Who has a 502 big block in they're truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bram · 12-19-2003, 12:31 PM

I'm really considering putting one of these engines in my truck and would like to hear the pros, and cons from the people that are running them in their trucks. Also what kind of trans are you running behind these engines? Thanks.

*rage'nrat638* · 12-19-2003, 12:37 PM

THINK FROST JUST DID IT

ChevyDude · 12-19-2003, 12:55 PM

Tennmans truck had the ZZ 502 installed in it. It's the "Sticky" September Truck of the Month. Seems the pics are now red X's, maybe someone has a pic of the engine compartment that they can post for you. Also, I bet Tennman could answer any of your questions. It was just posted a while ago by someone whom bought one of these 502's from I believe Salle Chevrolet, that if they were to do it again they would have had the engine dyno'ed and broke in by Salle to ensure NO knocks or problems. Good luck. I would love to do a ZZ 502 in a 2wd SWB.

Bram · 12-19-2003, 01:29 PM

ChevyDude I read that post about the problems he had, doesn't make me feel real comfortable about getting one of these. I definetly think the dyno and brake in would be the way to go if you bought a complete engine.
Hey is anyone running a RamJet 502?

**lolife99** · 12-19-2003, 01:57 PM

I have one of the first Gen V 502 in my pro street 67 Camaro. Sounds like a boat motor. Not much camshaft and stock "non-adjustable" rockers. I wanted an engine that I could get in and drive 500 miles. Also it seems to consume more that the normal big block amount of oil. Scoggin- Dickey has a ring upgrade for the 502's to help cure this, I've been told. I bought mine when they first came out,... so this might have changed in the Gen VI and ZZ502's. Also running baffled breather grommets is suppose to help. It's a neat motor, I was just a little dissappointed.

Bram · 12-19-2003, 02:19 PM

It seems like everyone I've talked to about this engine (502) has had some type of trouble, ( minor or major). I mite just throw a 454 in the truck and call it good?

jhow66 · 12-19-2003, 03:38 PM

Put one of the 502HO's in my truck (450HP-550 lb/ft torque). It was a factory 402 with 400 turbo which made the swap just a change of motors (added Hedman 2" tube headers). Runs like raped ape but uses about 1qt of oil every 300 to 400 miles no matter how you drive it. Has done this since day one (3 yrs. and 6000= miles). Also had to add a Eaton Posi unit to my 3.08 so I could use the power. Oil usage no problem with me as I don't drive that many miles per year but would be if it was a daily driver. What funny is that there is never any smoke anytime , no leaks , plugs burn clean but still the oil goes somewhere. Sorry to be so long but you asked.

danho · 12-19-2003, 04:28 PM

BAD4X4 put one in his short wide. Might wanna drop him a line too. He's done alot of really nice work.
Dan.

imdarren · 12-19-2003, 09:06 PM

Check out this thread
It scared me to death!
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=70171

Darren

cableguy0 · 12-19-2003, 09:14 PM

we have two 502 blocks at work where the main webs actually seperated from the block not just the caps the bolts were still screwed in but the web seperated from the motor after seeing that i want nothing to do with a 502

bobbys1967 · 12-20-2003, 03:46 AM

My Pops has the 502HT and hasn't had a problem with it. Passes deisels all day long pulling an 11ft. Lance camper and a boat going up the mountain and still has pedal. He wouldn't trade it for my life

512 ft/lbs of torque at 2800 rpm

BraveDave · 12-20-2003, 04:40 AM

502 ?!?! That's nuthin' !! I'm going for a 262 !! How does THAT sound ??

Tennman · 12-20-2003, 11:00 AM

Heres my 502,fuel injected,installation and i maybe just one of the lucky ones form what i have been reading too,for i have not had no problems what so ever !!!

67chevemall · 12-20-2003, 11:29 AM

Looks like if you do it right the first time and spend the $$$
it take to get the motor and gears right your in the FN loop Large!
Nice Motor Pic ' s!!WOW!!

miket · 12-20-2003, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bram
I'm really considering putting one of these engines in my truck and would like to hear the pros, and cons from the people that are running them in their trucks. Also what kind of trans are you running behind these engines? Thanks.

They are fine engines despite the problems I have had. There are some things I would do differently. The 502's don't come with roller rockers and for what you pay, I would think it should. This could also be the cause of my noise problem. In addition, if you plan on buying a "deluxe" version which is completely built acrb to pan, I will say it again, have it dynoed and broken in before taking delivery. This accomplishes a few things which I have outlined below.

1) It eliminates you, your vehicle and the install as a liability if something goes wrong with the motor.

2) It eliminates your liability in the first start or break in procedure. how can you prove you did it correctly?

3) It puts the burden on the selling dealership of break in and repair IF something does go wrong

4) It gives you a SOLID paper trail and case against GM IF something does go wrong.

5) In this case the dealer will be fighting GM not just you.

Also...

6) Make sure every component that works with the engine (fuel system, cooling system...etc.) is new and that you have a paper trail to prove it. Again they will look at you first before admitting a problem.

7) Depending on your application and end result it might make sense to build your own motor...

In my opinion, these steps really are no different than if you were buying a 7k race motor.

Bram · 12-21-2003, 01:06 AM

Thanks Miket that's very good advice.

Tx Firefighter · 12-21-2003, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bobbys1967
My Pops has the 502HT and hasn't had a problem with it. Passes deisels all day long pulling an 11ft. Lance camper and a boat going up the mountain and still has pedal. He wouldn't trade it for my life
512 ft/lbs of torque at 2800 rpm

They're not real strong diesels then. Must be 6.5 or 6.2 diesels.

512 ft/lbs isn't a match for most diesels.

miket · 12-21-2003, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bram
Thanks Miket that's very good advice.

No prob...thats what we are all here for. The other part of your question...re: drive train....I have abuilt T400 behind it (new)....stock converter, stock driveshaft and original 12 bolt (for now) open diff.

Bram · 12-22-2003, 01:46 PM

What's a good 4speed auto trans that would be good to run behind a big block kickin out over 400 HP and 500 TRQ? Any ideas?

miket · 12-22-2003, 01:56 PM

I think that will depend on who will provide the best warranty and price. It seems there have been a few guys with good experiences with a shop in TX I believe.....TX Firefighter seemed to have a good source if memory serves me.

I didn't find too many places that didn't cringe when I asked about a 700r4 or 4L80/60 behind mine....and when they didn't, I did when they told me how much.

Bram · 12-22-2003, 02:55 PM

Your right.
I think a T400 with a gear vender behind it would be great, but the price is rediculous! I have been looking at a couple other places here is one of them.
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm
Anyone ever buy a trans from these guys?

*Randy70C-10* · 12-22-2003, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by miket
(6) Make sure every component that works with the engine (fuel system, cooling system...etc.) is new and that you have a paper trail to prove it.

My neihbor put a used fuel pump on a brand new 350. Geuss what happens when there is a hole in the diaphram? Yep, it pumps the fuel into the bottom end! The engine had 30 minutes on it before wiping out the main bearings.

Mike Culpepper · 12-22-2003, 05:37 PM

Wow! Check this out. I wonder if the general puts their Hi Perf crate engines through this type of regimine. These hemis are pricey though.

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/32579/

12-19-2003, 12:31 PM	#1
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	Who has a 502 big block in they're truck? I'm really considering putting one of these engines in my truck and would like to hear the pros, and cons from the people that are running them in their trucks. Also what kind of trans are you running behind these engines? Thanks. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

12-19-2003, 12:55 PM	#3
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Tennmans truck had the ZZ 502 installed in it. It's the "Sticky" September Truck of the Month. Seems the pics are now red X's, maybe someone has a pic of the engine compartment that they can post for you. Also, I bet Tennman could answer any of your questions. It was just posted a while ago by someone whom bought one of these 502's from I believe Salle Chevrolet, that if they were to do it again they would have had the engine dyno'ed and broke in by Salle to ensure NO knocks or problems. Good luck. I would love to do a ZZ 502 in a 2wd SWB. __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

12-19-2003, 01:29 PM	#4
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	ChevyDude I read that post about the problems he had, doesn't make me feel real comfortable about getting one of these. I definetly think the dyno and brake in would be the way to go if you bought a complete engine. Hey is anyone running a RamJet 502? __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

12-19-2003, 02:19 PM	#6
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	It seems like everyone I've talked to about this engine (502) has had some type of trouble, ( minor or major). I mite just throw a 454 in the truck and call it good? __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock Last edited by Bram; 12-19-2003 at 02:34 PM.

12-19-2003, 03:38 PM	#7
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	502 Put one of the 502HO's in my truck (450HP-550 lb/ft torque). It was a factory 402 with 400 turbo which made the swap just a change of motors (added Hedman 2" tube headers). Runs like raped ape but uses about 1qt of oil every 300 to 400 miles no matter how you drive it. Has done this since day one (3 yrs. and 6000= miles). Also had to add a Eaton Posi unit to my 3.08 so I could use the power. Oil usage no problem with me as I don't drive that many miles per year but would be if it was a daily driver. What funny is that there is never any smoke anytime , no leaks , plugs burn clean but still the oil goes somewhere. Sorry to be so long but you asked. Attached Images __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

12-19-2003, 12:37 PM	#2
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	THINK FROST JUST DID IT

12-19-2003, 01:57 PM	#5
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	I have one of the first Gen V 502 in my pro street 67 Camaro. Sounds like a boat motor. Not much camshaft and stock "non-adjustable" rockers. I wanted an engine that I could get in and drive 500 miles. Also it seems to consume more that the normal big block amount of oil. Scoggin- Dickey has a ring upgrade for the 502's to help cure this, I've been told. I bought mine when they first came out,... so this might have changed in the Gen VI and ZZ502's. Also running baffled breather grommets is suppose to help. It's a neat motor, I was just a little dissappointed.

12-19-2003, 04:28 PM	#8
danho Pesemistic Optimist Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Prineville, Oregon Posts: 227	BAD4X4 put one in his short wide. Might wanna drop him a line too. He's done alot of really nice work. Dan.

12-19-2003, 09:06 PM	#9
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Check out this thread It scared me to death! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=70171 Darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super

12-19-2003, 09:14 PM	#10
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	we have two 502 blocks at work where the main webs actually seperated from the block not just the caps the bolts were still screwed in but the web seperated from the motor after seeing that i want nothing to do with a 502 __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-20-2003, 03:46 AM	#11
bobbys1967 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 22	My Pops has the 502HT and hasn't had a problem with it. Passes deisels all day long pulling an 11ft. Lance camper and a boat going up the mountain and still has pedal. He wouldn't trade it for my life 512 ft/lbs of torque at 2800 rpm __________________ 1970 K10

12-20-2003, 04:40 AM	#12
BraveDave Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Magnolia, Texas Posts: 336	502 ?!?! That's nuthin' !! I'm going for a 262 !! How does THAT sound ?? __________________ '72 Chevy Cheyenne Super, '56 Chevy Bel Air,'56 Chevy Nomad, '61 Chevy Impala, '64 Cadillac Fleetwood, 1966 Thunderbird Convertible

12-20-2003, 11:00 AM	#13
Tennman 71 Chevy 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: McMinnville,Tn. USA Posts: 450	Heres my 502,fuel injected,installation and i maybe just one of the lucky ones form what i have been reading too,for i have not had no problems what so ever !!! Attached Images __________________ Tenn.man(a.k.a.Danny Cummings)

12-20-2003, 11:29 AM	#14
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Looks like if you do it right the first time and spend the $$$ it take to get the motor and gears right your in the FN loop Large! Nice Motor Pic ' s!!WOW!! __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 307 3ott fleetside 1967 Chevy C/10 V8, 3spd, fleetside lwb.Sold 1967 Chev C/10 step, 383, M21. SOLD

12-21-2003, 01:06 AM	#16
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	Thanks Miket that's very good advice. __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock



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12-22-2003, 01:46 PM	#19
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	What's a good 4speed auto trans that would be good to run behind a big block kickin out over 400 HP and 500 TRQ? Any ideas? __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

12-22-2003, 01:56 PM	#20
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	I think that will depend on who will provide the best warranty and price. It seems there have been a few guys with good experiences with a shop in TX I believe.....TX Firefighter seemed to have a good source if memory serves me. I didn't find too many places that didn't cringe when I asked about a 700r4 or 4L80/60 behind mine....and when they didn't, I did when they told me how much. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

12-22-2003, 02:55 PM	#21
Bram Broke Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: West Plains,MO Posts: 385	Your right. I think a T400 with a gear vender behind it would be great, but the price is rediculous! I have been looking at a couple other places here is one of them. http://www.transmissioncenter.net/4L80E.htm Anyone ever buy a trans from these guys? __________________ 72CheyenneSuper1ton4x4BigBlock

12-22-2003, 05:37 PM	#23
Mike Culpepper Red Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Llano... Texas Hill Country Posts: 448	Wow! Check this out. I wonder if the general puts their Hi Perf crate engines through this type of regimine. These hemis are pricey though. http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/32579/ __________________ '72 Cheyenne LWB 350/350 "The sun don't shine on the same dog's ass all the time." - Catfish Hunter (commenting on why he was not able to pitch another perfect game).

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