97 Suburban big block to 64 suburban

[suburban509]

I have a 97 Suburban 2wd with the 7.4 vortec big block and auto trans. The burb is literally falling apart body and electrical wise. I also have a 64 Suburban shell all painted and waiting for a new motor and trans. My latest thinking is why not just put the big block and trans in that. The 64 originally had the small block v8. I've searched a lot on this forum but not finding what I'm looking for. Will the big block motor mounts come close to the original mount towers on the 64? Will that trans fit the tunnel without modification? I'm not worried about the electrical interface with this swap. I will keep the computers and fuel injection of the 97, just the phyisical size and trouble of putting the motor and trans in. Any advice?

[protrash64]

There are three ways to do a BBC in these trucks using stock parts.

1. Use the stock 63-66 mounts for SB.

2. Use 67-72 BBC mounts.

3. Use 1/2 or 3/4 ton mounts from a 73+ truck.


I use 'mount' but mean 'perches'......the steel that bolts to the frame. There are also aftermarket mounts to do this swap.

The method used will dictate what exhaust one uses; so it seems from my unscientific survey. You can look at my sig link for my 454 install into my '64 'burb.

The trans is not an issue except for moving the mount to line up correctly. The major components are easy to install; it's the little detail stuff that I found to be difficult. Good luck.

[suburban509]

Thanks, I read through your build. Very cool and a lot of detail. Just what I was looking for. Here is picture of my 64.

[protrash64]

Sweet looking truck......go for the BBC.

[Demmit_Hemmit's 65]

Really nice looking burb..........................but like everyone always says on here we're addicted to pictures and one is not enough.................Hemmit

[DWC]

Very nice and yes please more pics. Did you carry the red/white two-tone to the inside too?

[Chevy Fleetside]

You can also use these perches. Headers won't clear the stock perches but they do on these. I used them because to get the 67 mounts would cost over $300 new and I did order perches but they just were not working for me. I guess I didn't try hard enough...