Swapping the inline for a bbc

[Radford46]

Hello, pretty much a newcomer/watcher here but bought a 68 stepside a few months ago. I'm in the process of getting bodywork done and gathering parts for a 4/6 drop and a bbc/ 4spd conversion.
Couple of questions...will the bbc fit using the stock heater core shroud? Doesn't look possible to me. If not what is the alternative as far as a different shroud? Also, this truck is about as basic as they come! Has 1 option on the list in the glovebox,heavy duty clutch. It has a factory drilled hole in the left front fender,is it for an antennae? Radio delete, so kind of odd. Thanks, Kerry

[68is4me]

Yes the bbc will fit just fine with stock heater and stock valve covers. I not sure about fitment with tall valve covers. 68 was the 1st year that gm had a factory big option.

Not sure what that hole would be. The antenna hole would be on rt side on the cowl the panel closest to the windshield. If it didn't come with factory radio the hole will not be their.

[Radford46]

Thanks for the reply. This truck may have been a fleet truck or something. The hole looks punched instead of drilled, but who knows..
I like the stock valve covers anyway. The shroud just looks like it would hamper the valve cover removal when setting the valves.
I thought maybe they made them with a couple options on the shroud size.

[70STOVEBOLT]

There is plenty of room. You will need some big block-specific parts though. Engine stands and mounts, fan shroud, etc. I made the swap but I am using a TH400. I know the couch linkage is different but I am not sure if it is specific to the BB.

[Radford46]

Yeah, I figured on mounts, and I'll use an aluminum radiator too. Might have to make a shroud.
Lots of stuff to figure out once I get that far.
It'll be spring before that happens.
I need to get my lowering stuff soon. Probably using 2.5 lowered spindles along with front springs and 6" in the rear. Anything need to be different in the spring tension for the front with the bbc? Shocks?

[70STOVEBOLT]

I am using my stock 47-year old coil springs and standard shocks. The front does not ride any lower than it did with the 250.

[Radford46]

That's good to hear. Thanks for the input.

[70STOVEBOLT]

I think it actually handles a little better as well, with the extra weight. Of course, I do have a sway bar and that made a HUGE difference. I put it on years ago before I did the engine swap.

[Radford46]

Where did you get the swaybar?

[70STOVEBOLT]

Bought it from the parts board here. They come up from time to time. If you buy a used one make sure you get the mounting brackets. You can also buy them aftermarket as a kit from most of the board vendors. It is the single best upgrade I have made for the money. I would like to find a rear bar also.