Fitting a 454 crate into a 76. Will it fit or do I need to change the mounts.

 

I'm putting a 454 in my 76 also. The mounts are the same between the SBC and BBC. Other's will have more knowledge on other fitment problems. The power brake booster may be a problem, as may other accessories. Hood clearance may also be a problem.

I believe it may also be a good idea to put heavier coil springs in. What do y'all more experienced guys think?

 

It'll go ..........locking mounts are a real good idea, BTW.
You might wanna use the 460# GT front springs, maybe the stock BB springs, depending on the ride height you want. Those bad boys are heavy with the cast iron heads! The biggest PITA for me was getting all the right pulleys and brackets for mine.

 

I have not ordered the crate yet, I might back down to a Small Block crate, (there are a lot to choose from, 383s etc.) but I was thinking I like the big TQ#s from the 454. I already have the front springs (and I don't think they are heavy enough, and worried about the front brake booster and steering box. I was wondering about the weight of that big block and heads and you confirmed it.

Thanks

 

I have had a 468 in my Corvette for about 2 ½ years now. The motor bolts right in, SBC motor mounts are in the same location as BBC mounts. Most people recommend heavier front springs when switching to a big block, I stuck with my stock front coil springs. The front sagged a little bit with the added weight of the big block (I was running cast iron heads). A big block with aluminum heads and intake weighs very close to the weight of an all cast iron small block. Your main problem with the swap will be finding brackets and pulleys. The only brackets I had to get were for my alternator, I don’t run power steering or A/C. Brackets from your small block won’t transfer to your big block they are unique. You will also likely want to upgrade to a larger radiator to avoid any cooling issues. As far as hoods go, you should be able to squeeze a Torker II or a Performer intake under your ’76 hood. I switched to an L88 hood to fit a Strip Dominator intake though. The distributor is the same from a small block to a big block (I’m still using the stock one out of my 350). You will need to use a short style water pump with your big block due to the radiator. I will never put another small block in my car I know that. You will also discover the weak points in your drive train rather quickly if you run sticky tires.

 

Shane

The guy who beat Jim might beg to differ with you on the merits of SB's.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=948329

 

Hum, while he will spank me in the straight line, I would be willing to do a few laps on a road course with my other ride the Lil Blue Dragon! She is putting down a good solid 380 RWHP and mid 12s quarter. But with the suspension mods she goes like stink around corners!

The 76 is my "New" Toy I want to do her as a full custom and maybe a quater mile car. I would be happy in the 11s Mmmmm~may be not

 

Of course they can be made to fly…however there are other variables that come in to play. Such as transmission type, compression, are they naturally aspirated and of course $$$.

I don’t know the specifics on the car that beat Jim but I have my doubts as to whether it turned those times while on pump gas with a manual transmission. I would also imagine that any small block turning those times has gobs more $$$$ than Jim has in his. Like I said there are other variables, but it’s still impressive to see any motor that can propel a car to 10 seconds or faster .