Big Block gurus experts...please chime in!

[ChevyDude]

Ok, I am very much understanding of how all the various goodies and parts all fit on a small block...my comfort zone. But Project OverKill has taken the BBC road and I am in unchartered waters. I am assuming the power steering unit itself is the same small block or big block....however is it necessary to acquire the correct 68-72 Big Block power steering "remote resavoir and brackets/pulleys"....or can I use any pump and any after market brakets. I am not after the original look...but if that is all that will fit...then I guess I gotta shell out the dough. I just bought a Gen IV BBC for my build up.

Thanks Guys.

[BB72CHEVKT]

I am going to run all long water pump stuff on the 72BB and have been told the 73-87
p/s brackets and pump all fit with out the need for a remote resivoir. This will be a lot cheaper alternative to running a short set up. I am by no way an expert, but I am sure others who are will chime in soon. Also look at this http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264378 it shows some lwp set ups.

[chevy72blu]

I recommend a long water pump also. Besides slightly better cooling, you'll have a little easier time fabricating your own bracket incase you decide to do so. You are correct in that there is no difference between a BBC and SBC PS pump. Mark IV's (which is what I have, also) were put in 73-87's as BB72Chevkt said. Summit says they were available from 70'-90'. However, you will have difficulty finding BBC brackets in a junk yard, and if you do - its because they are charging a hefty price for them. Summit sells a "Correct Align" Universal adjustable bracket (Zoops, makes it, I think) for around $100-120 and comes in polished and powdercoated versions. You said you arent going for a stock look; the correct aligns have a pretty trick modern look to it.

Here we go:
MCH-20150 March, long pump. Front mount, Aluminum, clear pcoat $99
MCH-20151 March, long pump,Aluminum, clear pcoat, mid mount $115
SUM-340300 Summit, short pump, aluminum, polished $105

[70rs/ss]

What'd you drop on that 4-bolt main block? I have two both are roller cam blocks (gen VI) blocks. As for PS and such, just buy a new drive system from GM. Go to the parts guy and get a pict of a 97 2500 454 drive system, then buy the parts, it'll be a serpentine system and some of the parts can be had from autozone or the like. There are two big brackets (from GM) the rest can be bought rebuilt from Checker, autozone, etc. good luck!!

[ChevyDude]

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

What'd you drop on that 4-bolt main block?

Nothing...Why does it looked damaged???

[Jtrux]

I like short setups better but that's just me. I like having the additional room in front of the radiator.

[corn]

Originally Posted by ChevyDude

Nothing...Why does it looked damaged???

I think he meant what did you drop on it? As in $$$$$$$$$

[streetstar]

Originally Posted by ChevyDude

Nothing...Why does it looked damaged???

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by corn

I think he meant what did you drop on it? As in $$$$$$$$$

I'll take it by the little smiley faces that he knew that.

[corn]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

I'll take it by the little smiley faces that he knew that.

You got me. I missed that...

[ChevyDude]

I'm not that dumb Corn. I just chose not to answer, because we all know pristine Gen IV original 4 Bolt main Big Blocks are expensive. LOL. and by the way....Thanks for everyones help on this subject! Appreciate!!!

Alex

[thebabybrahma]

Be careful of using an eletric water pump. You will probably have to make PS and alternator brakets.. There is a company in Florida that makes a nice billet pulley set up for the electric pump. Don't know if this is any help or not but I learned the hard way with my 427.....just my $.02

[ChevyDude]

Thanks, but No...not gonna be using an E water pump.

[stope4]

I also like the short stuff. But that is just me. If you want an aftermarket look, there are all kinds of brackets out there. Alan Grove is a company that makes aftermarker brackets. I like the original stuff. Not that hard to find but every bit as expensive as Grove. My 68 camaro has the original Big Block and has a power steering pump without the remote reservoir. I'll have to look but I may have the entire short set up without remote reservoir. At a minimum I know I have a pump and one or both of the brackets. I know it will fit and our trucks don't have anything there that would be in the way. Contact me through a private message if you think you may want to do some horse trading. I am willing to sell. Please don't take this the wrong way but, it is Big Block stuff for a camaro, so I'm not interested in giving it away But I will be fair.

[GSFMECH]

Alex,
I prefer the short setup as well, I have done this swap many times. The thing I don't like about running the long water pump is the AC compressor mounts on the drivers side which means the hoses have to drape across the top of the engine. If you run the stock AC compressor you will have clearance issues with the master cylinder, it's a tight fit and you may have to juggle with belt sizes and probably will require short valve covers to get it to clear. I tried it once but half way through I abandoned it and went with the short setup. Also if you run a small block fan shroud the alternator will interfere with it (this is all providing you have the engine on stock big block mounts). A big block shroud may give you the clearance you need. I have run the old short power steering setup that stope4 mentions. They repop them for Chevelles and Camaroes and you can use the same small block pump. It tucks in tight against the block like a small block but will also interfere with the fan shroud and you will have to notch it. Again the big block shroud may not interfere. I have the remote setup on my big block and it moves the pump out away from the engine. I scrounged around for a few months and found everything I needed for my latest swap (it's all stock 72, mounts, brackets, pullys etc.), mostly from guys on this board and a few pieces off eBay. The fun part to me is hunting down the stuff. This is the easy way as it all bolts together and I can buy stock belts in any parts store.
Mike

[ChevyDude]

Thanks a ton for your info guys. I do have a line on the remote Big block PS set-up. With this I will be able to use a SHORT water pump. Thanks again for all the help.

[PICKMUP]

Hmmmmmm-I wonder where he found original BB PS?

[djracer]

If my buddy hasn't sold it I know where a complete late 70-to early 80's 4 bolt gen 4 454 is for 400.00!

[GSFMECH]

Frank,

You were the first person that came to mind when he said he had a line on one lol.

Mike

[ChevyDude]

Originally Posted by PICKMUP

Hmmmmmm-I wonder where he found original BB PS?

YOU BE DA MAN !!!!

Thanks Frank!!!

[My72BB]

You might already know this but a return line on your fuel system will help prevent vapor locking unless you are running a elect fuel pump. If you truck was intially with a small block I am pretty sure it wont have a return which will cause a headache or two on a 90 degree day in the mountains.

Just my .02...

Alan

[ChevyDude]

A well vented FuelCellGuy tank is in the plans. I put one in my 71' and have no vapor Lock issues. OverKill's original engine was a sbc 307.

With all of your help and opinions I decided the go this route, short water pump original style. Now to locate, find, and buy the orignal alternator set up:

[stope4]

good choice. The alternator stuff isn't too hard to find. The upper bracket comes in a few various ways. I think 71 is different from 72. Someone here should be able to tell you. The ac stuff is available but pricy but all fits like a glove.