Help please! 250/454 swap

[Dan1972c10]

I am new to the site. I have a 1972 Chevy C10 step side with a 250 6cyl and Saginaw 3 speed. I am having a 454 rebuilt and it will be about 500hp. It will be overkill for cruising but it will not be raced. I have some questions.

1. I have no idea about the motor mounts or stands. Will my originals work? If not what will I need?
2. I have headers. Will they work or will I need stock exhaust manifolds?
3. I think I need a much larger radiator...3 core? What year and size truck would I search for when I am looking?
4. I have been told that the old three speed Saginaw will mate up and would be easiest, but will not last long if I get into the throttle at all. A friend gave me a rebuilt turbo 400 but it's out of a 4x4. Do I need this tranny and can it be adapted?
5. Coil springs... I assume that I need heavier duty springs. Correct? It's already really mushy. The added weight will not help. Which ones should I get?
6. This truck supposedly had a 4:30 rear end. Is this way too low for cruising around? I am sure it would tach high at 70 on the highway.
Thanks in advance for your help
Dan
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[67c10rustbuket]

Sounds like a cool build! I'll try to help

1- You need BBC motor mounts and stands, also they(stands) should move forward one hole on the frame rail.

2- Depends on what the headers are from/for. There seems to be a few issues with headers and manual trannys(clutch linkage) hitting the #7 header tube on sbc idk about bbc. I would imagine the same for bbc?

3- Radiator: bigger the better with a bbc especially, try to find a 4 row.

4- Saginaw will work great, untill you start it. Really if you must have a manual trans you should start looking for a 4spd Muncie M20/M21/M22. or shell out the big bucks for an aftermarket OD 5/6spd trans.

5- Probably a little more squishy, idk there

6- 4.30 gears! well with no overdrive that will be some nasty rpm without overdrive. Cruising may be fun but you would be slugging along on the highway going 55 at 4k rpm. (depends on tire overall diameter of course)

Thats my 2 cents anyway...

[PanelDeland]

I agree.4 row radiator (Mine cost about $200 @ Advance)requires a minor mod and new mounts,any BB vendor should have the mounts/cushions.The springs are 40+ years old,your call.
For an around town cruiser,I would keep the gears and go OD.
I personally would keep the 6 and build something lighter if I wanted fast,but that's just me.

[Dan1972c10]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I agree.4 row radiator (Mine cost about $200 @ Advance)requires a minor mod and new mounts,any BB vendor should have the mounts/cushions.The springs are 40+ years old,your call.
For an around town cruiser,I would keep the gears and go OD.
I personally would keep the 6 and build something lighter if I wanted fast,but that's just me.

The 454 is almost done and way too much invested to turn back now!

Def need new springs just dont w
Know which to get?.?
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[Dan1972c10]

Thanks 67c10rustbucket, that's good info.
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