converting from BB 2 SB...questions

[twangismythang]

Ok so my 396 is out and will need a total rebuild, not wanting to spend a million dollars to do so I am going to find a 350 to replace it with for right now. I have researched and found that the TH 400 will bolt up to the small block and that I can use my distributer, alternator and starter.

My questions are what engine mount differances are there? And where would I need to look for SB mounts if I will need them? Also does the water pump inlet and outlet go the same way as the BB?

In my quest for a SB, is there any differance in the engine mount locations?
I know I will probably have to go with an electric fuel pump if I find a newer engine.

The plan is to find a newer engine and convert it to carb and run some headers.

If any of you guys have make this conversion please offer any information that may save some grief, Thanks.............

[Graham57a]

I believe all small blocks have the same engine mounts. They are different then the big block mounts and you can pick them up for around 20-30 bucks no problem. I think that should be about the only thing that you'll have to adjust going from big to small block

[twangismythang]

Thanks for the imput, I am thinking this is the cheapest out for right now just to get things goin.

[kwmech]

You can use the same mounts if you want, the only thing you'll have to change is the brackets on the front of the engine for the accessories and the exhaust......maybe the fan shroud, unless you go with the long water pump stuff

[Graham57a]

Originally Posted by twangismythang

Thanks for the imput, I am thinking this is the cheapest out for right now just to get things goin.

I completely understand. As long as you're keeping that block and heads with the truck then you aren't doing anything that can't be undone. I promise if you sold that big block you'd regret it

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Graham57a

I completely understand. As long as you're keeping that block and heads with the truck then you aren't doing anything that can't be undone. I promise if you sold that big block you'd regret it

100%

[bk2life]

re-ring your bbc, add new bearings, find some new heads and put it back in the truck.

if it needs bored and honed, new pistons are 100-300 bucks.

you cna have it back on the road for the same price your going to find a sbc.

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by bk2life

re-ring your bbc, add new bearings, find some new heads and put it back in the truck.

if it needs bored and honed, new pistons are 100-300 bucks.

you cna have it back on the road for the same price your going to find a sbc.

That is all depedent on how much machine work is needed. What if it needs an overbore and new pistons, a crank, heads... machine work adds up.

You might could still find a decent low mileage 5.7 vortec out of the 96-99 trucks, but they are getting harder and harder to find.

[WIDESIDE72]

I know that there are exhaust manifold/ header clearance issues when swapping from SB to BB and trying to use the SB frmae stands, but I don't know if there are issues going the other way. I have a set of SB frame stands for $30 shipped

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=534812

[WIDESIDE72]

Also, from personal experience, the BB engines are a lot thirstier for fuel. THose extra cubes don't come for free!

[twangismythang]

cool I am interested in the those frame stands, I will pm ya.
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[franks72]

I would save your money,find out what the big block needs first, the money you are going to spend on a 350 and swap parts could add up to what it will cost to rebuild the big block. If it doesnt need a crank or have cracked heads its gotta be cheaper then buying another motor and possably someone elses problems. If you rebuild it you know what you have, a new bigblock...

[bk2life]

Originally Posted by franks72

I would save your money,find out what the big block needs first, the money you are going to spend on a 350 and swap parts could add up to what it will cost to rebuild the big block. If it doesnt need a crank or have cracked heads its gotta be cheaper then buying another motor and possably someone elses problems. If you rebuild it you know what you have, a new bigblock...

yep i second that.