hey guys, I'd appreciate your expertise and experiences on this opportunity. I have a 396 short block available to me at a very reasonable price. I was wondering what types of problems I would run into replacing the L82 in my 79. I assume it will fit but what about the tranny? it's an auto. how about the carburetor linkages? motor mounts? height?
I have never built an engine before, so it's got me interested. maybe it would be a better idea to find a good 350 block to build instead. what do you think? thanks in advance.

I personally like big blocks. I have also been thinking about installing one in my car. As far as swapping in a big block, it will bolt up to your TH350. You will also need to upgrade your radiator to a 4 core or higher capacity unit. Linkage should not be a problem. You will need big block brackets for the alternator, power steering, and A/C. You should compare 1974 Corvette big block parts to yours. There are probably some other parts that you will need to use, such as motor mounts. Hopefully someone else can tell you about the motor mounts needed. 1974's had a similar designed hood, so you need to use a similar low profile intake and air cleaner. Also check with the local inspection authority to see if this swap will meet local requirements for state inspection. I installed a 454 in a 69 Camaro a few years back and was really impressed with the performance. It does cost more to build a big block than a small block, but the torque is addictive. Good Luck with your decision and have fun with it.

thanks for the input. will research the 74 parts. don't have a problem with changing hoods to accomodate the additional heght.
I'm in Ohio with Collector plates. no emissions tests for those plates .... yet.
my concern for the motor mounts is that they will have to be moved. wil I have to do anything to the frame to accomodate?
don't know what you mean by a 4 core radiator. guess I have a lot to learn.
may still look for a good SB.
thanks again

Hi Hank,

Sounds like a fun project. A BB 79 will get a few peoples attention to say the least. Motor mounts are no big thing. You can get them at any parts store But what you are going to beat your head against the wall about are the accessory brackets, pulleys, and hood clearances.

The brackets and pulleys you will need are for a short waterpump. These are not widely available and even when you think you have what you need be prepared to go through several iterations. Cost for stock BB pulleys and brackets can be in excess of $500 depending on the accessories you are putting on. You can install a late model serpentine system w/ a long pump if you use electric fans.

You cannot put a medium or high rise manifold on and use the stock hood. You will want to find a manifold from either a 73-74 BB or if all else fails a truck manifold. This should give you the necessary clearance for a q-jet and drop base air filter.

Exhaust should be relatively easy with either headers or OE style manifolds.

If you are looking for parts to help with this project let me know.

Alex


http://www.vettespecialties.com

thanks Alex,
"short water pump"? is that in referrence to how far it sticks out in front of the block? pushing the fan into the radiator? so, all the accessory brackets need to be compatible with this pump.
the $s don't scare me much since I have as much time as I need to "adjust" the budget. as we all know, time is your budget's best friend.
I guess my biggest concern is that I am biting off more than I should for my first attempt at building an engine. maybe I would be wiser to wait for an attractive sb to build. fewer side issues. but, I believe in the old adage that there is no replacement for displacement and that bb is tempting. I'll have to do some more research and thinking about this before I decide.
Alex, thanks for your info, thoughts and offer.
Hank

The radiator needs to be larger for a big block. Your current radiator is probably a 3 core. It has 3 rows of vent tubes running across the radiator. You can buy after market aluminum radiators which do a great job and weigh less. When swapping to Big Blocks, you have to keep them cool. As far as brackets, if you can find another older Chevy (Impala, Caprice, Monte Carlo, Laguna, etc.)that had a big block (396, 402, 427, 454)you can possibly use those brackets. Big block brackets for a 1974 Chevy Laguna are probably less than for a Corvette. Also check out local swap meets. This is where you can find brackets that someone else considers in the way and they want them out of their garage.

Hello Hank,

Yes there are two basic water pumps. Short and Long. The short is the one you need for proper clearance to the radiator.

As to finding brackets at a junk yard or swap meet .on these other vehicles I have attempted this route myself to no avail. Although it seems that this would work, I have not found that a BB bracket from the same year large car does not fit a BB Corvette. For that matter it does not fit a Chevelle to Impala.

The engine build itself, BB or SB, is technically the same. There are minor differences in the build to get max HP, but you can get books that discuss the differences such as How to hot rod your Big Block Chevy .

As for radiators the larger 4 core is necessary, however, I believe that cars w/ A/C had these already.

I think, from the sound of it, you will regret not doing this swap.

Alex

I hate to be the party pooper, but why go thru all that trouble and added weight for a 396? It would be so much easier to put a 400 small block in there and wind up with more cubes and less weight. Even easier would be to stroke the 350 to 383 cubes. If you were talking 427 or 454, it would be worth it, but not a 396. Joe

I have been toying around with building my own engine, reliving my youth. but that always seems to get you in trouble. I have this opportunity to buy the 396 for practically nothing. that's the reason for the thread.
my car does have a/c, so maybe I have one problem solved already. sounds like it's more than doable but maybe not as good as other choices. I will build an engine. just need to decide best options.
I really appreciate your input guys. don't need to make more problems that I can avoid. this registry really has been a big help. thanks again to all.
Hank