Who among you has installed a big block Chevy engine in a 57 Corvette ?
Anybody here done this? What is required and what should be avoided? Looking for suggestions and comments from anyone who has actually done this. As always.........................thanks for your input.:thumbs:
Forgot to mention the engine would be one of the new 427 aluminum ZL-1. Rex |
Building a new car?
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Originally Posted by TheRat
(Post 1596441607)
Building a new car?
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I'm skeptical , you barely have room for a small block , especially clearance between the air cleaner and the hood.
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I have a tall deck 572 in a '59, but I did not use the stock frame.
Mine has C4 suspension, custom radiator and headers, hood scoop required. No power steering or AC. http://www.carols62.com/59 |
Does a 409 count as BB for you? I think they are the same ext dims as MkIV.
From 1975: New front motor mount towers need to be fabricated, as you want the location of the rear of the block/bellhousing interface on the same line as the rear of a small block. This pushes the front of the motor forward about 2.5". Check your water pump fan to sway bar clearance, you may not be able to use a fan clutch, and have to use fan direct to WP, no spacer. You can move the motor back maybe 3/4" at most, but leave dizzy clearance. You will need a hood scoop Doug |
Back in the late 60s a high school friend had an FI 58 that he sold and the guy that bought it put an old school (newer engine at that time) 427 in it. I have no idea what it took to get it done but it WAS done.
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I'll drag this one out again................................... ..........
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time. |
Just make them or have them made and you can put them exactly where you want.
jp |
Me too.............
I am wanting to do this and have a copied set of motor mounts that I believe came off of an early swap kit. I forget the name but have the info in my files. I can get you pics if interested. I had the headers and foolishly sold them years ago. My big question has always been "would the low rise 454 LS6 aluminum intake clear the hood or would a scoop still be needed?" Let me know what you decide. Good Luck:cool: |
No reason to, with the available power from small block engines currently. My co-worker just bought a 578 HP, 561 TQ 427 SBC stroker engine that weighs a couple hundred pounds less than a BBC and screams. His car will handle much better, too. I've spent a lifetime driving front-heavy big block sleds....no way would I want one in an early Corvette. Just my personal take on it, as I do understand and appreciate the bragging rights and the cool factor of a monster motor under the hood!
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Originally Posted by Dr L-88
(Post 1597980282)
I'll drag this one out again................................... ..........
I'm sure it CAN be done, but one of the biggest obstacles that I can see would be headers. I know Bill Thomas used to make a complete kit for the installation, including headers, but this was back in the 60s - 70s. I really would like to do it but the headers are the show stopper at this time. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d07bb65fcc.jpg |
I had a 427 in a '57 years ago. I bought it with the car already converted. Headers would be an issue and a different motor mounting system is needed. The engine fit in the compartment very well, however, with actually more room than I would have thought. If I can find some pics, I will post them. This was in 1980.
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Come on Rex, you know it can be done by someone with your talent and resources!! You just need a big frickin hammer and a sawzall.
Your guy that fabs the L88 headers should be able to whip up a nice set of headers for you. How is Irvin coming along on the body?? Jim |
Not sure whose car this is, but somehow he jammed a Ram Jet ZL1 in a 57 without a hood scoop:
I have to assume it has a restomod frame. |
Great thx
Originally Posted by Dan Hampton
(Post 1597983102)
I had a 427 in a '57 years ago. I bought it with the car already converted. Headers would be an issue and a different motor mounting system is needed. The engine fit in the compartment very well, however, with actually more room than I would have thought. If I can find some pics, I will post them. This was in 1980.
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Intake
Originally Posted by Loren Smith
(Post 1597983798)
Not sure whose car this is, but somehow he jammed a Ram Jet ZL1 in a 57 without a hood scoop:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/splatt...-c1_corvettes/ I have to assume it has a restomod frame. |
Rex.....all I can say is WOW! |
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Originally Posted by Dr L-88
(Post 1597984544)
On another note, it is always fun to see what is in the background in photos. Carpet on the floor, cabinets with fancy hardware.... a beauty like that DOES deserve to be in the house, not out in the shop..... ;) |
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