72 k-10 big block swap
 

i'm trying to fit a tall deck 427 in my 72 k10 i moved the trans a transfer case 2 inches forward as everything i've read said to do i removed the engine crossmember just to test fit and i had to remove the crank pulley to make it fit now the harmonic balencer is against the front crossmember i've never heard anyone else have this trouble

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

If you havent already, you might check out my thread in the 4x4 section.
"Just a Few plans for my 72 K10" . I done this swap (standard block 454) with a square body engine crossmember and moved trans and transfer foward exactly 2 inches. I would imagine the tall block would still be a little tight in the firewall area even with short valve covers but I didnt have to do any modifying to the foward most crossmember and the two engines should be the same in those dimensions ?? I do remember guys saying they had to clearance that crossmember and that I would have trouble but I had no trouble at all.. Pretty sure theres a picture of the balancer in that thread.. My Truck should be no different than any other I would think ?? Not sure I can be any help but happy to try.. I drive mine regularly with this setup..

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

I went back and looked at the pictures in the thread. Im at work tonight and am in a different truck so I cant go out and look but maybe the square body crossmember raised the engine just a bit ? Looks like the balancer and pulley is above that front crossmember.. I have cleaned it all up and Changed some stuff around now that its in there permanently but its all worked out great for a Good while now. The engine sits nice and level both front to back and side to side and looks like it came in there.. Hope this helps

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

after some looking the crossmember was bent and when i straightened it ,it went forward and down a bunch so i think it will work
but headers sure are going to be tight

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

Glad you figured it out ! I used manifolds for that same reason. I didnt want the aggravation of headers and also didnt want to do alot of beating and bending. Some guys on here have said to have found some headers that were a pretty nice fit though

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

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I went down the BBC header rabbit hole some time ago. Here's what I found searching through a bunch of threads on this site:

hedman 68198 chevelle headers
hedman 69170
hooker 2455 full length

...in the end, I installed the Hedman Elite 68198 full length Chevelle set. These cleared the frame on my '67 and fit fine aside from a small dimple needed to clear the passenger side control arm cap.

Some guys talked about motor stand and transmission linkage problems but I had none of that...granted my linkage is the cable type!

Hth,

-klb

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

With his truck being a 4x4 there may be some differences.. Maybe not ? I think your list may have been one of the threads I studied also.. Not sure ?? I never tried any on my truck though

Re: 72 k-10 big block swap
 

I swapped a '72 454 into a '69 frame, moved the engine, transmission, 1 3/4" forward to give clearance for distributor to firewall.

Had no issues other than I was using '79 square body Hedman headers that had to be dented n slightly to clear frame.

Later swapped to Hooker '69 4x4 headers without an issue.

When I tried to replace the Hookers with Hedman's for the same setup they wouldn't work with the engine moved forward.

Never had issue with balancer/crossmember clearances.

Used long water pump and accessories (pulleys and brackets) from '72 donor 2wd Suburban 402 which placed fan exactly where it needed to be in fan shroud.

Not sure this is of any help just relating what I did and results as I understand you straightened out the cross member which resolved your issue.

Just hope the header information might be of help to you, or others, in the future.

Unfortunately, I did this swap a couple decades ago so no pictures.