I used to be a small block man, but have finally made my decision to run a big block in my Chevelle. I currently have a 350 and I need to know what I'm looking at as far as new parts for the swap. I am looking at building a motor like this: http://off-roadweb.com/tech/0410or_block/

Do you think this will be a good setup and cost efficient?
Low 11's would be nice will this make it? Could I add some spray and hit 10's?

Can I reuse anything from my sbc motor? I doubt it.
I figure:
Water Pump
power steering and alternator backets
intake manifold
new carb 950
cam
502 short block
heads AFR if the budget allows any other suggestions?
electric fuel pump
motor mounts
headers 2" primary
new distributor? can I use my sbc hei?
new trans
I have a 12 bolt w/ Tom's Kick Ass Axels probably just needs a rebuild

If there is anything else I'm forgetting let me know. How much do you think this will cost me? Can I do motor and trans for around 10K?

I am in the process of tearing the car down for new quarters and paint, then I'll be ready for a new power plant.

I can't wait. Oh yeah my brother has an 89 Mustang w/ a 150 shot and I need to show him what torque is about. Maybe some air under the tire if possible.

Thanks,
Mike

Well, your HEI will work fine, on a BBC, other than that, yeah, you are thinking in the right direction. A BBC is easily buildable for WAY under 10K i have about 3K into my 427 and there are a ton of guys on here who have done it for the same or less. A lot of that is Do it yourself, but its all preference. You have a good start on the ideas, now talk to a reputable machinist about building it, or go buy a crate motor!

Daniel

Welcome to the Dark Side!!!!!!! Get used to a silly grin on your face... once you start driving your car again. It will be impossible to get rid of. I suggest you get a few books to help you get familiar with BBs to start with it will be money well spent.

Milan

I just did a 402 build up for under 3k. I reused the crank and water pump pulleys from the 350 that was in the car. I also reused the alternator, but had to get new brackets.

You can also reuse the distributor. The starter from a small block will fit a big block but the compression will determine if you can reuse it or not.

Also I think 350 motor mounts will fit a big block but I am almost positive 307 and 283's will not. Not sure about 327's.

I just did a 402 build up for under 3k. I reused the crank and water pump pulleys from the 350 that was in the car.

Never thought to do that since they bolt on differently!

Good luck building a 502 for the listed prices. You'll have to shop a lot.
Be careful which block you get for a 502. There are MkV and MkVI blocks.
Most stay away from the V due to differences in the heads & gaskets.
But they are still useable.

The brackets are the big diff when going to a bbc. I'd swear I used a sbc PS pump once on my 396. Put not all the pumps are the same through the years.

If you know sbc's then the How to Hot Rod bbc's will show you all you need to know. Then search around a little here to figure out the valve train to suit your needs.

740 HP is enough to get into the 10s without spray.

5 years after I got my car on the road, I'm still grinning. :D


You will too.

i was a small block guy, die hard too, then i went big block for awhile, now i'm back to a small block. :) won't go the big block route again unless i win the lottery or something. the initial cost isn't that much greater than a small block but the parts it takes to go along with the extra weight and torque nickel and dimes you to death. it was a continuous maintenance cycle with the big block.

And everyone I've talked to has said the big block would last longer than the small block......

Never thought to do that since they bolt on differently!

When I was doing the engine I asked a buddy of mine (who deals with big blocks) about getting some pulleys and he asked "Why not use your old small block pulleys?'

So I tried it and they worked. However I had to get different brackets.

What's the diff between the big and small block pulleys anyways?

The ID for one. A sbc pulley won't register on the ID of the bbc balancer.
If anything is a little sloppy in the bolt holes the pulley won't be centered.

[QUOTE=Junkyard Dawg]And everyone I've talked to has said the big block would last longer than the small block......



that depends on how you use it. you try and spin a big block with heavy internals like you would a 283 or a 327 and you'll be rebuilding it in no time. but i wasn't referring to the engine itself. it is everything that it tears up around it. ;)

I've seen some high winding big blocks, but they don't last any longer than smallblocks that are trying to make big block power ;) <ducking John and Sheetmetal> j/k you guys :D

The more power you make, whether big or smallblock, you're gonna start tearing up chit :thumbsup: