Small block to Big block question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Sinister · 08-21-2009, 10:49 AM

Don't need a motor just yet, but planning for one. Might be going from a 350 to a 454. What to use for motor mounts? What to do for the power steering pump?

69GMCLonghorn · 08-21-2009, 10:51 AM

Go with a built 350 instead and put that gear vendors behind it. You'll be SO much more happy the next time gas doubles/triples in price!

Sinister · 08-21-2009, 11:00 AM

Maybe, I'm just weighing my options. I'm only getting 10 mpg now with a 350, TH400, 4:10 gears. Couldn't be much worse with a big block.

BB72CHEVKT · 08-21-2009, 11:05 AM

It gets pricey to make the switch especially if you use all correct SWP stuff. Think of all the things that are different such as fuel pump,water pump, p/s pump, motor mounts, exhaust manifolds/headers, intake, fan shroud, bigger carb and etc and I could go on and on.

Sinister · 08-21-2009, 11:07 AM

I understand it's kind of involved. I'd just like to know what people are doing for motor mounts and the power steering pump.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 08-21-2009, 11:17 AM

What I do is use the 72 BB motor mount towers and all short water pump periferals. A little more expencive that way, but it accomplishes 3 things for me.
1. Ease of engine instalation
2. Whole lot easier to find motor mounts, and less expencive to boot.
3. Using all stock components makes it easier to call the parts store to order new "ware" parts (like belts, motor mounts, and radiators) for a stock aplication, than one that isn't.
You will also be able to use a stock fan shroud if you choose to.
WES

Sinister · 08-21-2009, 11:27 AM

Will the big block powersteering brackets work with the small block PS pump?

**Classic Heartbeat** · 08-21-2009, 11:35 AM

I know that it will bolt on, however I am unsure if you would have clearance issues, or fill issues. The pump itself is the same, it just has a different housing and external fluid resivoure. I have always used the external resivour because it is easier to fill with fluid. WES

**Classic Heartbeat** · 08-21-2009, 11:36 AM

And I might add less chance of spillage on your belt..lol WES

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 08-21-2009, 12:00 PM

I'm with Wes. I took my time and accumulated all the correct brackets and such, PS pump and res, Motor mounts (72) AC brackets, Alt bracket and so on THEN built my motor and couldn’t be happier. I wasn’t looking for gas mileage, just FUN and I got it

69GMCLonghorn · 08-21-2009, 12:26 PM

I think it would be more fun (funner?) to build a small block with an underhood blower (Paxton?) that would waste most big blocks... Now THAT would be different!

BB72CHEVKT · 08-21-2009, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

What I do is use the 72 BB motor mount towers and all short water pump periferals. A little more expencive that way, but it accomplishes 3 things for me.
1. Ease of engine instalation
2. Whole lot easier to find motor mounts, and less expencive to boot.
3. Using all stock components makes it easier to call the parts store to order new "ware" parts (like belts, motor mounts, and radiators) for a stock aplication, than one that isn't.
You will also be able to use a stock fan shroud if you choose to.
WES

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

I'm with Wes. I took my time and accumulated all the correct brackets and such, PS pump and res, Motor mounts (72) AC brackets, Alt bracket and so on THEN built my motor and couldn’t be happier. I wasn’t looking for gas mileage, just FUN and I got it

I agree with both. I have gone this same route and expect a much easier installation. I started to use the LWP stuff and changed my mind due to clearance issues etc.

**leddzepp** · 08-21-2009, 12:30 PM

The short water pump stuff is expensive, but will save you a lot of headaches.

**breeh** · 08-21-2009, 12:36 PM

I actually get better mileage with my 427 than I did with the prior 350. It doesn't seem like it has to work as hard.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 08-21-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

I think it would be more fun (funner?) to build a small block with an underhood blower (Paxton?) that would waste most big blocks... Now THAT would be different!

There aint no replacement for displacement...

WES

BossHogg69 · 08-21-2009, 02:38 PM

mine went from 307 to 454. The motor came out a '78 3/4 ton and everything from the donor was swapped in - all accessories/pumps, brackets, HEI, the whole bit. It's all looks 'factory', just not for a '69.

I recently scored a near complete (needs a/c comp and alt) serpentine setup from a '89 BB dually, so I'll be swapping it all out soon, and a set of '78 454 brackets/pumps/accessories will be available in the near future!

**Classic Bowties** · 08-21-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

I understand it's kind of involved. I'd just like to know what people are doing for motor mounts and the power steering pump.

If talkin the oe look (which get's my vote) here are some pictures of original pieces that you could use:

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-21-2009, 04:46 PM

I have a bbc serp. 1990 model setup for sale. $350.00

08-21-2009, 10:49 AM	#1
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Small block to Big block question Don't need a motor just yet, but planning for one. Might be going from a 350 to a 454. What to use for motor mounts? What to do for the power steering pump? __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-21-2009, 10:51 AM	#2
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: Small block to Big block question Go with a built 350 instead and put that gear vendors behind it. You'll be SO much more happy the next time gas doubles/triples in price!

08-21-2009, 11:00 AM	#3
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Small block to Big block question Maybe, I'm just weighing my options. I'm only getting 10 mpg now with a 350, TH400, 4:10 gears. Couldn't be much worse with a big block. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-21-2009, 11:05 AM	#4
BB72CHEVKT Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hideaway, TX Posts: 4,950	Re: Small block to Big block question It gets pricey to make the switch especially if you use all correct SWP stuff. Think of all the things that are different such as fuel pump,water pump, p/s pump, motor mounts, exhaust manifolds/headers, intake, fan shroud, bigger carb and etc and I could go on and on. __________________ 71 Suburban 350/700R4 Project Trixie 72 CHEVY,Highlander,SWB,396,T400 Last edited by BB72CHEVKT; 08-21-2009 at 11:05 AM.

08-21-2009, 11:07 AM	#5
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Small block to Big block question I understand it's kind of involved. I'd just like to know what people are doing for motor mounts and the power steering pump. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-21-2009, 11:17 AM	#6
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Small block to Big block question What I do is use the 72 BB motor mount towers and all short water pump periferals. A little more expencive that way, but it accomplishes 3 things for me. 1. Ease of engine instalation 2. Whole lot easier to find motor mounts, and less expencive to boot. 3. Using all stock components makes it easier to call the parts store to order new "ware" parts (like belts, motor mounts, and radiators) for a stock aplication, than one that isn't. You will also be able to use a stock fan shroud if you choose to. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

08-21-2009, 11:27 AM	#7
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Small block to Big block question Will the big block powersteering brackets work with the small block PS pump? __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-21-2009, 11:35 AM	#8
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Small block to Big block question I know that it will bolt on, however I am unsure if you would have clearance issues, or fill issues. The pump itself is the same, it just has a different housing and external fluid resivoure. I have always used the external resivour because it is easier to fill with fluid. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

08-21-2009, 11:36 AM	#9
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Small block to Big block question And I might add less chance of spillage on your belt..lol WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

08-21-2009, 12:00 PM	#10
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,111	Re: Small block to Big block question I'm with Wes. I took my time and accumulated all the correct brackets and such, PS pump and res, Motor mounts (72) AC brackets, Alt bracket and so on THEN built my motor and couldn’t be happier. I wasn’t looking for gas mileage, just FUN and I got it __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

08-21-2009, 12:26 PM	#11
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: Small block to Big block question I think it would be more fun (funner?) to build a small block with an underhood blower (Paxton?) that would waste most big blocks... Now THAT would be different!

08-21-2009, 12:30 PM	#13
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: Small block to Big block question The short water pump stuff is expensive, but will save you a lot of headaches. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

08-21-2009, 12:36 PM	#14
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Re: Small block to Big block question I actually get better mileage with my 427 than I did with the prior 350. It doesn't seem like it has to work as hard. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

08-21-2009, 02:38 PM	#16
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: Small block to Big block question mine went from 307 to 454. The motor came out a '78 3/4 ton and everything from the donor was swapped in - all accessories/pumps, brackets, HEI, the whole bit. It's all looks 'factory', just not for a '69. I recently scored a near complete (needs a/c comp and alt) serpentine setup from a '89 BB dually, so I'll be swapping it all out soon, and a set of '78 454 brackets/pumps/accessories will be available in the near future! __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

08-21-2009, 04:46 PM	#18
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Small block to Big block question I have a bbc serp. 1990 model setup for sale. $350.00 __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.