Questions about engine towers

[special-K]

I never paid any attention to the differences in towers over many years.Altough I`ve never swapped a big block for a small block or I6 for V8,I`ve helped plenty with it and we never changed towers.What`s the difference?Does the motor just sit higher/lower?I know about the positioning of the V8 fore/aft compaired to the I6.I want to use a 454 in my shortbed 2wd project that has small block towers.Do I really need to spend $100 for some BBC towers(example from parts section)?Or use towers from a later model?What`s the BFD?

[LockDoc]

Hi Tim,

I think there is also a difference in the motor height with the different towers but someone with more knowlege about it will chime in....

My '67 has the early BB towers and the motor sets pretty good in it with plenty of clearance everywhere. With the '72 BB towers I think it is easier to set the motor in and get it bolted up.....

That is the extent of my knowlege on the subject.....

LockDoc

[clay68c10]

You'll have exhaust clearance issues with manifolds and headers. I'm sure someone has a pic that shows this. The BBC stands have a c shaped section that clears the exhaust.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by special-K

Do I really need to spend $100 for some BBC towers

If you want it to fit right and bolt on your exhaust--beit cast iron or headers. The correct parts for the job make it a lot easier

[special-K]

Thanks,so far.What about 73-up towers?I plan on using 3/4 length headers.Also,I`m using a low-hump cab.I guess the BBC towers will help there,too.It`s still in the planning stage,but I`m thinking I`ll run a Muncie M22.I have the complete change-over(incl.clutch kit for spline count),will everything I have for a SBC work?The bellhousings are the same,right?Also,what`s different about the`72 BBC towers?

[LockDoc]

-
here is a thread with pics.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ghlight=towers

LockDoc

[special-K]

Thanks for that link.But,I`m confused.It would appear that 68-71 SBC towers are the same as 68-71 BBC towers.What`s the diff in`72 BBC towers?Was there a problem?

[kwmech]

The 72s use the captured style mount that the later models used but they were a little bit different in the way that they bolted on. The earlier mounts were a little similar to the small block but were what I call scalloped out for the BB exhaust manifold. By the way the 72s shown are for sale (top pic) the lower pic is the early style. I didn't have a pic of them out of the truck

[special-K]

It helps to see them in place.I see the scallop.I just didn`t understand that linked thread.Are those mounts not what he things they are?No offense Rick,I`m thinking it`s possible one or the other have been swapped.I wonder if both trucks had motors installed.It also said the`73-ups sat 3" higher??