73 Big Block

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Dec 30, 2004 | 03:05 PM

Augustus

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Racer

Joined: Sep 2004

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73 Big Block

I have a matching number 73 L48 Turbo 400 and really nice condition... I also have a 454 enigne out of a 73 Corvette... with speed pro pistons and .30 over.. rebuilt with all new parts ready for installation.. I was originally going to put it into an 80 Z28...

Is a Big Block going to require alot of changes to the compartment... Like rad/mounts/suspension etc...?

Please let me know if anyone has done this... as I'm considering going 383 stroker... It is something I'm considering.

Thanks

Dec 30, 2004 | 03:54 PM

Augustus

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Racer

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ttt

Anyone did a coversion... small block to Big Block?

Dec 30, 2004 | 04:05 PM

Jughead

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Joined: Aug 2000

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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...

St. Jude Donor '09

You might need to wait a little longer than 49 min for a reply.

I just finished my swap in October. You can find more infor at my site below, but briefly, I changed the radiator to BB aluminum, plan on changing the front coils, and needed all new BB pulley's. With a '73, you may not need a new hood. Motor mounts are the same, starter is different, but I upgraded a lot of items too.

It wasn't cheap, but well worth it, I did a little more than a simple engine swap though. I built mine completely from scratch and only the crank & rods are "stock."

454 Rebuild Page 454 Installation

Dec 30, 2004 | 07:41 PM

Red86Z51

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: Indianapolis IN

Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified

C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by Augustus

You replied to my post...now it's my turn!

I transplanted a 454 into mine in place of the original 350. Yes, there are things that you will need to change...but to address the ones you asked about: The radiator was the same for either the 350 or 454 in 1973. (use 1974 hoses...the lower 454 hose configuration for a 1973 will cost you, in 1974 it went to a 1 piece set up) You will need to change the front springs...the 454 is a little meatier than the 350. I replaced the engine mounts, but they were dirt cheap, so not a factor. Something to consider though...ALL of the accessory mounts are different. By that I mean, Alternator, PS Pump, A/C mounting brackets, AIR pump (if you have it), as well as all of the pulleys. Some of that stuff can be pretty pricey, but all can be had. Keep in mind though, you need to get "CORVETTE" only accessory brackets...VERIFY the correct PN's. Everything on a vette is a "Low-V" configuration, so that everything fits under the hood. Although other BBC brackets will bolt up, you won't be able to close the hood is you use stuff from a pick-up, Chevelle, etc....

If you'd like to talk more on this, feel free to email me: suburbandave@hotmail.com

Dave

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