big block install

[ripper]

hello everyone,
i am considerring installing a big block in my 84 and was wondering if anyone here has done this swap or has info and pics on said swap. any info would be appreciated especially info on hood claerance, springs and motor mounts. no rush but i already have the new motor and trans ready . thanks.

[black_81_vette]

GM did one themselves useing mostly off the shelf parts.Super chevy mag did a write up on it back in the early 90s I may still have the issue.

[grumpyvette]

this should help

link

[Edmond]

Why not just install a hotrodded stroker in there? Today's small block technology and accessories are so good that I think it'd be worth it.

[grumpyvette]

that comes down to the cost vs power both potentially provide and the difficulty in the installation of either engine,
short answer , under about 550hp and on a budget of under about $6500 the small block tends to have the advantage, once you get over 550hp or have over about $7000 to spend on the project the big block has alot of factors in its favor, including total cost, especially once drivability becomes an issue.

notice it costs a good deal more for a radical small block once the power gets up into the rediculus ranges

http://www.shafiroff.com/pro/472_950.asp

http://www.shafiroff.com/pro/565_985.asp


heres more reasonable comparison, notice you still get a good deal on hp per cost with the big block

http://www.theengineshop.com/prods_pages/101000.htm

http://www.theengineshop.com/prods_pages/108000.htm


if your looking for under 450hp a small block is going to be the easy winner due to costs

[AdvancedAutoCC]

Originally Posted by grumpyvette

that comes down to the cost vs power both potentially provide and the difficulty in the installation of either engine,
short answer , under about 550hp and on a budget of under about $6500 the small block tends to have the advantage, once you get over 550hp or have over about $7000 to spend on the project the big block has alot of factors in its favor, including total cost, especially once drivability becomes an issue.

notice it costs a good deal more for a radical small block once the power gets up into the rediculus ranges

http://www.shafiroff.com/pro/472_950.asp

http://www.shafiroff.com/pro/565_985.asp


heres more reasonable comparison, notice you still get a good deal on hp per cost with the big block

http://www.theengineshop.com/prods_pages/101000.htm

http://www.theengineshop.com/prods_pages/108000.htm


if your looking for under 450hp a small block is going to be the easy winner due to costs

Nice factual post... refreshing to see on a forum

[kenwa]

Welcome to CAC, ripper.

Every project like this costs twice as much and takes twice as long as it should. That said, you open the clam shell and show off a rat and you'll be worshipped.

Once you go Rat, you never go back. Do it.

Ken

[grumpyvette]

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3449...ate-Engine.htm

http://www.theengineshop.com/prods_pages/108000.htm

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/120/...e-Assembly.htm

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/120/...ate-Engine.htm

[braeburn22]

hi

I have a copy of the Corvette Fever issue that featured the install of a 484 Can am big block back in the late 90s, if I can find the issue I will scan and email you a copy

[grumpyvette]

for a step by step instructions with pictures get a copy of the august 1998 vette magizine article( starts on page 34)it helped quite a bit the first time

ITS got a YELLOW C4 on the cover picture

[braeburn22]

Hi

i have a scanned copy of the article from August 1998 Vette, send me a note of your email address and I will send you a copy

[ripper]

it finally begins, after a long period of time getting other projects out of the way and cleaning junk out of my garage the vette is in there and the hood comes off today. i will try and post some pics as i go . for all of you who offered advice , thank you.

[ripper]

i tried sending out a few e mails to members, no luck yet, so if anyone has magazine articles with part lists of whats required i would like a copy, mostly info on headers, water pump, pulleys, brakets , radiator and belts. the big block fits nicely, but the air conditioning is really tight, and i had no idea there is no tranny cross member. my e mail address is darrellwebb62@yahoo.ca , thanks. p.s. i'll be checking the site daily from now on.

[JAKE]

Originally Posted by ripper

i tried sending out a few e mails to members, no luck yet, so if anyone has magazine articles with part lists of whats required i would like a copy, mostly info on headers, water pump, pulleys, brakets , radiator and belts. the big block fits nicely, but the air conditioning is really tight, and i had no idea there is no tranny cross member. my e mail address is darrellwebb62@yahoo.ca , thanks. p.s. i'll be checking the site daily from now on.

You could check some other Forums because I've come across several guys' posts on doing the same thing. I'm sure they'd want to share.

Do a Search on http:// forums.corvetteforum.com (I know there are couple of guys there who have done or are doing it) and digitalcorvettes.com vettemod.com

You could also do a Search on the magazine websites and check their archive files for previous articles on that engine swap.

Years back I installed a 468 BB into a 86 'F' body, but that's an apples to oranges comparison.

Jake

Jake

[ripper]

i've done the monte carlo big block swap, but like you said it's not the same, anyway forging ahead. pulled the engine last weekend.