Hey guys...

I put a 350 in my '83 a while ago, so i know how to do an engine swap, but i have some questions about a swap of a "diffrent" type...

I was thinking of picking up a '78-'81 Camaro Z28 as a project car, something that i could take my time on and really build a hot rod out of. I am seriously considering putting in either a 427ci or a 454ci BBC with a 4 speed tranny (M20, M21, M22, etc) but this is what I would like to know:

- Will i need to modify anything for the BBC to fit? ('70 - '72 had 396 from the factory)

- Which 4 speed was from the factory in '78-'81, and with of the avobe 3 is best suited for this car (assuming 500hp, 550ft-lbs)

- Will i need a new hood to clear the engine?

Thanks in advance guys

 

No modification to anything is necessary. It drops right in, since, as you point out, the chassis is designed to accomodate it, and exhaust is readily available off the shelf. The most nearly difficult thing to deal with will be accessories, and even that isn't very difficult. Alot of truck stuff fits. You should be able to easily retain the A/C & PS if you want. Just get a set of the Moog "heavy duty with A/C" replacement listing for the car, it will sit perfect.

The factory 4-speed in those cars was a B-W T-10. It's fine. Leave it alone and use it. The bell housing that came in it had a 168-tooth 14" flywheel, but it was drilled for the 10.4" clutch and won't accomodate a 11" one, but there are plenty available that will. You'll want the larger clutch. If you go with a 454 you'll need an "unbalanced" flywheel, the 427 uses a neutral-balanced one.

Probably, but that depends on the intake and all that you use. There are lots of hoods available.