Anyone done a SB to BB conversion in a '72 K5?

[AjColorado]

Hey guys,

Found out the other day that my 350 has a rear main leak. Since I have to yank it now, I've decided to drop in my already built '70s 402 BB that I have sitting around the garage. I wanted to ask you guys if there is anything I need to look out for. Will the motor mounts bolt right up to the frame? What are the best fitting headers for a BB in a '72 K5? Any other little words of wisdom??

Thanks in advance.

And heres a shot of the 402.

 

[tRustyK5]

From what I've read the biggest issue is distributor to firewall clearance...

Greg72, AJ and a few others have all done this.

 

[bp71k5]

Valve covers seem to also be tricky along with header clearance around the frame. Everyone seems to find a way though.


-Brian

 

[6872xtc]

My K10 had enough room at the distributor for an HEI, but this seems to vary on all trucks. My problems were making room for the valve covers as I didn't want a body lift to make room. I have seen this on several others. As to which headers fit best????.. I believe that got talked about in another thread somewhere but I can't recall results. I really like the DIY4X crossmember and have thought about changing mine to it even though mine has been holding up since 1998. I was able to put a bolt down through the engine mount halves to lock them in case of a torn rubber.

 

[max 02]

Isn`t there some trouble with the heater box fitting a bb in there?

 

[6872xtc]

No problem as I have factory air in mine.

 

[GRINCH]

I stuffed a Cad 500 in my 72. Go to my build thread for more details.