1970 with a 427BB

[1970beast]

I just got a 70' with a 427BB and t400. It has a 3 inch body lift on it and looks like the body lift may have been needed to fit the big block in. I was going to take out the body lift and do complete suspension. Does anyone know if it is necessary to have the body lift in for the big block to fit, or can I tear out the body lift. I just don't want to waste time! Thanks!

 

[BoondocK5]

Body lift definitely not needed.

 

[fmstruck]

I had a '70 with a BBC and a TH400. No lift necessary.

 

[76zimmer]

Just make sure your body supports (the re-inforced areas that are bolted to the frame) are not sagging. That will allow the whole cab to sag down on the frame.

 

[bigblock72]

On a 4wd if the engine is still in the original location the body lift is absolutely needed for the valve covers to clear the firewall. 2wds have the engine about 3 inches forward and clear just fine.

Search the first gen section for more info.

 

[scottsdale86]

On a 4wd if the engine is still in the original location the body lift is absolutely needed for the valve covers to clear the firewall. 2wds have the engine about 3 inches forward and clear just fine.

Search the first gen section for more info.

I believe what he says is true. There is a difference between where the engine sits in a 2 vs 4wd trucks of this era

 

[sweetk30]

and if its a true 427 bbc then is it a short deck like most other big blocks. or is it a truck engine with a tall deck that would make it harder to fit the motor in there.

 

[1970beast]

Thanks! It is a truck bb. I believe you are right. It looks like the distributor and valve covers would hit the firewall without the body lift. It is already very tight!
Thanks for the info!

 

[chulisohombre]

definitely need the body lift.otherwise you need a bfh to clearance the valve covers and dizzy.if you still have the points ignition,it is not so close on the distributor.i had to bang out my firewall to fit the hei dizzy on my smallblock with accel coil.otherwise when the body flexed it would rub the distributer and i was worried about breaking the cap.the only other option is moving the drivetrain forward,but that is much more work just to get rid of a body lift.2 inch body lift is the most i would go,but if its already in and no problems,i would leave it.