[tipetu]

Hi,

1971 Malibu originally 307
I have swapped the small block with a 454.
Obviously the front springs are a bit more compressed, but it works fine as is.
I have replaced the 8,2 rear end to a 8.5 posi.
Transmission was a TH350, but is now a M20 Muncie.

I believe the SS-cars had extra frame braces in the rear section on each side, but what else?
Were there any else differences on the frame or brakes?

 

[tipetu]

Are we only talking about frame, brakes, and suspension here? Canada or US models? Brakes no different unless you ordered metalic shoes. Differences if you ordered PB. Frame reinforcements on US SS cars as they had a BB. Canada cars could have had a SB.

Yeah, more or less frame/suspension/brakes. In case the "authorities" question my upgrades. It is registered as an antique and has to be preserved as a true 1971 model (with upgrades accessible from that time-period" I believe I am close to it.

 

[tipetu]

These are the braces that tie together the upper and lower FORWARD ends of the rear trailing arms. They are left and right.
They were on all SS cars, or non-SS cars with a BB, such as a Malibu 400.
Also, if a car had a rear sway (such as SS cars), the lower trailing arms were boxed.
View attachment 817876

Yes, those are the two pieces I have noticed.
I have also boxed in the lower control arms, and adjustable upper ones.

 

[tipetu]

And just how many "officially knowledgeable authorities" do you think are intimately familiar with what was and what was not included or available on a 71 Chevelle??????????

I'm thinking fewer than you can count on one hand--------------- AFTER 3 fingers have been amputated!

They dont know, but it is specified in the title. Engine size, transmission and HP. I am sure some of these guys are ok people, but the overall experience (from other car guys) is far from good.

 

[tipetu]

If the old engine had cast iron heads and the new engine has aluminum heads then there wont be much of a weight difference. So if you buy new springs you may not want to go overboard.

Old engine was cast iron, and the 454 also has cast iron. It is a bit nose-heavy, but nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[tipetu]

Brian,
Our 70 conv, which came with a 307-3sp-3.08 non-posi did not have the braces.
Adding those braces was just one of the many things I upgraded over the years.
I have tried to limit upgrades and additions to things which were actually a factory available part. Even though a SB400 was not available on a 70 Chevelle, it was available on a MC. The CI hood was not available on a non-SS Malibu, it was a bolt-on factory part. The 15x8 Ralleys were only on Corvettes, but they were 1970 Chevy parts, as opposed to aftermarket, etc, etc.

Did you notice any improvement with these brackets?
I dont drive it hard in corners or anything. Just the occasional (minor) tire spin and hard pull.

 

[tipetu]

The BB Chevelles had the following:
11' front disk brakes power assisted
Heavy duty front springs and stabilizer bars
4 bolts in the upper radiator Bracket
12 Bolt rear end , 3:31 limited slip (stock Ratio)
rear frame braces Heavy duty
heavy duty radiator
Doug

Nice summary. 11 inch front disk braks is the standard size right? I have disk brakes at the front.
So to "comply" to SS-specs I would need the rear frame braces and stabilizer bars. I dont have that in the rear but I drilled holes to prepare for it if I needed it.

Did the big block cars all come with boxed lower control arms? I noticed some improvement in wheel hop when I boxed mine. But later I installed these and now the wheels are 100% planted on the ground and no hop what so ever:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/UPI-4010