telling a stock big block from small block car

[entropy454]

What are some things to look for on a car, who claims that the car is an original big block car. Ive seen a lot of cars out there that claim not to have the number matching big block, but do claim the car is a factory big block car.
Can you tell by any identification numbers on the car?
I know the hood would be different. The radiator I assume is larger. Any thing else?
thanks

 

[redvett]

All BB cars 1965 & up got a rear stabilizer bar. Only the ZR1 got a rear stablizer with a SB.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The engine option is coded into the VIN on '72 and up. Earlier years has it listed on the tank sticker.

An original big block car but with the original engine gone is not worth more than a small block car with a BB transplant, IMHO.

 

[6880 Mike]

...All BB cars 1965 & up got a rear stabilizer bar....

True, but very easy to add. BB cars have heavier front springs; larger front stabilizer bar; heavier half shafts and u-joints; usually bigger radiators; different shrouds.

Any and all of the above can be added to a small block car if someone was wanting to clone a small block into a big block. Take any 68-74 AIM; turn to the options section, and start putting together a parts list.

 

[fine69]

True, but very easy to add. BB cars have heavier front springs; larger front stabilizer bar; heavier half shafts and u-joints; usually bigger radiators; different shrouds.

Any and all of the above can be added to a small block car if someone was wanting to clone a small block into a big block. Take any 68-74 AIM; turn to the options section, and start putting together a parts list.

That's right; I'm doing it now. I have a numbers-matching small block (350/350), but I am in the process of rebuilding a 427 to replace it. I don't care about numbers, etc., as I do not ever plan on selling it... although I'll likely keep the original engine.

I had a 1970 LT-1 in high school, but never had a big block - and always wanted one (big-block envy).
Ralph

 

[wallyknoch]

I`m not into frames, but I believe the BB frame has a notch in the K member for balancer clearance as the engine is a taste longer.

 

[fine69]

I`m not into frames, but I believe the BB frame has a notch in the K member for balancer clearance as the engine is a taste longer.

I can't attest whether or not it's the same for all, but that notch is already there on my frame.

 

[JohnZ]

I`m not into frames, but I believe the BB frame has a notch in the K member for balancer clearance as the engine is a taste longer.

That notch started at the beginning of production in 1965 to accommodate the introduction of the L-78, and remained through 1982.

 

[chevy6673]

I can't attest whether or not it's the same for all, but that notch is already there on my frame.

hey fine 69 it says your redoing a 427 i am redoing a 396 any tips

 

[fine69]

hey fine 69 it says your redoing a 427 i am redoing a 396 any tips

The one thing that I've been doing for the transition is to purchase those "other" non-engine pieces... pulleys, brackets, shroud, rear sway bar, big block ignition cover, drive train, exhaust manifolds, etc. I still need to purchase the new radiator. I have to save my pennies because I would like to stick with deWitts.

Ralph