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?

[Captainfab]

Installing the 7.4 Vortec with the 4L80E will be a relatively easy swap. The electronics and plumbing will likely be the most difficult part. Big blocks into this vintage of pickup or Suburban has been done many times. The 4L80E is just a longer version of the TH400. There will be plenty of room for the trans. One thing you will need to decide is whether or not if you want to run taller than stock valve covers. That will determine what mounts (perches) to use to gain the necessary valve cover to firewall clearance.

And I'm with the others, we need more pics......sweet looking Suburban.

[suburban509]

thanks for all of the help and comments. This will likely be next years project. I've had the Sub for nearly 10 years, did all of the suspension, brakes, etc years ago, then the body work and paint and now it has sat for about 5 years with nothing done as others have come first. All of the interior is painted red and then will use gray leather to go with a minivan interior I bought for it, 4 captains and a rear bench. I have gathered parts just need to get it together. I had always planned on putting a Cadillac 509 motor (hence name) but now I've used that motor in another project. I'm sure I will be asking a lot of questions when I get back to this. I need to take a few recent photos.

[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...