[Tony65]

I may be converting my small block equipped 65 El Camino over to a 502. I'm going to look at a used 502 on Saturday and would like to know if there is anything that I should be looking for to better identify it.

So far all's I know is that is a good running motor with iron block and heads, and it does not have any provision for a mechanical fuel pump.

I've read I'll need a new 14" flywheel to mate to the 11" clutch (M21), Will I also need a new starter or can the small block starter be re used.

As far as front accessories, I'm not sure what brackets may be included but are any small block parts interchangable with the 502. If not, would I be looking 396 / 454 BBC brackets / water pump etc...

When I search for headers on Summit, '65 El Camino / 502 doesn't show anything... Should headers that fit '65 Chevelle, 396 4 speed also work for a 502? I saw some comments about 502 w/ aluminum heads, but I don't think that's an issue with cast iron heads.

I appreciate anything you can share... BBC is new territory for me.

 

[Malibu ss 64]

The starter will bolt up if your sb used 168 tooth flywheel.

The brackets are not same on a BB as on a sb when I converted my 64 to BB I went with short waterpump it gives more clearance and fan options. Do you have ps or ac? If you have ps and use oem style brackets you need a reservoar style ps pump.

396 4 speed headers will work on a 502. I think some 502 is missing the threaded hole for the clutch pivot ball some drills and tap or theres adapters that is bolt on avaible.

If yor car has sb frame stands use sb motor mounts. What car/truck is the 502 in now? If not a Chevelle or camaro you will probably also need a different oil pan that fits the Chevelle chassie.


Marcus

 

[Malibu ss 64]

Some threads about brackets and installation. Remember that you need a different oil pan part nr if its a gen 6 and do not have a chevelle pan some threads may have part nr for a mark IV pan.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400618&highlight=bb

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=392770&highlight=bb

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=375690&highlight=bb


http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308892&highlight=bb

Hope this help you! You can do a search and you will found lots of more info/threads.

Good luck!

Marcus

 

[badrad]

I'm doing the same thing. I went with the factory power steering set up but it's a bit pricey. You can get nearly all of the brackets aftermarket and headers for a 396 will fit. If you go with a Gen 6 502 I have pan that fits, PM if interested.

 

[Tony65]

Thanks for all the replies guys... I passed on the 502 as it was out of my price range and couldn't confirm if it was the 450 horse version or less desirable 348 HP.

I ended staying with the small block, but switched over to a 355 roller cammed / vortec head long block.

Thanks again...