So would swapping in a Carbed 502 be a simple swap? Could the 3rd gen tranny be used?

Thanks and i'm just tossing idea's around in my head.

 

There are tons of BBC thirdgens out there. By the way, a 502 is not a "Gen 1" or SBC, it is a BBC (Big Block Chevy). They fit fairly easy and use the same motor mounts, but you lose windshield wiper motors and and AC. You'll need an aftermarket hood as well. If you could use a T5 or 700R4 I wouldn't, a 502 would break it in a second. Most guys use TH 400s. My friend has a 1984 Z28 with a 454/TH400 so I've seen what it looks like finished.

 

Thanks for the quick reply 91. There is a guy who has a Z28 vert for sale with the weak 5L that would make a great street car with a big block.

EDIT - The TH400 is a 3spd isn't it. What are some good 4spd auto's?

 

Get subframe connectors and a 12 bolt first thing.

 

you can get 700r4's build up real big to handle that kind of power. those are 4 speed auto's, look around on these boards for some reputable builders

you can also do a Th400, and I believe they make a overdrive add on..

T56 6 speed manual is another option...you can build those up to handle oodles of power too..

I believe you'll need custom made headers for the swap also. Hooker or somebody makes some too i'm pretty sure, lot of money i believe, but its probably worth it in the long run..

 

yea a 12 bolt and frame connectors are a neccessity in my eyes...especially on a vert..that baby is gonna flex like crazy...i'd even do a roll cage type thing also to solidify the weak chasis...

 

If you're talking about the Gear Vendors OD unit, that is big money, like 2k. The T56 swap is probably the cheapest route to a strong OD transmission. 700R4s can be built, but you still see built ones fail. Then again, you did say this was going ot be a "fun street car" not an all out drag car so I'm sure a built 700R4 would work.

 

yea i don't know much about the add on overdrives, i just saw the one they put on project copperhead on trucks, not aware of any prices, i just know they make them

a built T56 would be a fun street trans tho...thats my vote

 

I would vote T56 as well, but I'm obviously biased.

 

91,

How satisfied are you with your ZZ4? How much did the complete swap run you?

 

I purchased the car this way, but total cost of the last owner was about 6800 in parts. That includes ZZ4, Stealth Ram, T56 and all required parts. It is running on a near stock tune, and I have been able to best 2 slightly modified LS1 cars(headers/exhaust). Nothing to write home about, but a fun car with a ****load of torque off the line. I was going to get it dyno-tuned, but now I'm just going to go with a heads/cam swap to be completed in time for next summer.

 

Do the V6 third gen's have the same exact rear end as the V8's?

 

pretty much, you see more LSD's in V8s, but, same rear housing




a OD auto that hasent been mentioned, maybe because tunnel mods are needed, as well as stand alone electronics, is a 4L80E, which is pretty much an Electronic shift T400 w/OD

 

Yeah I didn't mention the 4L80E because of the difficulty associated with the swap.

 

The 4L80E is availible with a stand alone computor from many companies(a lot of this due to it's use behind diesels).A performance built 700R4 is a good choice as long as you don't plan on nitrous or a blower.A well built SB,IMHO,is a better choice in 3rd Gens.The BBC works well in 2nd Gens since they were availible from '70 1/2 thru '72.
Subframe connectors are a good choice even with mildly modified motors because of the added benefits to handling and traction.