Help Big Block Alt/Power Steering brackets.

[ShakeRattleRoll]

I am going to convert my 73 Corvette from a SB to a BB. What can I use from the small block as far as pulleys and what else would I need and the best place to get the parts would be fantastic? Everything I have looked at seems to be up in the $700.oo range which sounds way out of site just for some mounts and pulleys.

Thank you everyone in advance for any help you can give.

signed Frustrated

 

[Rowdy1]

Not Much

The key words here are SB BB, I'd be surprised if much of anything will fit and the price of pulley's and all the other hardware is not cheap. I wish the best of luck in your project in any event, let us know how it goes.

 

[ShakeRattleRoll]

Rowdy 1 I know the brackets will not fit just wondering if any of the pulleys would work. Like the one that is already on the power steering pump if I would have to change it. If you know of a good place to purchase the items and still keep my arms that would be great.

 

[Rowdy1]

Not Sure.....

I'm sure someone will be along soon with the knowledge, I have no BB experience, always been a SB guy. I'd think the major points will be, where will everything line up with the difference in the size of the blocks alone, ratio's etc. I hope for your sake things do line up to your advantage. I remember in my youth, guys making the switch and going to the junk yards and buying everything in a package deal. Keep us posted.

 

[ShakeRattleRoll]

Wow you mean nobody has been through this? I know someone out there must be able to shine some light on this situation?

 

[Rowdy1]

I Think They Have

I've seen some done here, but for the most part, it was a dress up as well so new custom parts were used. Keep the thread current, somebody will be along.

 

[problemenko]

It's not an inexpensive proposition to make a change to a BB. As far as I know the SB pulleys do not work with the BB cars. GM Performance parts makes a set but as you will find they are expensive. Some of the guys on the forum chose to install used pulleys and brackets from early 70's BB's. March and other make serpentine conversion kits that will kill just about any checking account! What I've found out so far is that the swap to a BB is expensive. I may stay with a built up SB. Good luck with your search.

 

[sofast4u]

hey shake
I am in the process of doing the swap to a 427
NONE of the pulley from the SB will work on the BB
i picked up my pulleys on EBAY decent prics
also none of the brackests work either!!!!
but i'm sure all thios work will pay off on the end
i've probably spent $3-500 on brackets & pulleys plus i picked up a set of stock exhaust manifolds $350........ good luck

 

[norvalwilhelm]

Rowdy 1 I know the brackets will not fit just wondering if any of the pulleys would work. Like the one that is already on the power steering pump if I would have to change it. If you know of a good place to purchase the items and still keep my arms that would be great.

The power steering pulley and the alternator pulley work. The alignment is the problem. I built my own mounting brackets and at the same time moved the alternator to the passengers side to uncover the power steering pump.
So if you make your own mounts and shim them for alignment they will work fine.

 

[norvalwilhelm]

In the beginning when I did this swap I used all the donor pulleys from the donor motor. It was a long water pump but other then needing an electric fan it worked fine for years.
Today I have the short water pump and just made the mounts to align everything but I did not buy any mounting brackets or pulleys.

 

[problemenko]

I came across another option. Expensive but what isn't?

http://www.conceptonepulleys.com/pulleysystems.htm

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

It's not an inexpensive proposition to make a change to a BB. As far as I know the SB pulleys do not work with the BB cars. GM Performance parts makes a set but as you will find they are expensive. Some of the guys on the forum chose to install used pulleys and brackets from early 70's BB's. March and other make serpentine conversion kits that will kill just about any checking account! What I've found out so far is that the swap to a BB is expensive. I may stay with a built up SB. Good luck with your search.

The available supply of early BB brackets is drying up rapidly as well (Thank you, Barrett-Jackson and other speculators/auctions ad ). Any conversion in and of itself is expensive in nature, and especially when it comes to Corvettes, there's no such thing as doing it "on the cheap". You won't find short water pump BB brackets in a 3/4 ton pickup or Suburban. Those who possess these pieces know what they have, and know what the market will bear. This is not to say not to look around, just realize it's not going to be inexpensive.
Good rule of thumb: Figure out the budget, then add roughly 125% to that, and you're in the ballpark. Good luck!

 

[wallyknoch]

If you are using a short water pump and the alternator mounts on the left side, all the early BB Camaro parts will work and line up perfectly. They are the same as the BB Vettes.