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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Burmis, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 41
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Questions, questions!
Couple questions for you guys; The truck originally had a four on the floor setup and a 283 for the power plant. What things should I concider when switching to an automatic (column shift) and moving on up to a big block. My initial thoughts are this; I don't know exactly what engine and tranny configuration I will end up with so one concern I have is, what provisions should I make in regards to crossmember and engine mounts?
I don't want to limit room for headers nor make tranny instal problematic or limited. Are there products out there that take this problem and make it go away! For instance, an adjustable crossmember for our trucks? I have done some digging but have not found a good solution with any degree of confidence. I want to be able to solve these issues now so I can mock needed parts before powder coat. Perhaps there is some literature out there to guide a newbie along the way lol! |
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#2 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 403
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Re: Questions, questions!
If you are going with a BBC then you can get the engine mounts for a BBC. On the trans side you should be able to use any of the crossmembers the vendors sells, just get the mount for the trans you decide to use. With a BBC there should be plenty of room for headers in the truck.
The parts you will need to convert from manual to auto besides crossmember and shifter is an auto flexplate, auto starter, TV cable for trans, auto radiator to hook up trans cooler lines to it. If you go with a built 700r4 you will need a torque converter lockup kit.
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Steven 69 Chevy C10 Suburban 350 700R4 w/Disc brakes on all four corners ![]() 2017 50th Anniversary Camaro SS 2004 Chevy Impala LS 2016 Chevy Malibu LT |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Indianapolis
Posts: 1,162
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Re: Questions, questions!
go with a 350 and turbo 350
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: union S.C.
Posts: 11
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Re: Questions, questions!
trade trucks to much to change keep it simple man.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Burmis, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 41
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Re: Questions, questions!
No way I'm trading trucks! Lol. It is a frame off restoration so at this point swapping over to an automatic won't be that big of an issue. I was just looking for any suggestions from those that have done the same. To many memories in the old girl to not go through the effort.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: strausstown pa
Posts: 3,394
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Re: Questions, questions!
I tried a t400 behind my bb during mock up one thing i noticed was when useing a auto colum with headers that do not drop below the frame.
the frame mounted shift mech gets in the way. its no biggie as there is a aftermarket shift rod/levers that dont connect too the frame. the crossmember isnt a big deal you could use a oe auto c member. the manual bellhouseing c member will have too come out. the correct bbc engine/frame mounts are a must. oil pressure line is differnt from sb too bb. i had a issue with using a lwp on my bbc it pushed my fan too close too the rad. I seen others didnt have this issue. something too keep in consideration as the brackets an pullies are $$. a nice fan shroud/fan& radiator are pluses when a bb is involved. doing a bbc/auto in a truck is pretty easy its the bbc/manual that could be a pita.
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81 camaro 355 4/spd 342 posi my first love ![]() 67 swb step 454/4spd ott 373 posi 4/7 drop. 2000 s10 zr2 little blue truck that never gets stuck. '74 heald super bronc vt8. tecumseh powered moon rover. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Center City, MN, USA
Posts: 3,254
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Re: Questions, questions!
I've never swapped sbc for BBC but I have done manual to auto swaps on small blocks and I know the flexplate to crank bolts are shorter than the flywheel to crank bolts. The difference is obvious when you get there.
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'70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Burmis, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 41
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Re: Questions, questions!
Thanks guys!
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