Question: swaping 350 to a 454 BB question

[Tepot]

Hi guys,

I've been pretty busy building my garage lately and now since it's almost all done I'll be able to do more work on the vette. Now I was wondering. I'm kind of tired to put extra parts on the tired 350 and not being able to make the kind of horse power I would like. So I'm thinking of going with the 454 Big Block. But then alot of questions on what I need to do this. So here's the questions.

1. Do I need a bigger hood? I have the L48 cole induction hood
2. Do I need new motor mounts?
3. Do I need a new radiator? no big deal mine needs to be replaced?
4 I know I'll need new headers
5. Will it fit on my M21 4 Speed transmission?
6. Can I Keep my Holley carburetor that I have on my 350 ( 770 Avenger dual)
7. Do I need a new fuel pump. I have a new holley high volume on the 350.
8. What else do I need to get this thing done?

thanks

 

[Hib Halverson]

1. Do I need a bigger hood?I have the L48 cole induction hood

Maybe. Depends on the intake manifold you use

2. Do I need new motor mounts?

No, but I'd replace them when you change the engine

3. Do I need a new radiator

Yes

4 I know I'll need new headers

You'll also need a new exhaust system.

5. Will it fit on my M21 4 Speed transmission?

Yes.

6. Can I Keep my Holley carburetor that I have on my 350 770 Avenger dual

Yes.

7. Do I need a new fuel pump. I have a new holley high volume on the 350.

No.

8. What else do I need to get this thing done?

Lots of money
BB Corvette waterpump
BB Vette accessory mounts
BB harmonic damper
BB Flywheel
BB clutch
Air filter assy which fits under hood
BB fan shroud

Probably other stuff, too.

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Don't forget new front coil springs to compensate for the extra weight.

 

[6880 Mike]

Purchase the 74 assembly instruction manual (AIM) and take a look at the factory big block installation. The AIM shows the installation, lists the various parts needed to make the swap, radiator, shroud, brackets, mounts, exhaust, etc, and lists the original GM part numbers for the parts you're going to need.

 

[Hib Halverson]

Don't forget new front coil springs to compensate for the extra weight.

"Sharkcar71" is right.

I just answered the question from the more narrow perspective of the engine but in a wider view, you need not only higher rate front springs, but you may need an HD rear spring and a rear stabilizer bar.

 

[orlandjoe]

I went with a set of Moog 5762 front springs (for about $50) which are easy to install because they are shorter than the stock spring but still gave me the 1 inch back in height. Also used a BeCool big block radiator and added an electric pusher fan on front in addition to the engine fan.