Im gonna be putting a decent 454 in my 79 that originally had a small block in it. Do I need to change the mounts on the K-member or will the factory small block ones bolt up to the big block?

I know they had BBC's from the factory in 71/72,but not sure if I need to change the mounts on the car or not.


thanks

 

i am putting a 454 in my 77 also. my understanding from the people i've talked to is that you should be able to use the sbc motor mounts. i am using moroso solid motor mounts for 70-81 camaros. i should have mine installed in a month or 3 so let me know or i'll let you know....

 

You can put a BBC into SBC mounts. A true BBC mount will just lower the engine slightly.

 

so what mounts should be used for converting a 6 cyl to BBC? will I need to change out the front suspension?

 

AFAIK, even the V6's mounts are in the same location, but don't quote me on that!!

The suspension doesn't have to change (the sub-frame in the front is the same), although you may want stiffer (heavier load carrying) springs, and a bigger sway bar than what the V6 probably came with. Gotta figure, there's going to be a fair bit more weight over the front wheels. I'd be willing to bet that a new pair of springs designed for the Z28 chassis would be sufficient. However, wait and see how the car sits once you've got the engine in.

 

if you go from a 6 to a BBC, you will def need better springs. the front will be way heavier.

 

yeah, I was thinking that too. also is my dad correct in saying it's an I6 and not V6? would this make a difference in motor mounts?

 

ok...here's some info...

-BBC will fit in place of a SBC easily. I have done this myself.
-You can use the SBC engine mounts. They NOW make the 'correct' BBC FRAME side mounts too, but you'd have to swap it all out.
-As far as a V-6.....I'd have to check my 78 assembly manual (if its in there)....but I'm not 100% sure myself.....but if its an I-6 then you'll need different frame mounts FOR SURE. Kinda easy to figure out if its an I-6 or V-6 sitting in there (how many valve covers are there ?) If you have the I-6 then your front springs ought to be good....V-6 ones - change.....SBC ones - might be OK if they're not wore out.

You can get ALOT more 2nd gen specific questions answered over at www.nastyZ28.com

 

thanks for that link, it helps a bit. only problem is that it's hard for me to put everything together as my grandfather who retired from GM in 79 as a plant foreman in Kalamazoo, MI put in a special order for my dad's car, so it's an inline 6, auto trans, dark camel (I think I'll be changing this), am-fm stereo, with a few other options.
so will much fabrication be needed to change the I6 mounts to get BBC mounts?

 

Just some creativity in getting the mounts unbolted and bolted back up

Easier said than done though.....one guy just recently took a plasma torch to his subframe in order to get access to the backside of the mount for the nuts Another guy just tacked his to the subframe and now has anchored nuts.

But your BEST bet is going on ebay and grabbing a 79 assembly manual...it'll shop old part #'s and good pictures of these pieces.....

 

I have a BBC motor mount question for you guys.

My best friends 87 el camino is about to recieve a 496 with a Vortech YSi blower, he is gonna use solid engine mounts. What tranny mount should he use, he wants poly, his dad says he has to use solid or he will crack the bellhousing. Who is right. The car is not caged yet if that matters.

 

dont quote me but i kinda think his dad may be right. i used a solid tranny mount too. in fact everyone in know with solid motor mounts have solid tranny mounts. dont take my word for it cause i dont remember. i asked a mechanic buddy when i was putting the car together.

 

plus I'm going to need a new tranny as well, so I'll just have to see how it all fits and where the motor and tranny mounts have to go. hopefully my galaxie sells soon so I can have some extra cash for this and my 97 I have here.

 

I have yet to see a use for the solid tranny mount unless you have front and rear motor plates in a full tube frame car. I use front motor plates and use a poly mount. Using a solid tranny mount will normally work fine but there is a risk of chassis flex which will break the tailshaft housing with a solid mount.

Poly tranny mount is always best to use. Solid may crack the housing. Solid motor mounts or a front motor plate is fine.