Big Block Swap

[Sik-Wit-It]

I know there have been a few people that have done it. What should i look out for? The need to know stuff?

[steve1479]

My friend swapped a 454 into a Pontiac Safari (it's quite the sleeper) the most problems he had were :

1. Engine mounts (obv.)
2. Hood clearance
3. Headers were a bit tight going in
4. And all his vaccuum hoses aren't hooked up yet (but we're just lazy so)

Other than that, we didn't have alot of problems.

[hilpala ss]

you might not be able to run A/C depending on what block. what are the current specs on the car? year, make, model...

wiat so what did you do with the fresh Golen 383?

[Sik-Wit-It]

the fresh used to be golen but been slighty modded by murphy so its a 387 is in the whizzip now, but i want to throw that in something else and go big block.... REALLY BIG BLOCK!

[steve1479]

572!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rockon::rockon::rockon:

[Glen Koenig]

I ran into problems with the stock motor mounts. The stock pass. side mount is inverted on the LT1 and doesn't work with a Mark IV block, not sure about the Gen V or IV blocks. You could get by with a pair of drivers side mounts on each side, or just replace both with the Moroso solid mounts. I've heard that some use a stock rubber mount on the pass. side and a solid on the drivers side. You may also need to drill new mount holes in the frame on one side.

I also relocated the engine back 1.75" and had to do a little clearancing of the fire wall and tunnel.

If you go carbed, you'll likely need a cowl hood for clearance.

I'm using Chevelle headers with 2" primaries and 3.5" collectors and I had to remove the driver side frame brace and notch the pass. side. I still haven't' figured out the trans. cross member, but it will most likely be tubular CM steel tubing to clear the 3.5" pipes and mufflers.

[Sik-Wit-It]

Thanks Glen! Best info i have received yet....

My mech. recommended the Moroso Solid mounts as well so i figure i will go with those. Is chevelle headers the consensus? I've heard alot of people run those on their big blocks.

I dont want to run carb but it was suggested that i do. I wonder if i could get a Ram Jet intake?

The trans will be the same as you have thats already in the car...

Keep me updated on your swap as i will probably be following in your footsteps.