Hi everybody!

I'm new to this board and I'm hoping you all can help me with a project I'm working on.

I bought an '86 GTA from a friend after he blew the motor and I'm considering putting a big block in it. I would normally just put another SB in, but I happen to have a big block that came out of another project.

Does anyone know of any resources where I can find out more about this? I know I need headers and stuff like that, but I'm more curious about firewall clearance and brake master cyl. fitting over tall valve covers, etc.

Any help would be appreciated!!!

Don

 

It's all on my page. I did it about 2 years ago. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Miles

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88 427 Camaro
12.18 @ 113mph 1.75 60ft
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Track/5604/

 

You finally beat me too it. I never checked the forums in the morning.

My big block project is underway however there's a lot of things I don't have to worry about since it's going into a total race car. Valve cover clearance from the wiper motor and heater aren't going to be a problem for me. Miles's page is very complete on how to do it.

Other than a few minor modifications, it's a direct bolt-in into a street car.



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Stephen's racing page

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car and knocking on the SuperPro ET class
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
LS6 Big Block buildup now in progress

Best results before the engine blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857
Best corrected ET: 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87
Best corrected MPH: 126.10
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!

Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

 

Normally I don't get up that early especially on a Monday.

Any pics of bbc project yet? I am picking up my car from the painter tonight. Should have some pics tomorrow.

Miles

 

The block is still at the machine shop. The balancing wasn't done yet last weekend.

I never considered doing a pictorial of the installation. Just what the final engine will look like before it's dropped in. I don't have a digital cam yet so pics would have to wait until the entire roll of film is done or the engine is finished. Whatever comes first. But I suppose I could take pictures. Of what though? The engine buildup or just how to install it in the car? Don't forget, this isn't a street car so my installation won't be the same as everyone elses.

 

I see you live in Santa Barbara. If you put a big block in it, and want to drive it on the street, you'll have to swap your small block back in every two years to get past the smog *****.

 

Sorry I haven't replied, I've been out of town.

Thanks everybody for your input on this. It will certainly come in handy.

As for smog, I'm not concerned about getting the car to pass. I have a couple of friends that owe me favors.

Don

 

Miles and Steve,

Which Trannys are you using in your BB 3rd gen cars and will the 1LE driveshaft work with a stout 10 Bolt rear or is a 'custom' DS required?

I'd like to some more motor shots of both your cars!!

Thanks!

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Phil87IROC
Blue '87 IROC, 383 Crate Motor, KB pistons, AFR 190s, TPIS ZZ-9, Edelbrock RPM intake, TES and Edelbrock 750 cfm Carb (#1411), stock T-5, 3.42 rear GM gears w/Auburn posi.
Ohio Valley Dragstrip Trophy Bracket WINNER - 8.39 ET on a 1.82 sec. - 60'. Best MPH = 84.44. Still Tuning Carb!
Red '89 IROC L98, 700R4, T-Tops, K&Ns w/open air boxes, 160 T-stat, Hyper Chip, gutted MAF, 53kv coil, MSD wires.

[This message has been edited by Phil87IROC (edited November 03, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Phil87IROC (edited November 03, 2000).]

 

The tranny position doesn't change when installing a big block. I'd like to modify the firewall and push everything back about 6 inches myself. Miles has a TH400 and I use a TH350 long tailshaft tranny with a stock 700R4 driveshaft. If the 1LE driveshaft is the same length which I believe it is, then I could use it. The yoke on the driveshaft would have to be changed to use the TH400 u-joint.

Miles's pics are/were in a street car. Since that's what most people will have, his picks are what you need to look at. I'll take as many pics of my installation into a race car as I can. I have "lots" of room in the engine compartment to play with.