Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

DI4Yx crossmemeber

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I was thinking the same thing but I like to make sure Im doing the right thing before jumping into the project... I dont want to or should say I wont be bashing or cutting my cab to make room for it.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

You will probably need to move the engine forward a bit to make it fit. This thread has lots of good info on this subject.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I used the DIY crossmember and it did not fit well...when I bolted it to the frame, it pulled the frame rails in...moving the engine mounts in by a 1/4"...I actually had to get the hot-wrench out and heat up the center of the crossmember, then use a porta-power to "spread" the frame rails back out to where they should be...stretching the crossmember at the same time.
I also installed a 2" body lift. I had to "clearance" the firewall for the HEI and tall valvecovers...as it is, I have about a 1/4" of clearance between the valvecovers and the firewall...I figure they will "self-clearance" when I get on the 468. I had to notch the frame a lot to clear the Corvette manifolds...so much so on the pass side, that I had to box it in with 1/4" plate to stiifen that part of the frame..(really wanted run those manifolds, lol).
Note: I did not move the drivetrain forward. I should have. Would have given more clearance all the way around.
Here are some pics

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

has anyone else ran into problems with the DI4Yx crossmember?

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

The DIY4X didn't clear my oil pan and the motor sat really low, which caused header clearance. I had Kurt send me an new one that needed to be welded together so that I can build to fit.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

when I call to order it I guess Ill just tell them Im putting in a 454 and see what they have to say? and what kind of oil pan are you using, aka like an older truck 454 or out of a car?

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I am using a Moroso 20413

http://www.moroso.com/catalog/images/20413_cz_part.jpg

Good Luck!

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

do you think you would have had problems with a stock pan?

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Its hard to say what BBC pan clears the DIY4X Crossmember. Anyone else had any luck.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

It clears my pan by a 3/8". They need to raise the mounts a little and deepen the bend in the middle for better clearance. I see they have a new bolt-together crossmember...wish I had that one.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I have the bolt together one and I still had issues.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I have the factory crossmember and there is no way I would have cleared the valve covers with the firewall without some "massagin" (beating with a hammer. I hate the idea also but it is not noticabel once the motor is installed. Not that that makes it an easy choice!!!

I did notch the frame rails so the headers had more clearance. The headers now slide in nicely from the top or bottom.

Belwo are some pics, in one of them you can see the notched frame. As you can tell from the pics BBC are a tight fit at the firewall. If I was to do it all over and had the time to mock everytihng up a couple times I would slide the motor forward about 1 1/2''. I would still have plenty of room between my pulleys and electric fans!

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

pics

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Hi did my 71 gm k2500 20 + yrs ago, motor came from a 68 chevelle.
used this oil pan and put on the sb mounts. used a set of chevelle headers that cleared the frame rail, then switched to 68 camaro exhaust manifolds that easily clear the frame. Had to dent the firewall in about 1/2 for hei clearance as it was rubbing the firewall. I would suggest the electronic conversion kit from pertronics that uses a point distributer and converts it to electronic, that solves the clearance problem.Forgot to add that I also used the corvette valve covers

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

My old pics are gone so here is some new ones:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_s41zmvZTlf8/Su...0/HPNX0481.jpg


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_s41zmvZTlf8/Su...0/HPNX0484.JPG


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_s41zmvZTlf8/Su...0/HPNX0478.JPG

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I did one in my 1972 c10 4x4. I used the small block motor mounts the factory 1966 396 impalla valve covers with one of the sloped corners and a hei distributor. A short water pump and I had to hunt for a factory pan that would clear the cross member. The headmen headers for a 2 wheel drive fit except the pass side hangs too low to clear the front drive shaft. So I used factory manifolds. I cut the small block fan shroud down and it still works. With mine you can not use aftermarket valve covers. The only hacking I had to do was to trim the front cross member under the radiator a sliver abot a 1/2'' or so to clear the harmonic ballancer pulley that was it. My truck has factory air and I didnt have to mess with the heater box either. When I swapped in the 396 I also swapped to a 4 speed/np205 from a th350/np205. I hope this helps ya .

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I guess I didnt read the last post fully it explained my question lol

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Nice BBC installs guys!

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

SuperChevy,

Those aren't stock valve covers are they???

They look like the correct stamped steel "style" of cover but maybe a bit taller.... I'm trying to find a retro-looking set for my 502, but I am hearing that the stock BBC covers won't clear the rockers. I suppose I could use a set of valvecover spacers as a last resort.


-G
:flag:

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

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Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I have two big block chevys (1968 2"s forward + 1970 stock location). If your going to make the swap it's easier to move the engine 2"s forward. You can install a 700R behind and the lengthen your transfer case shaft. The advantages are it's easier to reach transmission bolts, more room for valve covers, and HEI fits easier. Stock location on every truck will be a little different but you can put a 454 in the same place as your previous motor. Modifications are miner to make it work. The added weight will make the truck bounce more in front so I would suggest installing a rear gas tank to help balance the truck back out.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

is there an adapter plate used to mate a 402 to 350 bell housing?

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

nope. chevys are all the same up till the ls engines

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

good thread here, im gonna take the plunge and drop a 402 in my '69 gmc..sumthin bout a BB!

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

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Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Heres mine.....still needs work though!

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I installed a bbc in my 72 K5 about 12 years ago, left the cross member in the stock sbc location, I saw the extra holes in the frame and should have moved the cross member but I didn't. I was worried about what other mods I would have to do such as, shift linkage, drive shafts, transfer case mount hole, ect.

After reading this thread, I think I'm going to go with a 700R4 and move the engine forward. I can always lengthen the linkage and I think there's plenty of room for the 4wh shifter to move a little if necessary.

I used the stock bbc manifolds and some grinding was required and I also worked on the firewall behind the HEI dist. I wish I had not damaged my freshly painted firewall but, I did. I also had to do some work behind the valve covers also needed some clearance.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Great advice on this post. Should be very helpful. However, I see some of you are using the sbc mounts in the stock location and others are using the bbc mounts. I have both available. If I'm going to put the big block in the stock small block location what mounts should I go with?

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Since there never was a big block available in a 4x4, there is only the stock small block engine mount to use. The 2 wd mounts are completely different.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

496, Edelbrock aluminum heads, Comp hydraulic roller cam, TH400, NP205, 14 bolt rear, Dana 60 front, 4.56s.
1970 Suburban. Got a long way to go.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Got some more done.
3" stainless exhaust, Magnaflow mufflers, new drive lines, new shocks.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

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Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Was that an exhaust kit, or did you just buy pipe, fittings and weld them up?
I'm planning on doing an exhaust on mine soon, very similar to yours but 2-1/2 in.

Gary

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I used a Flowmaster 3", 409 stainless builders kit and Magnaflow 3", 409 stainless mufflers. The Flowmaster kit is about $350.00 from Summit. The hardest part was the flanges to bolt the exhaust to the headers. I could not find anything made of 409 stainless. I ended up using 3/8" steel flanges. You have to use a special welding rod called 309L to weld mild steel to 409 stainless.
I could not find any premade systems made of anything bigger than 2" for a 4x4. Lots of stuff for 2 wheel drive. The kit had almost enough parts for the complete system. I had to buy 1 extra 45* bend to finish the tail pipes.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

Your exhaust system looks & sounds like what I have planned on doing right down to the Magnaflow mufflers, with the exception of being 2-1/2 in. I have a 383 stroker built for more low end - mid range RPM. I have Headmen SS elite headers with 3" ball end flanges so I'll have to use a reducer.

Have you completed it yet ? Where did / are you ending it, in front of the tires, behind or out the back ?

Gary

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I can't finish till the body and the tires and wheels are on.
I'm running it out the side behind the tire. I would like to run it to the very back corners but being a Suburban, the spare tire well is in the way. I thought about removing it because a 37' tire won't fit in it. But I'm turning it into a storage compartment instead.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I believe I'm going to run mine out the side just behind the tires. Mines a SWB, do you think the kit would have enough fittings for a SWB ? Does it come with everything to run it up and over the axle ?
Not sure if I'll have the room for the X pipe being swb, hope so !
Gary

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

It might be enough.
One of my headers comes out at a 45 the straight down and it takes a lot to go over the T-case.

Re: 67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.
 

I think you can use the bb mounts by bolting them to your existing cross member. This should raise the engine slightly, increase your drive angle and make a little more room for your exhaust manifolds or headers if you should decide to use them.

If you are going into a K5 with your big block or if you don't have enough clearance I would suggest moving the cross member forward rather than beating up the firewall to make room. It's not very pretty after taking a sludge hammer to your firewall.