After enjoying all the fun and camaraderie at the BBQ/Smoked Meats event, I'm convinced!!
My new Canadian Malibu needs some new motorvation, so why not go to the Dark Side...
The little 307 PG that pushed around Grampa's car will now be pulled and set aside to make room for a 454.

I picked up a marine block that had some 'issues' with water in a couple of the bores, but I was able to get the pistons all out, and the block "looks" good.
I also scored a set of pistons off of eBay for $150 delivered. They should be here this week. Said to be like new Arias forged w/rings and pins. We'll see.
Block is "Pass Hi Per" std deck, had no ridge, has a cast crank, 'thumb' rods, no cam. Came with a set of 236 heads.

So, where to get this inspected, and cleaned if it's good? Magnaflux, sonic, tanked, etc.
I'd love to have one of the TCNW crew to check it out for me.
Ultimate goal is a 550 hp 500 ft/lb that will be backed by a 4L80 and a 3:55 12 bolt.
Mainly a strong pulling car with low cruise rpms.
Will be needing most everything for the swap, since the only other 454 I have is in my Motorhome!

Thanks in advance, guys.

Dan

sounds good, put a 230-240 ish @.050 cam in her & maybe dump the heads for some 049s or 781s & let her eat. I think the 236 heads will hold you back a little. They may big torque but will lack in HP.

Hey Dan, your in the same place I was about 2 years ago. Not sure if you have seen my thread about my big block build, one of the best in TCNW. ;) Anyway, welcome and you have made a good choice. :hurray:

550 hp is do-able but you will need much better heads for that. I would shoot for 500, thats about what I'm running and it is plenty on the street and obtainable with iron heads. I would recommend aluminum heads if you are going for 550 hp.

George will also help you with whatever information you may need. I'm sure hes typing a message as I type this one. :yes:

You will want to set a budget. I built mine for $4k, you can find a documented list with every item in my thread. This should help you get an idea. HP costs $. Again, George can guide you if your on a super budget like he was.

PS: I think you need different frame mounts since the car has a 307 currently.

Looks like you may want to set aside some money for other items also... :yes: :D
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SfE-cLqCP5I/AAAAAAAACf4/hMZnyqx4NQs/s800/IMG_1384.JPG

I know a really good guy in Bothell that can do the work up on your block. It sounds like pressure testing the water jackets and magging it would be a good idea. PM me for contact info if your interested. I know nothing about BBC iron heads but as George just proved, a well thought out build with the proper cam for the intake and head size can be a good mild cruiser and a great performer.

Definatly post some pictures, we're kinda visual guys here in the NW section. Ditch those heads for some larger oval ports. Depending on piston and dome size you can go open chamber. You'll probably want to keep the compression below 10:1.

Through a nice solid ft or even a hydro ft and you'll have a very nice street, strip bruiser.

FYI, I'm running 10.5 on the street but wouldnt want to go any higher than that unless I had aluminum heads.

Ok, here's some pics of my $300 CL purchase.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_1eKgVWI/AAAAAAAACjI/FJFf02tW2pw/s720/SNC00055.jpg
Cast crank spins freely, now that the pistons are out. I used a hunk of wood and a big hammer to pound on the counterweights to get the crank to move after sprayng some PB Blaster down all the holes. About an hour later they were all out. Journals and bearing look pretty decent.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_4RlYxyI/AAAAAAAACjM/84rUc8sf02Q/s640/SNC00058.jpg

Pistons and rods came out looking OK considering.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_yn3pc7I/AAAAAAAACjE/LOIq_7061gc/s640/SNC00045.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_viCXOSI/AAAAAAAACjA/kSeItveYrj4/s640/SNC00044.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_siPyZGI/AAAAAAAACi8/bbHB01RrNJs/s640/SNC00042.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_qWtG0mI/AAAAAAAACi4/0iTb8sEmMXE/s640/SNC00040.jpg

This is gonna be some fun!!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/Sgh_ZG0ey0I/AAAAAAAACik/y5pRPGkkJPA/s640/SNC00028.jpg

I figure I'll just flip the heads, and see if I can get some cash out of them.
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my pistons. Guy said they measure 4.3 on his calipers. Sounds like what, 468 cu. in. if that's so?

Dan

Congrat's on the new project Dan!:thumbsup:

Oh ya baby BB power:thumbsup: 4.310 bore is .060 over

There is a dirty Weiand BBC oval port intake on CL now, don't want to make any buys until I get heads, but is $100 about right for a decent used intake?

The "story" behind the finished build is:
Son get's the daily driver from dad around 1978 and has connections to help him up the ante on the 'old man's' car. Engine will be built to look hi-po stock, with Chev Orange paint all over, chrome or finned valve covers, open element chrome top air cleaner. Headers and dual exhaust, of course. I think I'll put on an SS hood and create a COPO look for the exterior. I have some 15" rally wheels, paint it Olympic Gold again and leave nameplates off. Bowtie Malibu grill.
Interior will remain bench with column shift for the OD trans. Add the 3 gauge lower dash set and clamp on a Sun Tach.
Looking for a bit of a sleeper, Q-ship look.

You'll love the torque from a BB. I swapped mine in last July and still can't believe the difference. I have 049 heads with larger valves, and milled for 116 cc chambers. My CR is about 9.3:1, cam is a Lunati SFT 241, 249 @ 0.050, around 0.600 lift. Edelbrock performer air gap, BG Mighty 850 cfm carb. You will have to get new brackets, pullys for alternator, PS pump, water pump, crank. I have the pulleys and brackets if you need them, keep me in mind. Good luck.

DAN,

The BBC MAN!!! :beers::thumbsup::hurray::yes:
OK, 550 horse goal, the 236 PPs are not gonna do it. If just a nice cruiser on a budget, they would work....I never ran mine hard enough, so far, to use full size oval ports.

I have some bare 781s here, surplus to all requirements.....these would work for you with 'the full treatment'

My Vette has 427 w/ 10.5:1 CR and a 235* cam..... on the edge for pump gas. Really needs a bigger cam and more gear.:yes: Very civilized with the right tune and decent fuel. Get a bad tank of gas and :sad:.

307 engine towers work just fine with 307 motor mounts for a BBC Swap.

I'm doing another run of BBC rods right now and a few bb blocks (started boring this morning) if your ready for machine work in the near future.

Send me a PM and I'll give you some prices on what you want done.


The crank looks good in the pictures and it had fel-pro gaskets, check the bore to see if it's still std, I have feeling it may be over size all ready (no big deal)?

I'm doing another run of BBC rods right now and a few bb blocks (started boring this morning) if your ready for machine work in the near future.

Send me a PM and I'll give you some prices on what you want done.


The crank looks good in the pictures and it had fel-pro gaskets, check the bore to see if it's still std, I have feeling it may be over size all ready (no big deal)?


Cant go wrong on this deal Dan:thumbsup:

Doc,
I sent you a PM, thanks for the offer!

George,
I'm tugging on a line that my yield a pair of built iron performance heads, don't know much for details just yet. I may need to go for your bare 781s. Are they all stock now?
I know I'll want to run roller rockers.
Amazing to hear the little SB mounts will work. Thanks for the info.

Paul,
What kind of pistons are you running? I definitely want to have this run on pump gas with no problems
I'll PM you on those pulleys.

What should I do for a radiator? I can buy a new 3 core stock replacement. Is that a good idea?

Thanks for all the advice and help guys.

Dan - the BBC Man - .... I like it, sure glad my name's not Earl!!

If I can recall Paul ran an probe 18cc dome piston. The p2465's are very nice pieces

The 781s are bare, seem in good shape but they would need a Physical.

Doc boring BBCs, eh? Why not do many?

Here are my Probe 18.5cc domes. I love pics! :D
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/Brettd85/DSCN0992.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/Brettd85/DSCN1012.jpg
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g34/Brettd85/DSCN1006.jpg

Dan, I have KB hyperutectic 12cc dome pistons. They say 9.0:1 compression with 118cc chambers. I cc'd my chambers at 116cc's, so I figure about 9.3:1 compression in my motor. I also have brackets for alternator and power steering.

Waited in vain for the pistons to arrive this week. Now the guy is avoiding me. No reply to my inquiry about tracking number, no call back to my phone calls. I spent $25 on shipping, you'd think they would make it from Colorado in a week...

So, what radiator will I need? Any thoughts on this? Will a stock BB multi core work? Or do I go specialty parts?
Guess I need a different shroud, too, is that right?

Just accumulating parts now. I got the original engine up and running.

Oh, another problem. The brake pedal hangs up. I have to pull it back and it feels very rough to move. If I slam it all the way to the floor, I almost need a puller to get it to move. If I move it with my hand it is pretty tight - probably rust, since water was getting into the interior. I've squirted a bunch of PB Blaster and Liquid wrench up there. A little better, but not much. How does the pedal assy. come out? Anyone done this??

Thanks
Dan

Brake pedal arm has a pin that goes through it(as well as the clutch pedal arm if it's a manual trans car)....the pin goes in from the left side and on the right side has a machined groove in it.

On the right side, there is a clip that slides over the end of the pin and uses that machined groove keeping it from moving left. DO NOT LOSE THAT CLIP!!!! Taking the clip off isn't too bad, just use a small flathead screwdriver on the end to pry it up a little and slide the pin out towards the driver's side of the car.

Once the pin is out, you'll probably want to take out the pin and clevis that pushes against the brake master cylinder....or you can do that before, whatever way you want to do it.

The first pin I mentioned slides into 2 plastic bushings that enter from each side of the pedal assembly and should have a little lube on them ideally. I'm guessing these are a little rusted, as is the pin. If you need another set of those bushings, I have a 2nd brand new set somewhere, just have to search a couple of boxes...no big deal.

I'll see if I have a picture of the pedal assy. out of the car....

Dan,

I've seen sets of 236 and 360 peanut ports go months without selling.
Darryl uses them for door stops. I have a bare set under the bench, just because I want to practice porting.

One idea is to rob the valves from your PP heads and use them in some 781s I might make you a great deal on. Unless you want to go faster than maybe 12.6, the stockers will feed a 454 all day long.

The only other good use for PP heads would be to put them on a daily driver.
I think the heads would ROCK on a 402 or 396

Been awhile... I've been working on the Malibu along with other projects, all the while looking for parts for the big block swap.
I knew I needed a better set of heads than the peanut port set that came with my Marine block, so I've been looking around...

I scored a fantastic deal on a set of 781 heads that have had some excellent upgrades.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SmD1YB1kc9I/AAAAAAAADCw/g78LmiEkRGA/s800/SNC00044.jpg

Valves upgraded to Super-Size!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SmD1jcaEp-I/AAAAAAAADDA/Z38TwqMolrE/s800/SNC00053.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SmD1gbuSreI/AAAAAAAADC8/axWoaoUulhk/s800/SNC00049.jpg


Intake and exhaust ports blended

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SmD1diGCETI/AAAAAAAADC4/97biZZKCxG4/s800/SNC00046.jpg

Roller Rockers top it off.

These have been on an engine for a few thousand miles and the engine locked up while driving. The oil pump failed.
Picked these up for a mere $400 along with a new water pump, main pulley and a power steering bracket.

Still need to score some nice forged 9.5:1 pistons, and an appropriate cam.

Dan

You SCORED!

I paid $400 for my roller rockers alone. You hit the mother-lode on that deal.

Very nice young car-guy wanted them to get used, instead of sitting around his shop. He's more of a Mopar guy, so he was glad to clear out some space, and I was very happy to be the janitor!!

The Malibu is looking alot better, too.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SmFE9N6KXzI/AAAAAAAADEk/3iScKCSIT8U/s800/IMG_1828.JPG

Got the windshield out fixing the inevitable rust and sealing it back up.
40 year old sealant- very ineffective!
Original 40 year old windshield is in great shape, however. It is going back in.


Dan

That beast looks GREAT. Good-going! TW......ya listening!

$400 for the heads etc, etc, a steal!

Got some more goodies for the project.
I've decided that this ride needs a 4 speed as well. I picked up a Muncie on CL and will rebuild it. I bought a good used mainshaft from a fellow T/C member. - It's on the way. Trans came with a Hurst Super Comp shifter, too.
eBay came thru with a nice 454 flywheel and harmonic dampener/balancer.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SqGqdbW7qpI/AAAAAAAADXM/_HiQp9o9JbA/s800/IMG_3257.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SqGqaGQ5KBI/AAAAAAAADXI/9xWHhTX0Ydc/s800/IMG_3256.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SqGqU1QWa_I/AAAAAAAADXA/ngzXzoVQAfc/s800/IMG_3248.JPG

I trading my automatic brake pedal with George for the clutch setup he has left over in his el Camino.
Still working on getting more linkage parts.
I've got clutch disc, pressure plate, fork & release along with a steel bellhousing.

I pulled the dash apart, since I had to get in there anyway to clean stuff up. Instrument panel is out, dash wiring harness is out.
I need to get a new fuse block - mine is too rusty.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SpSz5JkTXkI/AAAAAAAADQo/bk3y-EDiv-Q/s640/IMG_3159.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SpS0G26r4_I/AAAAAAAADQs/yoQldl4Ysb4/s512/IMG_3161.JPG

One of these days I'm gonna need some assistance putting my windshield and rear window back in.
I need to polish out some scratches in the back glass first, though.
Slowly coming along...

Dan

That flywheel is the GM lightweight one that is about 15-16 lbs. It'll make that BB sound like a sb for throttle response and when you hit the gas, it'll hit so hard it'll light'm up with ease. Ask me how I know! :D

Make sure you check the flywheel for proper thickness. Set your clutch disc in it and make sure that it isnt going to hit the crank bolts.

That is the problem I had when I bought a Ebay flywheel.:sad:

Hey Dan! Ya hit 1000 posts!

Make sure you check the flywheel for proper thickness. Set your clutch disc in it and make sure that it isnt going to hit the crank bolts.

That is the problem I had when I bought a Ebay flywheel.:sad:

Thanks for the 'heads-up' Kevin. Did you use thinner head bolts to fix yours?

Hey Dan! Ya hit 1000 posts!

Aren't I special.....:p

Dan

Thanks for the 'heads-up' Kevin. Did you use thinner head bolts to fix yours?

Dan

Nope I gave up on the manual and went T400 and love it.:thumbsup:

I see the backside of the flywheel says GM4N on it, guessing it is an actual GM flywheel....if it is you should have no problems with that part of it. GM clutch or aftermarket? Going to dial-in the bellhousing? Just a few questions to see if you need an adjustable pivot ball, and if you're going to check everything(even an iron GM bellhousing) for correct fitment.

Dan,

Thanks for coming over and doing the pedal swap.
You rock!
If I have any spare things that you need, let me know before the BBQ.

Thanks to Paul, the CraigsList Hawk,
I've got some more goodies I picked up yesterday.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SsqdATCr3EI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/dQK60gCbiy0/s800/IMG_3667.JPG

New Comp Cams Hyd. Roller Cam and Lifters - over $700 on Summit.com

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SsqdDbyVYHI/AAAAAAAAD9U/p0Rhyg7s3wo/s800/IMG_3671.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_aZniZlzG90Y/SsqdJECWaTI/AAAAAAAAD9c/TUCbtwHddNA/s800/IMG_3673.JPG

Set of 8 slightly used Speed Pro/TRW forged .95 dome pistons w/ rings, "thumb" rods & ARP bolts.

Pistons & Pins only at Summit.com are $54 each = over $430 for the set.

Pistons info (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TRW-L2399F?part=TRW-L2399F&autoview=sku) Cam Info (http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-11-456-8/)

I got every thing for $450 - sweet deal, eh?

I keep having nightmares about breaking in a standard cam - I'm hearing some bad ju-ju stories that make me cringe. So I decided I'm going roller. The cam is touted as "Extreme Marine" - only fitting since I'm rebuilding a boat engine!!
Seems to me to have the specs that will make a great performance muscle car w/ the obligatory TCNW runs down the strip.
This will be in front of a Muncie 4 sp. - prob. 3.73 gears...

Dan

Nice looking hardware, Dan. Good score.

sweet!:thumbsup:

Very cool Dan, I like the way you roll! :thumbsup:

Dan,,,,,you have made at least three sweet deals!
Good going!

Jeez floating pins and all!!!!!!!

nice score!