1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1970ChevC10 · 08-11-2017, 02:04 PM

Bought a '67 396 BB for my C10, is it necessary to change my front springs? What other possible hurdles do I face?

demian5 · 08-11-2017, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970ChevC10

Bought a '67 396 BB for my C10, is it necessary to change my front springs?

It will lower it and its up to you if you want to change them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970ChevC10

What other possible hurdles do I face?

Cooling will be the big one.

1970ChevC10 · 08-11-2017, 04:28 PM

Was also thinking of swapping my TH350 for a Richmond T-10 4 speed. Anybody else try this before? Will that tranny hold up to the 396 that will be installed?

**RenoKeene** · 08-11-2017, 06:00 PM

Factory 1/2 ton big blocks came with stock 3/4 ton front springs to carry the extra weight. I used new stock 3/4 springs and cut 1/2 of a coil off to get the height I wanted (along with 2 1/2" drop spindles) and still retain the strength.
You'll also need a 4 row radiator as been mentioned and if you haven't upgraded your front brakes to disk I would do that too. Engine stands are different also.

**Boog** · 08-11-2017, 07:37 PM

I imagine you will need all different accessory brackets too. Power steering pump with remote reservoir.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 08-12-2017, 02:08 PM

You do not need to replace the front coils. My '70 had a 250 in it and I put in a 402 and did not change the springs. The ride height is the same as before. You will need engine stands as mentioned but the 350 mounts will work and are much less expensive than the big block mounts. I had to move the automatic transmission crossmember back to the rear mounting holes and shorten the driveshaft but you should not need to do that. Also you do not need a 4-core radiator unless you have air or will be towing with it. I have a 3-core and it keeps it plenty cool. The engine is stock with a mild cam and an Edelbrock 750 carb with HEI. You will need a big block fan shroud however.

08-11-2017, 02:04 PM	#1
1970ChevC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Stone Mills, ON Posts: 52	1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap Bought a '67 396 BB for my C10, is it necessary to change my front springs? What other possible hurdles do I face?

08-11-2017, 04:28 PM	#3
1970ChevC10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Stone Mills, ON Posts: 52	Re: 1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap Was also thinking of swapping my TH350 for a Richmond T-10 4 speed. Anybody else try this before? Will that tranny hold up to the 396 that will be installed?

08-11-2017, 06:00 PM	#4
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: 1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap Factory 1/2 ton big blocks came with stock 3/4 ton front springs to carry the extra weight. I used new stock 3/4 springs and cut 1/2 of a coil off to get the height I wanted (along with 2 1/2" drop spindles) and still retain the strength. You'll also need a 4 row radiator as been mentioned and if you haven't upgraded your front brakes to disk I would do that too. Engine stands are different also. Attached Images __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

08-11-2017, 07:37 PM	#5
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,513	Re: 1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap I imagine you will need all different accessory brackets too. Power steering pump with remote reservoir. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-12-2017, 02:08 PM	#6
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,414	Re: 1970 C10 SB 350 to BB 396 Swap You do not need to replace the front coils. My '70 had a 250 in it and I put in a 402 and did not change the springs. The ride height is the same as before. You will need engine stands as mentioned but the 350 mounts will work and are much less expensive than the big block mounts. I had to move the automatic transmission crossmember back to the rear mounting holes and shorten the driveshaft but you should not need to do that. Also you do not need a 4-core radiator unless you have air or will be towing with it. I have a 3-core and it keeps it plenty cool. The engine is stock with a mild cam and an Edelbrock 750 carb with HEI. You will need a big block fan shroud however. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Sliding Rear Window Power Windows Power Locks Sniper EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear



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