BBC in 72 GMC Burb - exhaust help~

[72GMC-Burb]

I have pics of my burb posted here and appreciate all of the insight I get from reading other posts and seeing the pic's - great work everyone!! I am wondering if anyone else has done the move that I have....2" forward so the engine would clear the firewall? If so, how do you work in headers without having to give up a left arm and leg?? i had to notch the frame to get it all to clear where it tapers up by the exhaust - and - now I would love to have better looking pipes if anyone can steer me in the right direction. Please and thanks

[Longhorn Man]

why would you need to move the engine forward? My big block clears the firewall no problem

[72GMC-Burb]

It is a 72 GMC 4x4 - she was originally a SBC - and I got a wild hair to go crazy - so I had a 454 built up - when I went to put everything in - it kept hitting the firewall - I talked with Dave @ Early Classic - he said to move everything forward 2" - I am not sure the 72 4x4 came a big block - if it did the crossmember must have been different - not sure - even moving 2" forward - the HEI is still about 3/4" from the firewall -

[Beelzeburb]

There's a whole thread on the board here dedicated just to BBC engines in 4x4s. I had to chop and weld my firewall on both sides to fit my 454 without modifying the mounting points of the motor itself. I've got a set of headers hooked up to it (had a SBC w/ headers before and I already had a small notch in the frame) and the only problem I have run into is on the passenger side where the tube hits the bottom shackle bolt. My best approximation to a solution in my case is going to involve a ball peen hammer applied directly to that area.
BTW, no 4x4 came with a BBC from the factory in our year range.

[72GMC-Burb]

Thanks Beezleburb!
I have had people tell me there were BBC's in them - but I chose to believe otherwise!

[Sublvr72]

mine clears fine with the big block motor mounts installed.