Okay, Ive gotten to the point now where my 8.5:1 compression 350 is not enough. I have a 402 sitting in my garage waiting for a home, that Id rebuild, port the heads, bigger valves, larger cam, and would love to drop in. How much money does it generally cost for swap parts in a thirdgen? I know I need headers, and custom exhaust, but what else. A larger radiator would probably be advantageous too. Around how much does this kind of swap usually run? Im hoping to pull it off for under 1000 bucks with parts other than doing the motor over. The way I figure it, the motor is free, and would prove more durable than a big small block, and the stock heads on it already flow more than good small block ones, let alone after a good port job and bigger valves. And its got as many cubes as a big small block. What considerations are at hand for attempting this? How long would my stock 700R4 last behind it? I have a spare hood, so clearence is no biggie. Can it be made into something I could drive daily (albeit getting sh%%%% mileage)? Emmisions will be a distant concern shortly anyways. Or would it be simpler for me to get say a cheap project second gen? I just like the way my third gen feels, and the body has been all finished anyways. And there is the weight difference between them. And the bad *** factor of opening the hood on the big block living under the hood is almost worth the price of admission on its own.

 

Im thinking of doing this more and more, and my main concerns are headers, starter, and the fans. How about distributor clearence in the back. How about bolting on accessories, as long as I have new brackets. Will the current accessories work, Ive got now A/C. IS this a week project or like a several month ordeal? Any guide anywhere on how to do this?

 

The distance between the engine mount bosses and bell housing mount is exactly the same between SBC and BBC engines. The BBC is slightly taller, however. So, distributor clearance isn't a big deal.

Several people ask about BBC swaps. Look though this forum for that topic for about the last month, a couple of guys have links in their replys that give all the details. I believe the best thing to say about accessories is to kiss AC goodbye.

As for cost, add it all up, then tack on an additional 50-100% for the unexpecteds/oops that these projects always contain. Time is another thing - imagine the absolute longest this would take (say a month of working on it every evening and weekend), then double it...