bbc swap

[kyle.rj133]

need help. im thinkng about swaping in a 454 with a nv4500 and 205 into my 69 k5 im doing a full frame off so whats needed? it currently has a straight 6 and a 3 speed tranny with no granny low

what needs done?
new crossmember moved up 1 or 2"s
firewall cut/fixed
trans hump modified?
hydro tranny


im planning on running 8" lift and 38's 3/4 ton running gear with 4.56 gears. its going to be all stock looking it will be used as a daily driver/weekend mountains.

or a mild 350?

 

[Greg72]

Warm up that "search" button.....

Quite a few people here with BBC build threads, and at least a couple people with NV4500 swaps too.

We can fill in the gaps as you go, but you will need to do some of the legwork too.

 

[kyle.rj133]

well im pretty sure the nv 4500 will fit good.

i guess my true question is should i fit everything in before i take the body off or does it not matter? im also doing a 1" body lift too

 

[Greg72]

Definitely do all the mock-up work first. You'll be cutting the firewall for sure, even with a 1" body lift and the trans tunnel might end up looking a bit different too with the NV4500.

Check out Brian's build thread (username: bp71K5) He did the NV4500 swap. There are about 6 of us with photos of BBC swaps in this forum, so that part should be easy to find resource photos.

Keep in mind that it's not just about getting the engine to fit.... make sure you leave enough room to also get the valve covers off with the engine installed. You're going to be really irritated if you have to pull the motor every time you need to check valve lash!

It sounds like a fun build, but it's going to take you quite a while to get all that work done and de-bugged. Take a look at any of the build threads where someone did a BBC swap or a custom driveline and you'll start to see a pattern.....all of those threads lasted for a couple of YEARS before they were finished. Part of that is the "Might As Wells" creeping in too.

 

[kyle.rj133]

i know its going to take a while. i just want to know if the bbc is worth it for what i do. i think i might be getting a case of "might as well"

 

[AJs72K5]

There's no replacement for displacement . If you're thinking about doing it, you'll kick yourself later for not doing it now. Might as well strikes in all kinds of places.

Like Greg said, search the 67-72 forum. There's a bunch of us running BBCs, including Greg and myself. The really cool part is that most of us are running different trannys and drivetrain combos. The answers to most of your questions can be found by searching.

 

[Chevy1TonFun]

I installed a 3" BL, moved the motor forward 3" and didn't have to cut or mod the firewall. You can check out my build on 67-72chevytrucks.com.