SBC swap out to BBC 454 in a K5>>
 

Well I ended up saying the hell with my SBC build up idea and found a running 454 for real cheep so I bought it!
Now I am beging the planing for the rebuild and swap.

If you have ever done a BBC swap in a 69-72 K5 please share with me any fab work or special whathaveyous that was needed!
Thanks in advance!
Burt

From what I understand, You'll need a really big hammer and pound in the firewall or get a body lift for the extra clearence.

I put a 396 in a 72 K5 with tall valve covers installed trans and engine as one unit. i used late model mounts, i had to drill a couple holes for the mounts but it worked out fine. no problem with firewall clearence, i just set it all up and pulled it back out so i could clean up the engine bay. i didn't take any pics or i would post them sorry.

Thanks Guys!
Ya I alredy have a 3"body lift so I think I will be ok fer clearance.
From all the info I have been getting this should be a fairly good swap with minor fab work needed.:cool:

Anyway if anyone else has a story to share please do so...
Thanks
Burt

I believe Yukonjack did this swap on this truck and even has documentation on his webpage. Look for him. I'm in the process of doing a Big Block swap right now. I'm planning on shifting the engine forward 2" to give me more room at the firewall, since I don't want to beat it in and don't really want a body lift.

Rick

Yes, I have been talking with him over at CK5!
Thanks
Burt

Isn't the big block bug great. Saw your post over at CK5 asking how the big block came to be called the "rat" motor. If I can just get some free evenings I will have my truck back together and ready to finally fire my 454 . . . must . . . find . . . free . . . time!!!

hahaha Ain't that the truth! :-)
You are WAY ahead of me!
I hope to have this BBC swap completed my May...I hope!
Later
Burt

Using those late model mounts sounds like the way to go. One thing that using the original mounts does is make the engine sit higher. Thus making firewall clearance an issue

I considered the late model mounts, even got an article sent to me by another board member - article didn't say whether the mounts should come from a 2wd or 4wd and when I called around to the parts yards around here, they didn't have either anyway. If you want the article I'm sure I still have it saved.

I believe 4x4 and 2wd mounts/brackets are the same. My 70 Jimmy had SBC brackets for the 454 in it and I bought a set of 2wd ones to modify for my crossmember drop and they are the same.

When I swapped mine, I moved the engine/trans/T-case forward 1". Its still pretty tight, but I can get the distributor out, and the (short) valve covers off w/o pulling engine

Although I do have to take off the rotor, before I can get the distributor out!! (NO room for HEI, either)

Id try to keep the forwards engine relocation to a minimum, as these things are light in the back, anyway. (Mine's useless in 2WD on snow and ice)

**************

Yukon,

can you send me that article?? Please??? Im interested in lowering my engine, if possible, to help with drivetrain angle, and center of gravity...

dahatetank@yahoo.com

Thanks
-Marty

Yes I would like to see that artical Yukon :-)
Thanks
Burt
PS I have the mounts & cross member from a 73 454 truck, just not sure if the oil pan will be removable with out lifting the engine like my 350 is???

Just e-mailed it to both of you, Burt, I used your hotmail account listed on your website.

Hey Yukon,
Could you send me a copy of that article also? It would be greatly appreciated.

Rick

P.S. My email address is Bluegoose972@yahoo.com

Sorry Yukon, that hotmail one is long dead...try this one please.
burt4x4@norcalbigdawgs.net
thanks!
Burt

Hey Burt4x4,
I saw your comments over at K5Colorado regarding the valve covers used by Yukon Jack. I really like those also. Here is what I just completed. I purchased a set from Scoggin-Dickie and took them down to a local powder coating business. They applied a Chevy Orange to the covers that looks awesome. Of course, that covers up the aluminum fins. Then I took a sander and carefully sanded off the powder coating on the lettering and fins. The valve covers look awesome! Let me know if you want a picture of them. You can have any color you want applied.

Just my 0.02.

Rick

WOW, I bet that looks killer!
Heck ya if you got pics ...share :-)

So many parts needed so little money to buy them with............

thanks for the e mail, Jack!!!!

-Marty

My 383 sits on 454 mounts: The original 350 crossmember was moved aft to fit the 454. Later, a 350 was re-installed. I didn't know this until I pulled it to put in the stroker. NO valve cover, exhaust, or distributor problems, though HEI is VERY tough to get in and out. The firewall is tight on my Unilite, and my transmission dipstick, but that's it. When I put the 700r4 in, it moved the transmission linkages back. I had already installed a B&M Quicksilver shifter, and merely moved the hole back 2 inches for the t-case lever.