540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

logan91k · 11-03-2009, 06:52 AM

Hi guys,

I have a Chevrolet BB 540 standing around in my garage (used to be for my el camino project, but I cancelled that one).
I also have some traction bars and could get a transmission with transbrake.

My 1980 Chevy C10 could really use a new engine, but I'm afraid the 540 could be a bit... well... over the top.

So my 2 options are:

1. Get the 540 in the C10, add the new transmission with the transbrake and the tractionbars for the rear axle (wich is a 12 bolt by the way). And when I'm already at it paint the engine bay and clean up in there...

2. Sell the 540, rip out the 350 and get it "overhauled". Clean up & paint the enginebay and put everything back in there

What would you guys do?

GmtGmt · 11-03-2009, 07:03 AM

add the 540 thats what i would do

Restrorob · 11-03-2009, 07:47 AM

If it's a DD, Find another DD and put the 540 in.... I wouldn't want to DD my 97 with the 502, It likes gas too much.

smashingchuck · 11-03-2009, 10:36 AM

You really have to ask what we would do?

Seriously, if you daily the truck you should know that it's not going to work. I'm guessing you don't because you mentioned a trans brake.

swb85 · 11-03-2009, 10:45 AM

What would I do? Put in the 540, hook up some nitrous and start saving for a stronger rear end.

*2tons of fun* · 11-03-2009, 10:58 AM

you have to think about this????

rock that 540, let the big fish eat!!!!

moneyeater · 11-03-2009, 02:14 PM

I think that 540 will be really unique in good ol´Germany and in a C 10 too!
That would be just a funmachine!
But for daily use I´d get rid of the 540 and throw in a ls engine!
Volker

GmtGmt · 11-03-2009, 02:57 PM

or a third option is
i trade you my 6.2D for it and i will come and pick it up my self

Driveway Dreams · 11-03-2009, 03:40 PM

I have 3 things to say:
5
4
0

logan91k · 11-03-2009, 05:29 PM

hm, okay okay, I think i know what to do

540 it is

and no, the c10 isn't my daily...

logan91k · 11-04-2009, 08:41 AM

This is it by the way

sailed2japan · 11-04-2009, 01:59 PM

HELL YA!

I'd swap in a 14 bolt ff rear axle and put 3/4 ton lower control arms, spindles, and brakes on the front. I like being able to go fast, but I like being able to stop fast, too. Plus I like the look of 8 lug wheels over 5 lug wheels. If it's a shorty, you'd probably be the only one that wasn't a 4x4 sporting 8 lugs.

AirMale · 11-04-2009, 06:33 PM

Put a 305cu. in there, that's all you really need.

KQQL IT · 11-06-2009, 08:23 PM

DO IT.... cal trac bars and Drag radials made for a 1.67 60 ft with my pile

bitchin85 · 11-07-2009, 01:08 AM

lol im sure.. who would run nitrout on a 305? if u can affourd the bottle, why not go at least 350?

3r!c84 · 11-07-2009, 01:14 AM

hey i got a kit waiting for me outside.but it wont fit with this qjet.(off of my dads maverick before he sold it)

bitchin85 · 11-07-2009, 01:18 AM

i actually know a kid that ran a small shot of NOS on a stock 305 bird with a performer and a holley 600 and it actually was quick... till it exploded haha

3r!c84 · 11-07-2009, 01:20 AM

hahah thats what im afraid of.the 351 it was on liked it alot.it was only a 100shot i would post a pic but its a chevy thread lol

sdime95 · 11-07-2009, 01:20 AM

just m 2 cents put the 540 in and buy lots of new underware

**N2TRUX** · 11-07-2009, 01:20 AM

I think he is dyslexic. It's not a 305, its a 503.

3r!c84 · 11-07-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I think he is dyslexic. It's not a 305, its a 503.

how did u know
and we all now a 305 cant do that.

bitchin85 · 11-07-2009, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

how did u know
and we all now a 305 cant do that.

i really want to find out more about that truck.. and sorry to jack your thread

ratty 46 · 11-07-2009, 01:40 AM

"What should I do?" ..... install it & invest in a rubber company!!!

Roll with it.

Ratty 46

wfomkivdrvr · 11-07-2009, 02:01 AM

install it and terrorize the autobahn!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please show us the pics of the speedo needle gettin broken off! its been 4 years since I hammered DER AUTOBAHN!

logan91k · 11-09-2009, 03:00 AM

Yeah, I guess i need some kind of "long time contract" with a Tirecompany!

At the moment i have some 295/30/22 tires from pirelli on my truck, but i dont think those will last for long with the 540 in....

Do you think i can keep the rims? Or should i go with smaller ones? Like 16" with bigger tires? (Those are 22"s)

11-03-2009, 06:52 AM	#1
logan91k Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Germany, NUE Posts: 87	540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? Hi guys, I have a Chevrolet BB 540 standing around in my garage (used to be for my el camino project, but I cancelled that one). I also have some traction bars and could get a transmission with transbrake. My 1980 Chevy C10 could really use a new engine, but I'm afraid the 540 could be a bit... well... over the top. So my 2 options are: 1. Get the 540 in the C10, add the new transmission with the transbrake and the tractionbars for the rear axle (wich is a 12 bolt by the way). And when I'm already at it paint the engine bay and clean up in there... 2. Sell the 540, rip out the 350 and get it "overhauled". Clean up & paint the enginebay and put everything back in there What would you guys do? __________________ '01 GMC Sierra ~ daily '64 Chevrolet El Camino ~ project '80 C-10: 5.7L/custom ~ My Baby! - sold - European Union -> Germany -> Bavaria -> Franconia -> Nuermberg

11-03-2009, 07:47 AM	#3
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? If it's a DD, Find another DD and put the 540 in.... I wouldn't want to DD my 97 with the 502, It likes gas too much. __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

11-03-2009, 10:36 AM	#4
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? You really have to ask what we would do? Seriously, if you daily the truck you should know that it's not going to work. I'm guessing you don't because you mentioned a trans brake. __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

11-03-2009, 10:45 AM	#5
swb85 On a budget like Fred Sanford Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Topeka, KS Posts: 2,031	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? What would I do? Put in the 540, hook up some nitrous and start saving for a stronger rear end. __________________ '85 Silverado swb: 383 stroker, 10.5:1, vortec heads, 232/238 roller cam, RPM air gap, performer 750 carb, stainless longtubes, 3" duals/super 44's, T56/4.11 383ci build / exterior refresh thread '98 Camaro z28: 370ci twin turbo 370ci build '01 Tahoe LT 4x4: 5.3, longtubes/ory, magnaflow duals, custom tune....wife's DD

11-03-2009, 10:58 AM	#6
2tons of fun Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: galt ca, Posts: 749	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? you have to think about this???? rock that 540, let the big fish eat!!!!

11-03-2009, 02:14 PM	#7
moneyeater Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Northern Germany,near Bremen Posts: 684	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? I think that 540 will be really unique in good ol´Germany and in a C 10 too! That would be just a funmachine! But for daily use I´d get rid of the 540 and throw in a ls engine! Volker __________________ My little US vehicle parts business: http://www.thegearheaddepot.com/ Come have a look! ´81 GMC C 10, Spanish Red

11-03-2009, 03:40 PM	#9
Driveway Dreams I have car A.D.D. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greeley, Northern Colorado Posts: 4,147	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? I have 3 things to say: 5 4 0 __________________ -Gerald Building vehicles in memory of the first "car guy" I ever knew, my Grandpa. Bob Dunham 1935-2009. Rest in peace. 61 GMC Suburban SOLD The 86 build thread SOLD Are you a Colorado member?Click here.

11-03-2009, 05:29 PM	#10
logan91k Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Germany, NUE Posts: 87	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? hm, okay okay, I think i know what to do 540 it is and no, the c10 isn't my daily... __________________ '01 GMC Sierra ~ daily '64 Chevrolet El Camino ~ project '80 C-10: 5.7L/custom ~ My Baby! - sold - European Union -> Germany -> Bavaria -> Franconia -> Nuermberg Last edited by logan91k; 11-03-2009 at 05:44 PM. Reason: shortened.

11-04-2009, 08:41 AM	#11
logan91k Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Germany, NUE Posts: 87	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? This is it by the way Attached Images __________________ '01 GMC Sierra ~ daily '64 Chevrolet El Camino ~ project '80 C-10: 5.7L/custom ~ My Baby! - sold - European Union -> Germany -> Bavaria -> Franconia -> Nuermberg

11-04-2009, 01:59 PM	#12
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? HELL YA! I'd swap in a 14 bolt ff rear axle and put 3/4 ton lower control arms, spindles, and brakes on the front. I like being able to go fast, but I like being able to stop fast, too. Plus I like the look of 8 lug wheels over 5 lug wheels. If it's a shorty, you'd probably be the only one that wasn't a 4x4 sporting 8 lugs. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR Last edited by sailed2japan; 11-04-2009 at 02:00 PM.

11-04-2009, 06:33 PM	#13
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? Put a 305cu. in there, that's all you really need. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-06-2009, 08:23 PM	#14
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,254	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? DO IT.... cal trac bars and Drag radials made for a 1.67 60 ft with my pile

11-07-2009, 01:08 AM	#15
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? lol im sure.. who would run nitrout on a 305? if u can affourd the bottle, why not go at least 350? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

11-07-2009, 01:14 AM	#16
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? hey i got a kit waiting for me outside.but it wont fit with this qjet.(off of my dads maverick before he sold it) __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

11-07-2009, 01:18 AM	#17
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? i actually know a kid that ran a small shot of NOS on a stock 305 bird with a performer and a holley 600 and it actually was quick... till it exploded haha __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"



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11-07-2009, 01:20 AM	#18
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? hahah thats what im afraid of.the 351 it was on liked it alot.it was only a 100shot i would post a pic but its a chevy thread lol __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

11-07-2009, 01:20 AM	#19
sdime95 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 33	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? just m 2 cents put the 540 in and buy lots of new underware __________________ 1984 Sierra 1/2 ton 4x4 swb 1987 Silverado 2wd swb 3/4 drop

11-07-2009, 01:20 AM	#20
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? I think he is dyslexic. It's not a 305, its a 503. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

11-07-2009, 01:40 AM	#23
ratty 46 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta, Ga. Posts: 1,104	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? "What should I do?" ..... install it & invest in a rubber company!!! Roll with it. Ratty 46

11-07-2009, 02:01 AM	#24
wfomkivdrvr HORSEPOWER JUNKIE Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Esparto,CA. Posts: 97	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? install it and terrorize the autobahn!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please show us the pics of the speedo needle gettin broken off! its been 4 years since I hammered DER AUTOBAHN! __________________ 67 C20 fleetside custom camper 69 El Camino 72 Camaro 52 Dodge b3b 108 pickup

11-09-2009, 03:00 AM	#25
logan91k Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Germany, NUE Posts: 87	Re: 540 BB in C10?? What sould I do? Yeah, I guess i need some kind of "long time contract" with a Tirecompany! At the moment i have some 295/30/22 tires from pirelli on my truck, but i dont think those will last for long with the 540 in.... Do you think i can keep the rims? Or should i go with smaller ones? Like 16" with bigger tires? (Those are 22"s) Attached Images __________________ '01 GMC Sierra ~ daily '64 Chevrolet El Camino ~ project '80 C-10: 5.7L/custom ~ My Baby! - sold - European Union -> Germany -> Bavaria -> Franconia -> Nuermberg

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