Hi everybody iam in the process of updating my 73 Corvette from a Small Block
to a Big Block,I contac CrateEngine.com,and was told that I might have some hood
clearance problems.and maybe some Other problems.I was told that a 500 HP motor
would need a stronger Transmission and rear to hold up with the horse power.
I was looking at the 502,or maybe the NEWL88 427 that is coming out very soon.
The L88 427,was an option in 1969, and I was wondering what kind of hood clearance
adjustment, they had tomake torun theL88 427 in that year.
am I missing something? because the 1979 was a C3 Corvette. I have a C3 Corvette.
Has anyone updated from a small block,to a big block,and what are some of the complication
I will run into,to make this swap?

 

( He, he. )
I can give ya a few,.....uh.....pointers.

1. oil pan. Has to be for a Vette, no other will do, as far as I have found.

2. Motor mounts are the same as for a 350.

3. Header clearance, probs clearing steering box and pitman arm where it ataches to the frame.

4. Crank and w/pump pulllies. Short pump, and watch the line up very closely. A friend made up a 1/4 inch spacer for me, to get the pulies to line up.

5. If you're worried about clearance, go with the L-88 hood.

6. Use a strong engine hoist, them BB's are heavy.

Check out my posts in "454 hangin' from a tree" in this C3 forum.
There's a pretty good dis-cussion on the subject.

 

You shouldn't have to worry about hood clearance if you use a stock Corvette intake manifold. You can gain a little clearance on your '73 by removing the internal cowl induction plenum.
Make sure you have a four tube core radiator and new seals around it and on top. Dr. Rebuild sells a seal kit.
Might have to go to the M22 tranny and beefier U-joints on both the drive shaft and half-shafts.
Not sure about the rear end. According to my old Parts Book, there didn't seem to be any difference in the rears except gear ratios.

Stick with C3 as he's been on the front lines of this battle.

 

Big 10/4 on the rad. I'm goin' with elec fans too.
The ol' piggy bank has a pretty good rattle goin', so it shouldn't be too much longer 'til I get the rad and fans.

 

Unless you go back to Cabela's !!!

 

You know me too well Bro!

They have a 30-40 Krag and a matching 30-06. Lever action Winchesters. .....Naw, I need the rad and fans.

 

I also went with the heavier diff cover/ spring mount for mine. I missed whether you had an auto or 4spd. I have an auto turbo400 ,stage 2 shift kit and alot beefier inerds, should take anything I pull out of the 454 when she is done. Should be over 600 hp without too much trouble. I too will be going with the L88 hood, elec. fan and h2o pump and 4core rad. Keep on Starship , he has all the rightthings to do on the conversion, Have fun and enjoy the car!!

 

I currently have an M-22 in place, but will be going to a 3 sp stick w/ over drive out of a '56 Bel-aire. Since I'm not a drag racer, my combo should work just fine.
As I've mentioned on other occasions, I'm building a "Long Range Bomber". [sm=shades.gif]

 

Hey guys thanks for the info.I might just go with a 383 Stroker,I just thought a Big Block
would be really nice,but from what i can see a 383 can make over 400 hp
I was also looking at the "Classic Chevy Tremic Five speed transmission" to help on my
Hwy miles per Gal.
Thanks a Lot a Lot for the info