big block in a c30

[Redhouse]

Hi everyone, I was wondering what I would need to change on my 68 c30 to put in a 1980 c30 454. The truck currently has a 307(I think) with an sm465. The radiator is new and its so thick that someone sectioned the mounts to fit over the top of it. I'm guessing its a big block spec radiator. Basically, are the mounts,starter and flywheel going to work from the small block?

[gcburdic]

ttt...anyone?

[tanman722001]

I think you will have to have big block motor stands and flywheel.Not sure about the bellhousing.

[Redhouse]

Thanks for the bump,Geoff. From what I've read on here, the stands that hold the motor mounts are different, with the big-block-spec stands offering more room for headers.... I intend to use the freshly milled manifolds that came with the 454, not headers(for the first time in my life). So I'm guessing I can use the small block stands with the big block, am I right? What about the flywheel? If I had a choice in moving the engine forward or the trans rearward, I would move the engine forward. Do I have to make that choice when doing this swap??

[no moa]

I'm thinking i may put a 402 in my c30 wrecker, I agree with tanman, BB stands, flywheel, but the bellhouseing should bolt up. No to mention, alt, ps, bracketts.

[Redhouse]

Originally Posted by tanman722001

I think you will have to have big block motor stands and flywheel.Not sure about the bellhousing.

Wow, a bunch of Carolina folks looking out for one another today, thanks. I'm pretty sure the bellhousing is the same. I hope it is, anyway.... that was a huge reason for me slipping over to the "darkside" (gm) from the ole blue camp with about 10 different bellhousing bolt patterns.

[gcburdic]

btw aboard Redhouse....this board is full of great advice and experience across the nation and the world
Glad you have joined us

Keep an eye on the regional boards...we usually have a couple meets a year....so get this C30 done and come on over and join us!!!

[Redhouse]

Originally Posted by no moa

I'm thinking i may put a 402 in my c30 wrecker, I agree with tanman, BB stands, flywheel, but the bellhouseing should bolt up. No to mention, alt, ps, bracketts.

Ok, so I need the stands, and the flywheel. my c30 only has an alternator, so that shouldn't be a big deal. I think the engine comes with all of it's front drive accessories in place. If i put it in the small block location, will i have to move the trans back, along with driveshaft/crossmember mods?

[Redhouse]

Originally Posted by gcburdic

btw aboard Redhouse....this board is full of great advice and experience across the nation and the world
Glad you have joined us

Keep an eye on the regional boards...we usually have a couple meets a year....so get this C30 done and come on over and join us!!!

Thanks Geoff, I intend to hit every meet I can. I guess I'll have to tow the shortbox there, too?? here is a link to my only other post so far, showing pictures of my trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...5&goto=newpost

[BarryB]

IS the truck that the 454 came from still available for parts. You can get the BB mounts from it if it's available. You would have to drill a couple holes, but they will fit into your 68. The "newer" truck would have clamshell mounts which is a better set-up in my opinion.
I'm running the "newer" mounts in my 68, but mine is a small block.

[Redhouse]

Originally Posted by BarryB

IS the truck that the 454 came from still available for parts. You can get the BB mounts from it if it's available. You would have to drill a couple holes, but they will fit into your 68. The "newer" truck would have clamshell mounts which is a better set-up in my opinion.
I'm running the "newer" mounts in my 68, but mine is a small block.

the truck is gone, but I have an 87 3/4 ton with a 350. are the stands the same for small and big blocks on 73-87 trucks?

[no moa]

Nope. You need to find a set of Big Block mounts, Search the for sale here, and also local junk yards. You can use the 73 and up, but they need to be BB mounts.

[Redhouse]

Thanks everyone.

[70shortfleet]

Just buy this one and you will be done

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...1c22cb2b6bJust buy this one and you will be done

I think this is a former board member who just past away RIP

[Redhouse]

Originally Posted by 70shortfleet

Just buy this one and you will be done

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...1c22cb2b6bJust buy this one and you will be done

I think this is a former board member who just past away RIP

I hear you, hoss! I've found several c30s in way better shape then mine for cheap but I have to fix this one up. My grandfather bought it new in 68...

[no moa]

Did you get this set up together.
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[Shyguy]

When we put a '74 454 in my '71 we used the mounts and stands for the '74 454. The clutch and bell housing from the 350 will work but the flywheel on a 454 is different than a 350 one.

We did not want to mess with the drive shaft so we lowered the engine in and hooked up to the transmission and let the engine settle in the frame. We drilled new holes in the frame and cradle and bolted it in. The clearance between the fan and radiator was good.

We had to move the z-bar bracket on the frame to get a good alignment.