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454 swap parts

Blazin'4x4

Blazin'4x4

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I did a search, and amongst the 1000's of threads I cant find a difinitive parts list.

Can some one relay the necessary part - numbers to do the swap to make it easier, motor mounts, crossmember, and relative info on moving the crossmember.

1972 Blaze
1986 454
th400 auto

Thanks guys.
 
Should be a direct swap without moving anything. There might be clearance issues with the firewall and passenger side valve cover so you might need to "massage" the firewall a little. Also you will need ALL of the BBC accessory brackets as they are different than a SBC.
 
I would like to know too, I just got a 454 given to me the other day. It would be nice to have all the info in one thread for the swap instead of having to wade through 50 threads to kinda get an idea of what all is involved.

Other than the firewall clearance issues, what else is there? sbc and bbc engine mounts the same? Exaust issues? what headers fit? etc.
 
Greg72 has a BBC in a 1st gen blazer so you might want to contact him for any specifics. He bought the blazer with a BBC already in it but he has learned alot about these rigs (especially his own) since he got into these rigs years ago.
 
I used a “set” of big block headers from Sanderson’s in So. San Francisco,(www.sandersonheaders.com) due to some clearance issues you can see in the photos I ended up with their 55-up Chevy pickup C6 header for the driver side, and their 68-up Chevy full size car C7 header on the passenger side. I had to cut the upper frame rail on both sides a little for clearance. If you look close on the photos you can see the black marker layout lines where I cut the frame.
I used the DIY big block motor mount kit. I moved the engine mount forward in the frame to the unused GM factory drilled holes on the driver side frame rail. If memory serves they are approx. 2.375” forward of the original mount location. I installed a GM serpentine belt kit and my crank pulley only has about a half inch of clearance behind the front cross member.
I haven’t put the tub on the chassis yet so I’m not sure if I have any valve cover clearance issues at the firewall.

Header (21).JPG

Header (22).JPG

Header (8).JPG

Header (10).JPG

Header (11).JPG
 
Great pics!

Did Sanderson allow you to buy only 1/2 of a header kit...and do the mix-n-match thing or did you get stuck buying two complete sets?

Also, what diameter did you go with? I'm still on the prowl for a 2" diameter tube header if I can find one... :thinking:


:usaflag:
 
You did all this in like 9 days?

Edit - I didn't realize the thread was started by Blazin 4x4 and the most recent update wasn't his.
 
Last edited:
Greg72 said:
Great pics!

Did Sanderson allow you to buy only 1/2 of a header kit...and do the mix-n-match thing or did you get stuck buying two complete sets?

Also, what diameter did you go with? I'm still on the prowl for a 2" diameter tube header if I can find one... :thinking:


:usaflag:
Click to expand...

Sanderson's are 1 7/8" primaries with a 3" collector. Trust me, I've been looking too. There's a promising set on 67-72chevytrucks.com, that fit great on a 2wd with a BBC, but the shop making them hasn't found a 4x4 for a test fit.
 
Greg72 said:
Great pics!

Did Sanderson allow you to buy only 1/2 of a header kit...and do the mix-n-match thing or did you get stuck buying two complete sets?

Also, what diameter did you go with? I'm still on the prowl for a 2" diameter tube header if I can find one... :thinking:


:usaflag:
Click to expand...

I went into their shop and explained my build, they were nice enough to let me take both sets of uncoated headers home for a test fit, then they ceramic coated one pair consisting of the left and right headers that fit.

Long story short they were great to deal with and I only had to purchase one set of headers.

I think AJ already answered the diameter question, they are made with 1 7/8" tubes and have 3" collectors.
 
I used small block mounts that had a fully boxed in cushion, I wish I could remember where i got them. ( sorry! ) I haven't had a problem in 34K miles & 9 years but.... I left engine in the stock location so that I could use a long water pump set-up with a factory BB fan shroud. I didn't have to trim the frame, but had to dimple one tube on the (cheap) flowtech headers for 2wd trucks. I put in the GM plates behind the motor mounts to hook up the converter cover braces which should have helped header clearance slightly. All this meant that the main problem was firewall. I fabbed a panel to make room on driver's side which eliminated the clutch linkage hole. The passenger was done with a "T" cut, push panels back, then small filler pieces. It fit HEI with contact only on the wires. But as lots of others will tell you, each truck will need different amounts of attention. I have heard of SB K5's needing room for an HEI. I think the header clearance is primary factor because I'm not totally happy with mine but i was pleased with the results on the rest of the swap. I can pull the trans if needed,( did it once already to play with the shift kit ) the valve covers come off, ( they are late GM aluminum short style with 5/8" spacers to clear tall valvetrain) and fan and shroud sit perfect. I know this isn't a parts list type answer, but I hope it helps.

Dave
 
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