ok kool thanx, yea i think im gunna get the 454, i want the violent power, lol. I need to be able to beat up on those dirty imports.

 

I like it when Im right

 

Either motor will fit but, the easiest would be to find a donor car so you have the radiator that will cool it and all the engine accessories that fit, including the radiator shroud. The front springs will need to be changed also. The transmission may not like the increase in HP and the rear may not either. Think it over, real good, you may not want to tackle this ! It will NOT be a simple enginge swap.

 

I know that all the Pontiac blocks were the same, but they're closer to the physical size of a big block than they are a small block. The only Pontiac engine I'd ever consider running would be the 455 just based on shear size ... otherwise, you can get way more out of a small block Chevy. Hell, even 396 BBC's are too small for a big block.

 

I know it's an old thread but I thought I'd update that my dad went half with me on a rebuilt/forged bottom end 454 short block from my best friend's cousin who is 56 years old and has been rebuilding SBC and BBC's since 1978. it's a dish piston set up for either a blower or big spray. not sure on the brand of crank, rods or anything, but I know it's a 4 bolt main and all forged bottom end, made to be near bullet proof, so the $4,000 for it I guess is fair, he's had it sittin around for 6 months, but decided to buy an LS6 for his 67 Nova. since I'll need a new hood anyway I was wondering what the consensous (sp?) would be for me to put a roots blower on it, and if so, what brand/model? this will be a weekend driver so it will still need to be streetable.

I like having the extra project, but it takes away from my 4th Gen, and it looks like I'll have to sell my 500+ HP, 1967 Galaxie.

 

ok...good scoop here....since I've done this BBC swap...

This is what you're gonna need:

BBC - 454 or bigger is nice. Stick with 9.0:1 with flat tops and oval port heads and you won't be sorry. You can go up or down either way, but remember, these things make mad torque.

3 or 4 core radiator - for 70-81 Camaro. They all fit. You can re-use the SBC fan shroud and fan as well. Also you'll need BBC cooling hoses. They're diferent than SBC ones. Same with belts

Motor mounts - yes, you can use the SBC mounts. They will work.

You'll need headers for a 70-72 402 BBC Camaro. Dynomax makes some that fit nice.

TRANS - if auto, you'll need ot figure out what trans to run. If you're gonan run the TH-350 you'llneed an SFI dual pattern, external balanced flexplate, and it'll need to be balanced to the motor (if you get it built). If you snag a motor from a truck or a yard, take the TH-400 flexplate with you to get match-balanced. IF you run a manual, you'll need to get an external balanced flywheel. 168 tooth only for both !!!!!

Starter - mini starter will work and giver you more room. I'd run an external ignition solenoid (like fords do) just to be safe and keep it easy in case of heat soak problems.

FUEL LINES - you MIGHT run into some problems, but make sure you look for a fuel pump for a 70 Camaro with a 454. Some places list it. They never made the car though But if they don't, any 70-72 BBC 402 fuel pump will work. Clearance issues for using the right one. You'llprolly want to make it easy and use a braided fuel line kit from Summit like I did and that makes it REALLY easy in case you swap carbs alot

Carb - can't go wrong with a stock Q-jet from a early 70's truck with a BBC. But, you can experiment with what you like and know how to tune.

Intake - Performer and such dual planes work well....but then you run into hood clearance issues. You CAN run a LS-5 style intake since its lower AND will fit under a stock hood. Drop base aircleaner is a MUST. You might have to run a 14x2" tall filter. Remember, the taller the intake, the more hood clearance you'll need. No need to run a single plane in one of these unless yours is built to run top end, ***** to the wall and all. You can do ALOT of street driving with a dual plane and flip over to the track and still not miss a beat.

You can still use the HEI that was stick in the car, but you.'ll need BBC wires. BUT THEY DIDN'T MAKE A BBC CAMARO WITH HEI !!! Well, get something off an early to mid 80's suburban with a 454 Or custom wires. I sugest something with a 135 degree boot. I have straight ones that only hit in a few spots, but they hit

Gauges/idiot lights - you'll have to figure out what you want to do for that. Oil sender location on a BBC is above the oil filter (or in front of the dr side of the block down low below the P/S.

And now - Power Steering. You'll need to make sure your power steering resevior has a stud on the bottom of it, because you'll need to use BBC accessory brackets - alternator, p/s and A/C if you WANT to keep it (you can, but that makes plug swaps on #8 a BEEYATCH).

OTHER THAN the front springs maybe needing replacing due to the extra weight, I can't remember if there's anythign else that you'd need to do.

Welcome to the Dark Side.....

 

good info there rscamaro73, but I have more work instore for me as the car originally came with the inline 6 and not a sbc. it's a project that I see at least a year in if not more with money also going into my 97 for a 396 stroker.

 

I say go for the 454, I run a 496 in my Pro Street 79Z.

 

Anything will fit in a 80 Camaro. Just gotta add a little bit of butter to slide it in.

 

anyone know if the AFR heads would work well with a blower setup? I'm looking at the AFR 357's on Jegs, all the numbers look good except the price. also looking at the Weiand 6-71 blower, anyone know about this as well?