big block convertable problems?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
big block convertable problems?
This is probably a silly question, but are there any problems swaping in a 454 in to a vert? other than sfc's, anything more to do?
If any body has pics, that would be cool...
Thanks...
runnriottt
If any body has pics, that would be cool...
Thanks...
runnriottt
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
From: Long Beach, CA
Engine: 305 TPI (LB9)
Transmission: WC T-5
Re: big block convertable problems?
Originally posted by runnriottt
other than sfc's, anything more to do?
runnriottt
other than sfc's, anything more to do?
runnriottt
Last edited by drop-top IROC; Jun 15, 2005 at 05:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
cool, same beef up as the hardtop im doing. i assume there are no major diffrences in suspension, outside of v6-v8 changes and of course the lack of a top...
now i need a vert...
now i need a vert...
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
This is a project I would love to see you complete. However, since the verts weigh more than the hardtop and you will have to add SFC's out the wazoo, unless you are going for just an awesome street machine (a worthy reason I might add) you might want to reconsider where you drop that BBC.
Then again... you know all this.
Then again... you know all this.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 4
From: Charleston, SC
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by Cadillac
However, since the verts weigh more than the hardtop
However, since the verts weigh more than the hardtop
hmmmm, news to me.... i would have thought that throwing out almost 100lbs of rear glass and replacing it with a 40lb rear top wouldnt make it weigh more...
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
Originally posted by MrDude_1
hmmmm, news to me.... i would have thought that throwing out almost 100lbs of rear glass and replacing it with a 40lb rear top wouldnt make it weigh more...
hmmmm, news to me.... i would have thought that throwing out almost 100lbs of rear glass and replacing it with a 40lb rear top wouldnt make it weigh more...
Check this one too: "shipfitter_sjd's" post.
It's the heaviest of the bunch.
Cut-n-paste:
MVMA Specifications:
CAMARO (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LHO & MB1) = 3105 Pounds.
CAMARO (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LHO & MB1) = 3220 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LB9 & M39) = 3273 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LB9 & M39) = 3377 lb's.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
I just want street ohhs and ahhs. Its great to pop the hood and see vintage mussle looking back at ya. I am half way to done with my hard top swap, and it hasent been that hard AFTER you buy the right parts. Exaust sucks. thats what i was mainly asking about, if there any diffrences in the kmember and suspension. If not, as it seems, then im in the market for a vert.
Fell in love with these cars...
Fell in love with these cars...
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 4
From: Charleston, SC
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by Cadillac
Dig it
Check this one too: "shipfitter_sjd's" post.
It's the heaviest of the bunch.
Cut-n-paste:
MVMA Specifications:
CAMARO (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LHO & MB1) = 3105 Pounds.
CAMARO (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LHO & MB1) = 3220 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LB9 & M39) = 3273 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LB9 & M39) = 3377 lb's.
Dig it
Check this one too: "shipfitter_sjd's" post.
It's the heaviest of the bunch.
Cut-n-paste:
MVMA Specifications:
CAMARO (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LHO & MB1) = 3105 Pounds.
CAMARO (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LHO & MB1) = 3220 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP87) 2 Door Coupe (LB9 & M39) = 3273 Pounds.
CAMARO Z28 (1FP67) 2 Door Convertible (LB9 & M39) = 3377 lb's.
heh. good thing they're all set weights and not dependant upon options or anything.
all i know is that my "heavy" convertible and my friends "heavy" convertible weighs the same as my other friends coupes....
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
Originally posted by MrDude_1
so according to you, my camaro RS weighs 3220lbs.
heh. good thing they're all set weights and not dependant upon options or anything.
all i know is that my "heavy" convertible and my friends "heavy" convertible weighs the same as my other friends coupes....
so according to you, my camaro RS weighs 3220lbs.
heh. good thing they're all set weights and not dependant upon options or anything.
all i know is that my "heavy" convertible and my friends "heavy" convertible weighs the same as my other friends coupes....
I'm trying to figure out this comment you made now:
Originally posted by MrDude_1
hmmmm, news to me.... i would have thought that throwing out almost 100lbs of rear glass and replacing it with a 40lb rear top wouldnt make it weigh more...
hmmmm, news to me.... i would have thought that throwing out almost 100lbs of rear glass and replacing it with a 40lb rear top wouldnt make it weigh more...
Anyway, with an LS2 in it, your car hardly compares to anything normal or usual in a third gen. How much lighter/heavier is that LS2 compared to an L98?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 509
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From: Bath, Maine
Car: 1992 Camaro RS Convertible & 1983 P
Engine: 305 TBI & 305 4 BBL & 4.7 liter
Transmission: Auto & Auto & 5 Speed Manual
Some Info:
Just some info for everyone. Those numbers came from the material I received from General Motors when I requested the "official" restoration package from them as it pertained to my Camaro.
Check out this link to read more:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=restoration
The vehicle weights were listed there and were the source that I used for the MVMA weights.
Steve
Check out this link to read more:
https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...ht=restoration
The vehicle weights were listed there and were the source that I used for the MVMA weights.
Steve
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 4
From: Charleston, SC
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by Cadillac
According to the MVMA.
I'm trying to figure out this comment you made now:
Must be South Carolina.
Anyway, with an LS2 in it, your car hardly compares to anything normal or usual in a third gen. How much lighter/heavier is that LS2 compared to an L98?
According to the MVMA.
I'm trying to figure out this comment you made now:
Must be South Carolina.
Anyway, with an LS2 in it, your car hardly compares to anything normal or usual in a third gen. How much lighter/heavier is that LS2 compared to an L98?
my friends coupes are gutted... not stock.
and i was comparing weights from when i had a iron headed 400 small block in there.. same engine as they did... (actually one had alum heads)
now with the LS1, its even lighter.
edit: my car is NOT gutted btw... dont want to imply that.. lol
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,109
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From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
I'd just like to interject that I weighed my car yesterday and it came to 3400lbs with no driver and a full tank of gas. (as well as some heavy spohn suspension pieces, 
) There really isn't any weigh savings done to it besides the ac pump and condenser. (does the t56 weigh any less than a 700r? I don't think so). It does have pretty much every other option as well as the whole spare/jack/aircan.
Are there a lot of poeple putting bbc's in thirdgens as street cars? I've only seen one or two and it'd seem really cramped in the engine bay...
) There really isn't any weigh savings done to it besides the ac pump and condenser. (does the t56 weigh any less than a 700r? I don't think so). It does have pretty much every other option as well as the whole spare/jack/aircan.Are there a lot of poeple putting bbc's in thirdgens as street cars? I've only seen one or two and it'd seem really cramped in the engine bay...
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,550
Likes: 4
From: Charleston, SC
Car: 91 Camaro Vert
Engine: 02 LS1, HX40
Transmission: 2002 LS1 M6
Originally posted by iansane
Are there a lot of poeple putting bbc's in thirdgens as street cars? I've only seen one or two and it'd seem really cramped in the engine bay...
Are there a lot of poeple putting bbc's in thirdgens as street cars? I've only seen one or two and it'd seem really cramped in the engine bay...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
I have only seen one with a big block,(other than mine now, wish i had pics taken of mine....) and his is the one i got the headers for my car. Its kinda difficult... but i cant wait to get on the road..
i think a big block vert would be the ultimate in awsome!
i think a big block vert would be the ultimate in awsome!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: Bath, Maine
Car: 1992 Camaro RS Convertible & 1983 P
Engine: 305 TBI & 305 4 BBL & 4.7 liter
Transmission: Auto & Auto & 5 Speed Manual
Gig Harbor, Washington
Hey Iansane,
Is that a TBI on top of that blower? I have never seen that before.....guess I have led a sheltered life!
Is that a TBI on top of that blower? I have never seen that before.....guess I have led a sheltered life!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
did you use the hooker swap headers? and i am assuming you run a crank trigger setup. any problems with cooling that beast?
Forced induction big block third gen... ON THE EIGHTH DAY....
Forced induction big block third gen... ON THE EIGHTH DAY....
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 25
From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. That's not my car. 
I wish it was though. It's a guys car that was in the cascade crew and has since moved across the country. The car was for sale for awhile ago.
click here
Some specs:
I wish it was though. It's a guys car that was in the cascade crew and has since moved across the country. The car was for sale for awhile ago.
click here
Some specs:
Kenny Brown competition suspension. Adjustable rear control arms. Adjustable panhard rod. All are spherical rod ends. Kenny Brown subframe connectors. Spohn competition adjustable torque arm with integral transmission crossmember. PA Racing chromoly tubular front crossmember. Global West steering box brace.
Suspension Techniques drop springs and sway bars. Rear springs are variable rate. Poly bushings in front a-arms. Also have a set of PA Racing coil over suspension for the front with big block drag race springs. Shocks are a custom matched set from Ground Control Racing. Front shocks are Bilstien sports and the rear shocks are Koni adjustables. ROH RT wheels. 17x9 with 5 inch backspacing. Nitto 555, 245/45-R17 front. 555R drag radial, 275/40-R17 rear.
Strange Engineering 12 bolt rear with 3.73 gears, SS axles, SuperPosi, and Corvette disc brakes. Custom built TH400 transmission with kevlar clutches. TCI anti-ballooning torque converter with 2800 stall speed.
MSD 6AL BTM (boost timing master) timing box with in-cab adjustable timing adjuster. Moline 3 core radiator.
Chevy 454 big block bored out to 468. LS6 forged rods, LS7 (I think) forged crank, TRW forged flat top pistons. 9:1 compression??? Mildly ported iron oval port heads. Manley valves. Large rocker studs and oversized push rods. Crane aluminum 1.7 roller rockers. Crower blower cam. ARP bolts throughout engine. Fluidampr harmonic balancer. Moroso deep sump oil pan. Polished B&M 177 roots supercharger. SFI approved flex plate.
And of course, don't forget the custom made Lemons tri-Y headers. 2-1/8 inch primaries. Medium length. Dumps right next to the transmission pan.
Suspension Techniques drop springs and sway bars. Rear springs are variable rate. Poly bushings in front a-arms. Also have a set of PA Racing coil over suspension for the front with big block drag race springs. Shocks are a custom matched set from Ground Control Racing. Front shocks are Bilstien sports and the rear shocks are Koni adjustables. ROH RT wheels. 17x9 with 5 inch backspacing. Nitto 555, 245/45-R17 front. 555R drag radial, 275/40-R17 rear.
Strange Engineering 12 bolt rear with 3.73 gears, SS axles, SuperPosi, and Corvette disc brakes. Custom built TH400 transmission with kevlar clutches. TCI anti-ballooning torque converter with 2800 stall speed.
MSD 6AL BTM (boost timing master) timing box with in-cab adjustable timing adjuster. Moline 3 core radiator.
Chevy 454 big block bored out to 468. LS6 forged rods, LS7 (I think) forged crank, TRW forged flat top pistons. 9:1 compression??? Mildly ported iron oval port heads. Manley valves. Large rocker studs and oversized push rods. Crane aluminum 1.7 roller rockers. Crower blower cam. ARP bolts throughout engine. Fluidampr harmonic balancer. Moroso deep sump oil pan. Polished B&M 177 roots supercharger. SFI approved flex plate.
And of course, don't forget the custom made Lemons tri-Y headers. 2-1/8 inch primaries. Medium length. Dumps right next to the transmission pan.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
Bummer... i got all excited. thats a sweet ride though. Im still looking for a convertable, most of the ones i see here in this area are not worth messing with. My hard top is a little rusty and i dont want rust on a vert, I relly dont want to twist it. Are convertible SFC's that much diffrent than coupe? I see two kinds listed, but what is the diffrence?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,109
Likes: 25
From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
They have to accomodate for the rain gutters ASC welded to the pinch welds along the bottom of the door. Next time you're looking at a vert look under the car near the door and compare that to you hardtop.
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
Originally posted by iansane
ooo... Almost looks stock from the outside.
ooo... Almost looks stock from the outside.
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1989 Formy droptop/88 Deville
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: factory RWD, WS6 susp
Unless that engine raises and lowers as well, I don't see the hood fitting cleanly... I just don't buy those two shots, unless, before and after of course. Since I was just reading the 91/92 Firehawk story in HPP this month, why not make mods along those lines and get LS1 type performance with the two blocks mentioned?...and keep A/C, etc...power goodies. I like a less restrictive engine bay myself, but I know alot of power-mad folks won't think much of taking out their A/C pumps, access...
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
after shoving the big block in the coupe, i know that the hood will shut, but thats with a low rise intake, and a recessed air cleaner.
ITS TIGHT... I think ill go to a cowl anyways, its hot under there.
again, lack of pics sorry... im in virginia car is in illinois...
i just saw the lack of a distribitor and a missing front pass side header tube. then in the second pic, the tell tale swap headers peeking out. but its not my car, so who am i anyways... its still sweet...
ITS TIGHT... I think ill go to a cowl anyways, its hot under there.
again, lack of pics sorry... im in virginia car is in illinois...
i just saw the lack of a distribitor and a missing front pass side header tube. then in the second pic, the tell tale swap headers peeking out. but its not my car, so who am i anyways... its still sweet...
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1989 Formy droptop/88 Deville
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: factory RWD, WS6 susp
If it's not your car, why are you thinking of mods for it? Or are you giving similar pic examples to yours? I'm confused by your wording I guess.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Danville Illinois
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 7.4 454
Transmission: Th 400 man valve stage 3
the red ones not mine no, but the white one in my sig is. i have a 454 in my white one. i dont have finished pics of the swap though. i started this thread on the diff between verts and coupes, wanting to know if a big block chev is a possible fit in the vert. all the mods i have done are to mine. sorry for the confusion. i was replying to your post...
Supreme Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,330
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1989 Formy droptop/88 Deville
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: factory RWD, WS6 susp
Well, the red one has the hood shot that makes me wonder about the way that engine sits. It is odd to see that style blower setup. I prefer bug-catchers ontop blown engines...drag racer style. ...And no bugcatchers ontop of manifold/carbs!
For some time, the only widely avail street version was Mr. Gasket's and it just doesn't look like the dragster~funnycar versions at all... too wimpy
Bill
For some time, the only widely avail street version was Mr. Gasket's and it just doesn't look like the dragster~funnycar versions at all... too wimpy
Bill
Supreme Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,168
Likes: 3
From: Marietta, GA
Car: '91 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Transmission: 700r4, Vette Servo
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 Bolt, PBR disks
Originally posted by runnriottt
the red ones not mine no, but the white one in my sig is. i have a 454 in my white one. i dont have finished pics of the swap though. i started this thread on the diff between verts and coupes, wanting to know if a big block chev is a possible fit in the vert. all the mods i have done are to mine. sorry for the confusion. i was replying to your post...
the red ones not mine no, but the white one in my sig is. i have a 454 in my white one. i dont have finished pics of the swap though. i started this thread on the diff between verts and coupes, wanting to know if a big block chev is a possible fit in the vert. all the mods i have done are to mine. sorry for the confusion. i was replying to your post...
454...
OOoooooOOooOOOoOOOoo!
Supreme Member
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,109
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From: Tacoma, Wa
Car: '91 TA vert
Engine: turboLSx
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Originally posted by Bill Speed
Well, the red one has the hood shot that makes me wonder about the way that engine sits. It is odd to see that style blower setup. I prefer bug-catchers ontop blown engines...drag racer style. ...And no bugcatchers ontop of manifold/carbs!
For some time, the only widely avail street version was Mr. Gasket's and it just doesn't look like the dragster~funnycar versions at all... too wimpy
Bill
Well, the red one has the hood shot that makes me wonder about the way that engine sits. It is odd to see that style blower setup. I prefer bug-catchers ontop blown engines...drag racer style. ...And no bugcatchers ontop of manifold/carbs!
For some time, the only widely avail street version was Mr. Gasket's and it just doesn't look like the dragster~funnycar versions at all... too wimpy
Bill
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