I have a 1991 Camaro Rs. I would like to drop a V8 in it. Anyone know how big of an engine i could get? I'm trying to put a 305 or a 350 in there. Let me know. Thanks.

 

All small blocks are the same size, be it a 265 or a 472. Big blocks are the same way, regardless of whether it is a 396 or an 838, they all have the same external dimensions. Both big blocks and small blocks will fit in your 91.

 

there is a such thing as a 472 small block?? DAYUM!!

but yes like stated above, any small block will fit in your car without a headache...a big block will require a new k member with big block motor mounts...if you don't know what your doing it can very quickly turn into a migraine...its simple, the car just wasn't built around a big block, therefore your gonna have clearance problems etc etc...but definately possible, and many members have done it...

 

do you know what you're saying? the big block fits on the same motor mounts as a small block in these cars, you don't need a different k member. there's a sticky on thirdgen talking about clearance issues around the HEI cap at the back, but that can be solved by a small cap dizzy. other than that and special headers, it bolts right up. sounds mean and people love to see them at the car shows by me too.

 

i considered the swap, and thats what they told me...the motor mounts are the same you are right, but your better off to use a tubular style k member like in the link due to clearance issues. they said it will save you alot of agrevation. Maybe its not needed, but if I did the swap, this would probably be something I would strongly consider..thats just me tho

http://thunderracing.com/catalog/?ac...&vid=6&pcid=42

 

Big blocks are not all the same size. Using a standard 9.8" deck height, the typical max displacement is 540. Using a 10.2" tall deck block allows for a lot more displacement however using a tall deck block increases fitment problems. The 572 uses a tall deck block. The next common size after that is 632. If you want to go bigger than that, you need what's called a super block with a deck height around 11" and a bore spacing of 5".

Common oversize for a SBC is 434 using an aftermarket block however it has also been maxed out to 454. The drawback is that a big SBC needs a lot of air and even the best SBC heads can't flow enough as moderate BBC heads.

As for your engine swap choices are, go with a typical 350 or maybe even a 383. They're common, cheap, and easy to work on.

 

Ok, deck height does vary if you want to get technical. It shouldn't affect your swap options, just get a huge ****ing cowl hood.

 

I've never actually seen it but I've been told that you can just squeeze a 454 into a third gen. But as for a 350 or 305, those fit rather well considering that those engines also came stock with the car.

 

454 is easy, my friend just sold his 84 with one. I don't know if you can keep your windshield wiper motor with a BBC though, I've yet to see one on a BBC swap car.

 

It's not the hood part. The deck height raises the heads up even higher. Wiper motor and heater box is tight with a regular deck. Also using a tall deck block means getting very expensive headers made.

I started with a 454. I'm now up to a 540. Externally, they look the same.

 

OK, and BACK to Earth now...


LJS -

Cutting through all the hoopla, you need to determine your budget, but you're basically looking at either a 350/355 or a stroker 350 (377/383), depending on your budget. While making your decisions, try to keep in mind that HP costs money and as it goes up, tends to break parts; which also costs money.

 

I would go with a 350 for starters - before you throw it in get a cheap 383 Crank (Cast) and run with that for awhile. If you really want to step up to "Big Block Power", rebuild that 383 with nice forged internals, get a set of nice afr210 heads, hsr, and put about 10psi into it with a procharger. You ought to be around 500hp, without all the headaches of a Big Block - and lighter too. Not to mention much more power available when you want it.