I can get a deal on a 454 soon and i want to put it in my 83 camaro. I've already looked at the other topics but still need help.
It looks like the only real difficulty is the length, im told a big block is 5 or 6 inches longer than a smallblock. Somone on the forum said it will fit in the same engine mounts. The lg4 I have right now is as far back as it will go but it looks like there would be plenty of room up front. If it really will go in the same mounts will it hit the firewall or will it fit into the space in the front. Also what manual transmission will go with a 454, I don't have any idea about the mounting and clearance of the transmission.

 

All the info you need (except for the manual trans part) is on my page at www.koolmeister.com. I did the swap 3+ years ago and love it.

Miles

 

Ok thanks, btw when i click on your link it tries to open the address with an extra "./" on the end and doesn't work.

 

The link in your signiture works.

It looks like it is a lot of work to fit in the headers even though they are made for the car, would it be any easier to use block hugger type headers?

 

On the subject of manual transmissions, the T-56 six speed and the Tremec TKO 5 speed are the only real choices. The T-56 can handle 450 ft-lbs of torque and the Tremec can take 550 ft-lbs if you get the TKO model.

QwikTrip has a complete Tremec TKO set up for sale complete and ready to go for a 454 in an F-body. Including the clutch flywheel, scatter shield, and whatever else was specific to that trans. New never run, just bolted in and taken out. You might look him up and see if he still has it and how much he wants.

 

Thanks but I wouldn't be interested in a new transmission. I wanted to use cheap used stuff because thats what the car is. I was hoping that there would be a way to put in the trans that comes with a 454, there are lots of 10 foot tall ******* trucks around here that have them. I guess an automatic would be the best for me if it is that much more compexity and money to fit in a manual.

 

The manual tranny's that come in those trucks you mention have 300lb cast iron monsters, no way they'd fit. If costs are a comcern in the swap stop now, there is now way do do it cheap and right. IIRC Miles has over $1300 invested in his exhaust alone.

 

just for info......i did my swap for $2500 CDN. That includes the motor refresh.

 

a manual trans may be more trouble than it is worth. A th 350 is arelative bolt in and will last for a while if you don't rag it to death. A th400 is a little more work, but will hold up for the long term. If you can do minor welding and fabrication a muncie M20 or M21 will go in without a lot of work. ed quay racecars makes a z bar for this setup if you can't find one

 

Hey Qwik Trip if you are reading this give me an E-Mail and let me know what youd take for the Tremec TKO. I don't thik I have enough $ right now but in a couple months I may depending on the price. That is if you still have it and want to get rid of it.

 

jason if the deal falls through and you don't get it let me know, i might want it. we have to be fairly close to each other, thanks

ede@nethirdgen.org

 

82Trans Man, you have mail.

Jason,

Not to be a dork but putting a big block in your car and building with cheap parts are counter productive. A big block will tear a car apart done with a cheap build. If you want a stick shift, the Tremec TKO is the easiest swap. If you want an auto a TH400 is highly recommended. A TH350 will work for a while, but not be nearly as reliable as the TH400.

Trucks use heavy duty stick shifts with granny low speeds and terrible gear patterns. Speed shifting is not an option. The autos trannys are either TH400 or 4L80E which is basically an electric overdrive TH400.

 

I would go with the Muncie or th400 if I did the swap. Go with something proven over years of use with BBC's.