mounts work and the stock small block distributor works. I have lots of clearance for headers. Unless the 76 is changed alot over the 75 it is a simple bolt in deal.
How about springs?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg PA
This is why I'm building a 383 to the Gills. I mean how much HP can ya really put down on the street? Sure you can tell people you have a big block...but then ya have to hang your head in shame if you get smoked at the track. I see no reason to try and shoe horn one in.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,374
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by matchframe
I think the hard part about the later C3s is that most of them have A/C and power brakes. There is not much clearance between the BB valve covers and the A/C and the brake booster.... but it can be done!
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