whats needed to swap sbc to bbc

[shortbed70]

I'm considering putting a BBC in my 65 but what all would need to be done besides new towers and radiator? I can get a 454 stock for 400 but needs to be rebuilt and I don't know if I should do this or buy heads for the SB.

[Ron 586]

Originally Posted by shortbed70

I'm considering putting a BBC in my 65 but what all would need to be done besides new towers and radiator? I can get a 454 stock for 400 but needs to be rebuilt and I don't know if I should do this or buy heads for the SB.

I vote for the small block. Getting it bolted in is the easy part. Getting it to handle, stance, wiring, exhaust, and if you drive it much GAS MILEAGE is something to think about. I have a 1976 suburban (61000 miles) that I got for next to nothing because of 7 mpg. ( 454)That was also the reason for low miles. I had thought about putting it in my 1973 one ton flatbed to pull my goose neck trailer. That Idea didn't last long. It will make it into one of the race cars. Just senseless ramblings of a old man. Ron (Mr Round Tuit)

[Bob Moore]

What's needed? A BIG pile of money. I don't know about clearance for the fan but most likely it will be limited. Most 454s have long pump brackets and pullies and to change to short with brackets and pullies is expensive when you can find them. I would think you would want power brakes and it is very hard to find the 66 and earlier booster with the wedge shim to angle it out of way( 15 years of junkyarding and I've only found 1). The transmission mount will probably have to changed (no big deal if auto) and the driveshaft shortened. Front springs will be a little soft with extra weight. Steering can be changed using the adaptor from REZ.

That said, I say go for it - there is nothing like a big block.

Keep us posted on your progress - Bob

[Longhorn Man]

You could rebuild that small block into a 383 with awsome heads and make it run circles around that big block on less money. Chevy big blocks are awsome, but everything about them is stupid expensive.

[shortbed70]

If I build my small block I want to put better heads and stroke it to 391/40 over. Just thinking aloud. Thanks