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UPDATE 9/19/18
So since we have had almost a summer of rain every day I figured I might as well go ahead and start my L48 to 454 swap. Maybe when I get it done the rain will be gone!
Little bit of info. I bought this 1973 coupe a few years ago. I restored the interior with almost all new parts. I rebuilt the stock engine. Rebuilt the front suspension with all new parts. Also did the o ring brake conversion.
Car ran fine and was a lot of fun to drive. It just didn't seem like the little ole 350 had much get up and go. So last winter I started to collect parts for a 454 build. Well I got it together a few weeks ago and was planning on swapping it in over the winter. Well I figured might as well do it now! Hope to be done and driving again by next weekend.
I have done all the work myself. I work until I start to get irritated then STOP. So far the swap has been much easier than the interior work!
I'll update this thread as I go. I'm going to install a new aluminum radiator and electric fans. Maybe this will help others who are thinking of doing this.
Here is the old 350
The new 454 installed. Ready for all the bolt on stuff.
Last edited by hamrad; 09-19-2018 at 06:02 PM.
Reason: Update
Like to hear about the 454 build. Especially what headers you used and how was the fit.
Well I installed the borgeson steering conversion last year and was concerned how things were going to fit. The heads I used had raised ports and that also had me worried. After a lot of research I decided to use Sanderson block hugger headers. I built the motor more for torque than horsepower and was assured for what I was doing I wouldn't loose much with the shorties. The headers fit great and I even dropped the motor in with them bolted on.
Motor mounts are set up to put crank centerline's and rear of engine in the same place so no trans remounting, driveshaft length changes etc are needed to use the 2 blocks in the same cars and trucks. And the clutch pivot would also need to be in the same place.
"OLD" 350? Other than a few vac fittings, everything in that engine bay looks new. I bet you never even ran that 350 and got bored and was like "I NEED ME BIGGER ENJUN"....
Looks great man. Good luck keeping the finger prints off those giant valve covers. Every time i open my hood I find some oil or a fingerprint on those same covers.......
Got pretty much everything done. Just need new air cleaner lid. Wanted to make sure everything would fit under the stock hood. As it turns out looks like I will have plenty of clearance. At least 3/4 inch. I installed Ford Focus fans and a CS 144 120 amp alternator. Moved alt to passenger side and rewired with heavier wire. Works great this way and is much easier to work on than the 350 was. Getting exhaust hooked up tomorrow. Hope it runs as nice at it turned out! Pics below of progress so far: A little more clean up and will be done. Used air cleaner lid from stock air cleaner. Will get something different soon.
Nice job, it's looking good.
Did a 454 conversion on my 77 and put the alternator on the right side also.
A clean, simple inexpensive set-up.
Keep the pics coming !
What brackets did you use. I always use the vette brackets when I do a BB swap. Thats what I used when I put the 502 in my 72. Also will the Sangerson shorty headers bolt up to the stock exhaust pipes or did you have to do modifications.
Looks like a Weiand Street Warrior. How well does it fit under the hood? Stock 73 hood I assume? I've got a tall deck and the associated fitment problems with that, so I'm curious.
What brackets did you use. I always use the vette brackets when I do a BB swap. Thats what I used when I put the 502 in my 72. Also will the Sangerson shorty headers bolt up to the stock exhaust pipes or did you have to do modifications.
I used a long water pump and any brackets for a long water pump will work. What enabled me to use those was the electric fan conversion.
The headers will need new pipes welded from the collectors to the exhaust system. I have temporarily used flex pipe so I could tune the motor and be able to drive it to the muffler shop soon.
Looks like a Weiand Street Warrior. How well does it fit under the hood? Stock 73 hood I assume? I've got a tall deck and the associated fitment problems with that, so I'm curious.
Manifold fits under the stock hood with a drop base OK. I have about 1/2 " minimum clearance st the front. Sides and rear of air cleaner have 3/4"
09-01-2018, 07:35 PM
454 Swap day
