SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

I have a '85 4x4 with a 305 now and plan on building a '77 454 to put in it's place. Is there a past post that has a lot of info I will need to perform the swap? If not, is it a pretty easy swap? Will I need to swap motor mounts/perches? What style of HEADERS would fit? My truck has the heavy duty suspension, so will the front suspension be able to handle the BB? Will the 700R4 be able to handle the 454?

Thanks for all the info you can give me. I've swapped SBC's with SBC's, but never delt with BB's. I don't think I have nothing to loose swapping motors, but just wanted a little more umph when I need to pull something. I get 9 MPG now with the 305, which want pull a greasy spoon out of a cats a$$.:flagw:

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

454 will go right in. Make sure the fuel pump on the 454 is for a 4x4. There is a difference.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

Thanks for the info on the fuel pump.

What headers will work on this setup?

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

I have a 2 wheel drive that I swapped a 454 into and I went with Sanderson BB8 headers. They are awesome! They will fit your 4x4 as well. They are a 3/4 length header with 1 7/8 primaries. I put out a little extra and got them ceramic coated.

Best thing is they have a no gasket flange. You just run a thin bead of black permatex rtv around them and no leaks!
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

Would anyone have an opinion on putting in a 383 versus the 454? Just curious as to what your thoughts are.

I have a 4 bolt block to build a 383, and a 454 to build. Just curious as to others thoughts, ideas etc.

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

That would be all preference.The 383 will rev higher and give more power at topend.454s tend to be more lowend torque.so it depends on what you are doing with the truck.Towing go 454.

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

A 454 will rev just as high as a 383. The simplest would be the 383, it will bolt in with zero mods. A mild built 454 will embarrass a 383.....

Re: SB to BB in '85 4x4
 

b454rat, what mods would have to take place? Thanks for any and all info.