BBC Swap

[hp3445]

I know it is a common question, but does anybody have pics of a BBC swap in a g- body. I've seen many and wanted to get an idea of how many people actually did them and were they happy with the swap... I have everything ready to go.. just wanted to see some input before I start with the powerplant.. I know it more costly to do this kinda swap, but I am one of these guys that like something different.. I want to put an 8-71 on top with a big nasty whine.. Any pics would be helpful..

Thanks!!

 

[Blake442]

I've done two BBC swaps, though neither were my cars.
One was a friends '79 Malibu, the other was an '84 MCSS at work.
They fit great, the only real pain was the headers, and even those weren't that bad. The big thing is that you'll need to replace pretty much the whole drivetrain to be able to handle the power...
My friends 'bu ran a TH400 and a 9" Ford, and the MCSS at work we put in a 700-R4 (against my recommendations) and a Moser G-body 12-bolt.

 

[Phoenyx]

Just another question to add. What about hood clearance? Is it possible to fit a big block under our stock hoods?

 

[hp3445]

I do have a 400 trans to go with the BBC.. I know the headers will probably be the biggest pain.. I plan on putting a 9" rear in shortly.

Any pics of the install?

 

[Blake442]

Just another question to add. What about hood clearance? Is it possible to fit a big block under our stock hoods?

Hood clearance is a matter of intake manifold choice.
I stuffed my 455 under my stock hood.

Any pics of the install?

I'll post some up tomorrow if nobody beats me to it.

 

[dogsht]

To give yourself a little more room sometimes depending on your motor mounts and other things such as oil pan or exhaust to frame clearences you can drill holes above the existing ones in your motor mounts to move the pin higher. This is usually good for at least 1/2". Also you can cut out some of the center hood braceing for extra clearence. You can see an example of this in my photo album pic #3. BTW in those pics I have the breather sticking up into the hood cowl which is how i wanted it. The intake is 3" taller than stock plus it has a 1" spacer so I could have easily fit it under the stock hood had I wanted to. In fact I had it that way in previous setups.

 

[Blake442]

Here's some pics as promised...

This is the '84 MCSS we did at work... What you see is as far as the car got before the owner ran out of money...
Super nice car with only 54K original miles.
502, 700-R4, 12-bolt, 4-wheel disc brakes and AirRide...
If it were mine it would've stayed on the stock suspension...
But now the front springs are in my wagon, and I sold the rears to a fellow forum member.

Here's my buddy Tom's old Malibu... He sold it to a fellow in Canada about two years ago...

 

[Phoenyx]

Nice, even better seeing a big block AND the A/C in there.

 

[hp3445]

Thanks for the pic Blake.. I am hoping to start this project once the weather gets a little cooler.. sept or oct.

 

[SS402]

1986 SS, 402BBC, 10.75:1CR, TH400, 3500 stall, trans-brake, full-manual reverse valve-body, 3.73's, Auburn Locker & hand-controls for the disabled driver..
Been a while so i thought i'd drop by... peace

click here for more pics..