454bb in 72 blazer which crossmember

[k2-k5]

I have started the BB swap in my blazer.

before i get to far I am seriously considering moving the engine forward 2" or so to gain more clearance at the firewall.

I also would like to be able to remove the oil pan so I am looking at using a '73 and newer crossmember. Has anyone done this?

How much modification is involved?

Anyone have a spare crossmember layout around? (In the Portland area)

any other issues with the swap would be appreciated.

Cheers.

 

[4X4HIGH]

PM burt4x4, i think he used a later crossmember when he swapped in his BBC.

 

[Burt4x4]

Here it is, you can see it is way forward compared to the under the pan on a stock 72 x-member. It is very close to touching the pan 1/8" or less, Never tried droping the pan but it looks doable.

Then I found a crack in the x-member so I got ORDs to replace the 73+ x-member.
The 73+ is a 3 piece> 1 x-member w/ 2 frame horns(engine mounting serface)
Here is were I got the idea:

See the top left and center left pics compare the two styles.
Bottom left shows the engine frame horns or whatever you call um...

Oh and the ORD x-member is very close to touching also...but it is not..I may make some changes if I feel the need..
Good Luck
Burt

 

[R77K10]

uhmm why would oyu need a later one ?

bbc were available in truck 68 and up

same crossmember

why swap ?

its the trees you gotta worry about and mounts


good luck

 

[Burt4x4]

You don't need a newer style to get the BBC in.
For me I wanted to use the 73+ so I could drop the pan without lifting the engine out..or up. With firstgen x-member the pan will not come out without lifting the engine off the engine mount/x-member.

Now that I have gone full circle and installed ORD's stuff I now have to drop the X-member to get the pan off but atleast I don't have to lift the engine (still mounted to the 'frame/engine horns').

One other benny is your engine mounts are now 73 & Up and you have tons of choices on what to run...

 

['71k204x4454]

Bbc where not available in 4x4 untill 1973. Yes they where available in the 2wd trucks.

I'm putting a 1973 and newwer crosmember in mine also. But have not done it yet so don't have any pic's.

 

[R77K10]

in the 4x4 yes no bb til 73 yep

i was jut saying trucks in general

my bad

68 was the year in general that 396 first came out for trucks


but 4x4 no

good luck