I have a '73 (yeah, I know) Chevelle 4-door smile.gif that I just yanked the 350/350 combo out of. I am beginning to look for a 454 for a swap (budget, of course). This car will be a semi-daily driver when completed, but I want some good power (like enough to run high 12s / low 13s), and I don't mind and actually prefer a lopey cam. I will be running the factory A/C. I will be running the stock rear for a while. Should I pull a running big-block from the salvage yard and go through it, talk to some local machine shops, or what? I can't afford a crate motor, and this car doesn't warrant a $5 grand engine. I would like to spend around $2 grand, give or take. I'm in no giant hurry, and can wait for the right deal, but I don't know where to start. And, no, I don't want to just rebuild the 350 and go. I've done 2 small blocks in the past 2 years, and I want a Rat. I'm afraid to buy from a swap meet, 'cause I don't necessarily know what I'm looking at other than the obvious problems that would stand out. At least with a salvage yard motor I could hear it and see it run. Secondly, I don't know much about bracket compatibility. My car is factory air with the AC compressor on the driver's side. Could I reuse the 350 brackets, or should I get a complete runner with brackets and all? Or a late-model with serpentine belt and small AC compressor? I'm in the Houston, Texas area, and have access to a bunch of places to shop, be it a salvage yard, machine shop, or whatever. If anyone could contact me offline, my email is bowtieguy@houston.rr.com. Thanks a bunch.

Brandon

Yup. Look for pickup truck and RV motors. Avoid tall deck motors ( not 454s anyway).

Search down " mr.4 speed" and copy Chris's combo with a bit less compression ( for daily driving gas compatibility, unless you don't mind running 93-94 octane) and tighten the cam centerline to 110 to compensate.

Buy the headers new. Don;t know about motor mounts. The T350 will work fine if you have it rebuilt with 5 clutches in top( 3rd) gear.

You are in prime pick em up country. If it were me in your shoes, I would search for a up to 74 GM pick-up with a big block. Choose 1 priced right enough to use the engine and put your small block back in the truck and resell it. I have done it and actually made a few bucks (not counting labor of course). You would probably be out an exhaust system for the truck. Everything else should interchange. Good luck, it sounds like a fun project. ;)

Thanks for the responses. I would do the my small block/truck big block swap both ways, but my 350 is smoking and in need of some attention, and I'm short on time to complete both swaps. I'll be lucky to get just the big block in my Chevelle in a reasonable amount of time. I'm sure I can find some big blocks, but salvage yards know what they're worth. I'm going salvage yard hopping this Saturday, but I'm still open to suggestions... smile.gif