1972 402 motor ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rivernut · 09-04-2005, 10:16 PM

I bought a 1972 402 that was out of a chevelle ( I think) I have a 72 2wd auto long bed and a 72 3/4 4x4 4 speed. Which one deserves the big block. I was thinking about taking the 350 crate motor out of my 2wd and putting that in the 4x4 and puting the 402 in the 2wd and having some fun. What do you guys think. I love the thought of a big block both ways. Thanks
Rivernut

llegos · 09-04-2005, 10:31 PM

i think the bigblock should go wit the manual tranny, cuz rippin through the gears is fun....I dont think 402's cane ub chevelles, so its either a truck engine, or a 396

rivernut · 09-04-2005, 10:35 PM

good point. I need to research this alittle more. thanks

cableguy0 · 09-04-2005, 10:35 PM

they did put the 402 in chevelles. they just kept them badged as a 396. 402 is a simply a factory bored 396

Longhorn Man · 09-04-2005, 11:13 PM

yup, there were no 396 engines made after 69, they are all 402.
I say slap the big block in the 2 wheel drive. It's way easier, and I'm lazy.
Nothing beats the torque of a big block. Either way you go, it'll make you grin.

mr402 · 09-04-2005, 11:39 PM

All 70 -72 396s are really 402s. My vote is to put it in the 2wheel dr. You just can't speed shift those truck 4spds no matter how hard you try. The 2 wheel drive handles better too. Besides, it's a lot easier. 4wheel drive never came with a big block from the factory.

llegos · 09-05-2005, 01:21 AM

ok, well in that case, if you would have to change a bunch of stuff in the 4WD, just go for the 2.lol

Longhorn Man · 09-05-2005, 01:41 AM

a body lift is almost manditory when doing big block into 4X4.

acloco · 09-05-2005, 08:57 AM

Huh? Body lift for a big block? Why? In 95% of 1978 & earlier applications....if a small block came standard....a big block will go....brackets for accessories are the hardest part.

Longhorn Man · 09-05-2005, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acloco

Huh? Body lift for a big block? Why? In 95% of 1978 & earlier applications....if a small block came standard....a big block will go....brackets for accessories are the hardest part.

these trucks fall in that 5% where a big block does not just bolt in. If you have a 2 wheel drive, you need big block motor mounts and frame mounts (onless you can experament with headers, manifods require big block specific mounts) and the 4X4 models, the engine is pushed back to the firewall, and the added height of the big block mandates a body lift.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 09-05-2005, 09:35 AM

I vote the 2wd get's the b.b .....4wds are kinda pain in the azz to get to fit with out firewall mods ...

Bill72BB · 09-05-2005, 11:11 AM

2 wheel drive , might want to procrastinate to see if gas prices go down .

Johns70 · 09-05-2005, 11:21 AM

big blocks do fit in the 4x4 without body lifts you just have to use the orignal short valve covers and ding the back corner on the passenger side.it is tight for valve cover clearence,they even fit with the small block mounts.

**tnblazerk5** · 09-05-2005, 11:28 AM

if the motor is a true 1972 chevelle 402 i would sale it to sumbody looking to do a chevelle restore .the motor is worth a bunch of bucks$$$ to a chevelle person doing a no#matching car and then i would hunt a 454 or sumthing to big block the 2 wheel drive truck and then look for a big block for the 4x4

rivernut · 09-06-2005, 09:53 AM

Thanks for all the great help. I think everyone is right about putting the big block in the 2wd. I also agree that maybe a hemmings ad might be the best place for the 402. For now I think I'm gonna put the crate motor in the 4wd and do the 402 in the 2wd.
In Iowa, We don't worry so much about gas prices. I think I'm going to mount a corn burner in the box and turn on the afterburners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rivernut

junkyardjohn · 09-06-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

a body lift is almost manditory when doing big block into 4X4.

WELL ANDY.. I CAN SEE YOU'VE NEVER PUT A BBC IN A FWD OF OUR VINTAGE TRUCKS. I'VE DONE A COUPLE & OWNED A COUPLE OF MORE, & NONE OF THEM HAD A BODY LIFT. I'M CALLIN B.S. ON THIS LITTLE PEARL OF WISDOM

JOHN

acloco · 09-06-2005, 09:32 PM

Ah...just the big block towers...and mounting location...yep...for the factory correct location..yes..you are correct.

But, have put several on the small block towers as well.....

PS...GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT!!!

4x4Poet · 09-07-2005, 12:44 AM

For me, I'd only want the BBC in the 4x4 if I were going to tow some good sized weight with it out West. Then I wouldn't want anything else...well, maybe a CTD.

qksilver · 09-09-2005, 01:15 AM

I just traded my 67 SWB with an LS-5 454, a sweet ride.
BB in 2 wheel drive!

09-04-2005, 10:16 PM	#1
rivernut Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: guttenberg, iowa Posts: 38	1972 402 motor ? I bought a 1972 402 that was out of a chevelle ( I think) I have a 72 2wd auto long bed and a 72 3/4 4x4 4 speed. Which one deserves the big block. I was thinking about taking the 350 crate motor out of my 2wd and putting that in the 4x4 and puting the 402 in the 2wd and having some fun. What do you guys think. I love the thought of a big block both ways. Thanks Rivernut __________________ '72 1/2 ton 350 auto

09-04-2005, 10:31 PM	#2
llegos Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: pleasanton, CA Posts: 570	i think the bigblock should go wit the manual tranny, cuz rippin through the gears is fun....I dont think 402's cane ub chevelles, so its either a truck engine, or a 396 __________________ -Steve

09-04-2005, 10:35 PM	#3
rivernut Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: guttenberg, iowa Posts: 38	good point. I need to research this alittle more. thanks __________________ '72 1/2 ton 350 auto

09-04-2005, 10:35 PM	#4
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	they did put the 402 in chevelles. they just kept them badged as a 396. 402 is a simply a factory bored 396 __________________ 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.

09-04-2005, 11:39 PM	#6
mr402 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Elmira, Oregon Posts: 449	All 70 -72 396s are really 402s. My vote is to put it in the 2wheel dr. You just can't speed shift those truck 4spds no matter how hard you try. The 2 wheel drive handles better too. Besides, it's a lot easier. 4wheel drive never came with a big block from the factory. __________________ Enjoying life again. Time to get those big blocks rolling. Last edited by mr402; 09-04-2005 at 11:40 PM.

09-04-2005, 11:13 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	yup, there were no 396 engines made after 69, they are all 402. I say slap the big block in the 2 wheel drive. It's way easier, and I'm lazy. Nothing beats the torque of a big block. Either way you go, it'll make you grin.

09-05-2005, 01:21 AM	#7
llegos Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: pleasanton, CA Posts: 570	ok, well in that case, if you would have to change a bunch of stuff in the 4WD, just go for the 2.lol __________________ -Steve

09-05-2005, 01:41 AM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	a body lift is almost manditory when doing big block into 4X4.

09-05-2005, 08:57 AM	#9
acloco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 335	Huh? Body lift for a big block? Why? In 95% of 1978 & earlier applications....if a small block came standard....a big block will go....brackets for accessories are the hardest part.

09-05-2005, 09:35 AM	#11
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	I vote the 2wd get's the b.b .....4wds are kinda pain in the azz to get to fit with out firewall mods ... __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

09-05-2005, 11:11 AM	#12
Bill72BB Thats the Hillbilly way Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Torrance,Ca Posts: 5,979	2 wheel drive , might want to procrastinate to see if gas prices go down . __________________ BILL Torrance Calif 90504 Member DUF Club Member Old Farts Club 72 3/4ton Custom Camper BB402/400 trans Dynomax Cerama-coat headers , Hei distributor ,Edelbrock 1411 air,ps,pb,leafsprings ,98 chevy 60/40 seat,S10 shoulder belts tilt,3.54 Dana 60 rear. 16" Eagle wheels with LT265/75 16 tires,Gaylord Lid,H4 headlights with 100W relay conversion. " If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself " Marriage changes passion...suddenly you're in bed with a relative. A GUY'S PRAYER.... Lord, I pray for a nympho with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and likes to fish and hunt and has a Harley .Amen ,

09-05-2005, 11:21 AM	#13
Johns70 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Spring Creek, nevada. U.S.A. Posts: 456	big blocks do fit in the 4x4 without body lifts you just have to use the orignal short valve covers and ding the back corner on the passenger side.it is tight for valve cover clearence,they even fit with the small block mounts. __________________ 69 chevy short wide box project 70 GMC jimmy project

09-05-2005, 11:28 AM	#14
tnblazerk5 User #12137 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: kingsport,upper east tenn Posts: 11,598	if the motor is a true 1972 chevelle 402 i would sale it to sumbody looking to do a chevelle restore .the motor is worth a bunch of bucks$$$ to a chevelle person doing a no#matching car and then i would hunt a 454 or sumthing to big block the 2 wheel drive truck and then look for a big block for the 4x4

09-06-2005, 09:53 AM	#15
rivernut Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: guttenberg, iowa Posts: 38	Thanks for all the great help. I think everyone is right about putting the big block in the 2wd. I also agree that maybe a hemmings ad might be the best place for the 402. For now I think I'm gonna put the crate motor in the 4wd and do the 402 in the 2wd. In Iowa, We don't worry so much about gas prices. I think I'm going to mount a corn burner in the box and turn on the afterburners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rivernut __________________ '72 1/2 ton 350 auto

09-06-2005, 09:32 PM	#17
acloco Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 335	Ah...just the big block towers...and mounting location...yep...for the factory correct location..yes..you are correct. But, have put several on the small block towers as well..... PS...GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECT!!!



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09-07-2005, 12:44 AM	#18
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	For me, I'd only want the BBC in the 4x4 if I were going to tow some good sized weight with it out West. Then I wouldn't want anything else...well, maybe a CTD. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

09-09-2005, 01:15 AM	#19
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	I just traded my 67 SWB with an LS-5 454, a sweet ride. BB in 2 wheel drive!

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