Need help on BIG BLOCK install - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

66farmer · 05-19-2009, 08:24 PM

Can anyone link me to a big block install thread or tell me there problems that they experienced. I will be installing a 454 w/th400 out of a 1978 truck into my 1966 chevy step side.

Thank you so much for your help

**ChiefRocka** · 05-19-2009, 09:02 PM

Check with ChevyFleetside on here...he's got some good info...

**Chevy Fleetside** · 05-19-2009, 10:11 PM

The engine will not clear the firewall, at least mine didn't. I cut the firewall and made kniches so the engine would sit back. You don't have to do this. You can move your motor mount perches to the forward holes. If you want to use headers they will not clear the left perch and you will have to put in later model ones or aftermarket ones. I used aftermarket. You can see some pictures of stuff here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259536 .. The thread seems to be shut down probably because of inactivity, but you can still read through it.

502tripower · 05-20-2009, 01:43 AM

Use the 73' up perches and headers or exhaust manifolds. There is no reason to cut the fire wall but, you may have to massage it a bit with a rubber mallet. I used http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm 73-87 2" Chev Pickup.

jason65 · 05-20-2009, 07:50 AM

Looks like you almost needed a shoehorn to get that big daddy in there.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 05-20-2009, 10:40 AM

I decieded myself that I wanted the engine back as far as I could get it. That is why I cut the firewall. You don't have to do that. You can set it forward and all will be fine. Looks like my engine sits back about 2" more. Not a big deal. Just did it for looks.

**Captainfab** · 05-21-2009, 12:18 AM

When I built my Suburban I used the '73 and up motor mounts with custom built frame brackets, moved it ahead aprox 2" to clear my taller valve covers and used '73-'87 pickup headers. I prefer the '73 and up motor mounts, but you could use the '67-72 small block mount brackets, or the '69-'71 big block brackets. Those will move the engine ahead a little if you don't mind those style of motor mounts. You would want to use headers for the same era that the motor mounts are from.

**Captainfab** · 05-21-2009, 12:27 AM

For a trans crossmember you can use one from a '69-'87 pickup or Suburban.

ApeKing · 05-21-2009, 07:47 AM

Im planning a big blockswap myself so thanks for all the greta info!

05-19-2009, 08:24 PM	#1
66farmer Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: North Plains Oregon Posts: 684	Need help on BIG BLOCK install Can anyone link me to a big block install thread or tell me there problems that they experienced. I will be installing a 454 w/th400 out of a 1978 truck into my 1966 chevy step side. Thank you so much for your help

05-19-2009, 09:02 PM	#2
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install Check with ChevyFleetside on here...he's got some good info... __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

05-19-2009, 10:11 PM	#3
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install The engine will not clear the firewall, at least mine didn't. I cut the firewall and made kniches so the engine would sit back. You don't have to do this. You can move your motor mount perches to the forward holes. If you want to use headers they will not clear the left perch and you will have to put in later model ones or aftermarket ones. I used aftermarket. You can see some pictures of stuff here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259536 .. The thread seems to be shut down probably because of inactivity, but you can still read through it. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

05-20-2009, 01:43 AM	#4
502tripower Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Satsop, WA Posts: 606	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install Use the 73' up perches and headers or exhaust manifolds. There is no reason to cut the fire wall but, you may have to massage it a bit with a rubber mallet. I used http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm 73-87 2" Chev Pickup. Attached Images __________________ 1963' Chev Custom Cab 502, 67' 435hp 3X2 intake, 9" 4:30 Posi 1961 Impala SS 348/350 4-speed 3:70 Posi 1961 Bel-Air Bubble Top 283 Turboglide soon to have a 348 3X2 4-speed 1950 17' Fairliner twin cockpit barrel stern 312 Y block 1X1 intake Borg Warner 1:1 gear 1957 Fleetform 14' twin cockpit barrel stern 1969 BP-125 Merc 1949 Transitier 3-wheel forklift Crosley 4-Banger 98' FXD 2002 2500HD Last edited by 502tripower; 05-20-2009 at 01:44 AM.

05-20-2009, 07:50 AM	#5
jason65 Registerd User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 2,118	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install Looks like you almost needed a shoehorn to get that big daddy in there.

05-20-2009, 10:40 AM	#6
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install I decieded myself that I wanted the engine back as far as I could get it. That is why I cut the firewall. You don't have to do that. You can set it forward and all will be fine. Looks like my engine sits back about 2" more. Not a big deal. Just did it for looks. Attached Images __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

05-21-2009, 12:18 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install When I built my Suburban I used the '73 and up motor mounts with custom built frame brackets, moved it ahead aprox 2" to clear my taller valve covers and used '73-'87 pickup headers. I prefer the '73 and up motor mounts, but you could use the '67-72 small block mount brackets, or the '69-'71 big block brackets. Those will move the engine ahead a little if you don't mind those style of motor mounts. You would want to use headers for the same era that the motor mounts are from. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

05-21-2009, 12:27 AM	#8
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install For a trans crossmember you can use one from a '69-'87 pickup or Suburban. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

05-21-2009, 07:47 AM	#9
ApeKing Trailers are for BOATS! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Douglasville Georgia Posts: 208	Re: Need help on BIG BLOCK install Im planning a big blockswap myself so thanks for all the greta info! __________________ The Rod Barons C.C. CSA

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