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gossdesigns

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm fairly new to this site but a seasoned veteran of restoring modifying and building cars, but at the same time I'm new to big blocks. I'm planning on pulling the small block out of my 71 and dropping in a 454. Does anyone have any helpful tips they'd like to share? Here's a few pics of my car before and after. Just got it back at the end of July and still a work in progress.


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#2 ·
nice ride..
will fit like a glove..
you will like it..
needs bb springs on the front...
10 bolt will handle a mild bbc only..
my best a-body fitment yet is hedman headers and they are sans collector gaskets - but that is a personal decision...
 
#6 ·
Probably should replace the radiator, the big block generates a lot more heat.
The power steering pump should work but need different brackets.
Alternator brackets
A/C compressor brackets
Radiator hoses
A/C hoses probably
All pulleys
Fan clutch
Fan shroud
Fuel pump
Fuel line from pump to carburetor
Oil pressure sending unit
Spark plug wires
Exhaust manifolds
Exhaust pipes from manifold to muffler
Radiator support for larger radiator - read about radiator supports here:
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338186
Radiator support top panel
Front springs
New motor mounts (the motor mount stands on the frame may or may not be different)

Rear tires frequently :D

I'm sure there are more things that others will add to the list.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
I was planning on changing oil pan, oil pump, valve covers, gaskets, cam, intake, water pump, distributor, flex plate, radiator hoses, radiator, motor mounts, starter, and all the mounts for accessories. Was just making a point about complete the motor is when I said it still has radiator hoses on it. It came out of an old truck so I'm sure a lot of things will need changed on motor. I just need to figure out what all needs changed on the car to swap from a SB to a BB.

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#11 ·
gossdesigns, got a name? Nice looking chevelle, welcome to the site. I was in the same boat a few years ago when I bought my chevelle and needed to get more familiar with big blocks. Have always ran small blocks in my camaros and novas, but definitely love the big block torque. If you are doing just a mild rebuild I have a set of 781 rebuilt castings complete with 2.06/1.72 valves and springs, less than 2000 miles if you are interested. They were on my current engine that has flat top pistons and the only reason I changed them was for more compression and I wanted a more aggressive camshaft. I was going to wait till next spring to try and sell them, but I see you are in Indiana also and thought you might be interested.
I would also recommend the Hedman hedders, they fit great, don't leak, and are a good value for the price. Definitely put a good radiator in, more heat with big blocks.
 
#13 ·
If you are interested, just shoot me pm. I will let them go for much cheaper than you would pay to rebuild a set.:thumbsup:
 
#17 ·
Ryan, mid-70's to mid 80's bbc, prob truck motor. Heads are open chamber smaller ovals, I would use them for a mild build, check your block as it could be a 4bolt. If it is, best to tear down and see if it checks out. If its a player and cast crank and rods your fine for 5000rpm. You could get this going and use your accessories and pully system that came with it. No need to buy a bunch of aftermarket for a mild street motor, i would stick with stock exhaust, just blast and cleanup. Its gonna take some time and resource to make this swap happen, good ideal to use as much as possible off that long block. Big ovals are great but those 236's are good low end torque heads. If anything I would heat up ignition, carb and intake and go with the rest as is. If hei, q-jet came with it, i would use them. Drive it and enjoy it. :thumbsup:
 
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gossdesigns
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