Anyone running a Big Block and have heater only?

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82HellCamino

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 2, 2016
9
7
3
Question. I'm running a 454, and have the block off plate on the firewall as the A/C box came out in 4 pieces (what a fun day that was!-lol)..... So I installed the block off plate and the Vintage Air Heater.defrost system which works fantastic by the way, but now going to go with Vintage Air A/C/heater system.
I hate the look of the flat block off panel as it doesnt match the drivers side firewall.
i want to get the heater only cover to put on instead, (and will run the heater/a/c lines through it) but dont want to spend 180 bucks if it hits the motor.
Anyone running a Big Block Chevy and have this heater only cover or factory heater only system? How is the clearance between it and the motor?

appreciate any help.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
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Socialist NY
Basically its just going to be there for looks

So why not use this; and it has the clearance for the big block


78-88_G-Body_AC_Delete.jpg
 
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82HellCamino

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 2, 2016
9
7
3
Basically its just going to be there for looks

So why not use this; and it has the clearance for the big block


78-88_G-Body_AC_Delete.jpg
Thats exactly what I want to go with and put the a/c and heater line bulkhead through that. But it didnt specify if it cleared a bog block. I'm 98.9Z% sure it would. But figure I would ask others that might already have it..
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
I have it sitting in my basement

If you look at the right side you can see they made it so that there is a lot more room for the covers

Not mine but those are really tall covers


th
 
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565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,590
12,611
113
Michigan
Since you would not be using the case as designed I would add a notch for more clearance so that you still have a good looking case but you can get tall valve covers easily on and off
 

82HellCamino

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Sep 2, 2016
9
7
3
I have it sitting in my basement

If you look at the right side you can see they made it so that there is a lot more room for the covers

Not mine but those are really tall covers


th

Perfect. Thats what I was looking for. I Google searched and didnt see anything. Appreciate it!

I think this is the way Im gonna go and if I have to modify it for any reason, then be it. It would probably be the smallest mod I've done on this car!-lol
 

mc1984ss

Master Mechanic
May 18, 2020
293
236
43
I have heat only with my big block. I notched it for valve cover clearance. If I remember correctly it would clear certain valve covers but not others. When the car had the factory AC box the big block valve covers I used at the time cleared no problem. Is your vintage air universal or gbody specific?
 

scoti

Royal Smart Person
Sep 5, 2019
1,958
3,363
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Texas
Thats exactly what I want to go with and put the a/c and heater line bulkhead through that. But it didnt specify if it cleared a bog block. I'm 98.9Z% sure it would. But figure I would ask others that might already have it..
If there is a clearance issue @ the v.cover, you should be able to easily slice the cover as needed & just re-glass the area. With your Vintage Air set-up, things aren't going exactly where they're intended anyway. This is what I'm planning for my sbc car (that heat-only panel w/a plate for the hoses where the blower motor hole is located).
 
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scoti

Royal Smart Person
Sep 5, 2019
1,958
3,363
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Texas
For those that questioned.....

I received my A/C to Heat-Only conversion housing today. In the package was a technical/installation booklet w/30+ steps & images for install help.

There are 4 additional images w/a couple of pics showing the engine bay of an '81 MC w/a big block, stock motor mounts, & tall GM Performance aluminum valve covers. The image shows a gap that appears to have enough width to allow passing the knuckle area of your fingers between the housing & the pass side valve cover.
 

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Jakefromstatefarm

Master Mechanic
Feb 26, 2014
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923
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Does this cover simply go onto the hvac case mounting or do you remove the car, split your hvac case, install the heater only cover and then reinstall the whole case?
 
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