Right then. I've done a search on this topic to avoid any multiple posts, but not really found what I'm looking for. Basically, in the near-ish future I want to put a new engine in my car. LG4 getting a bit old, and a bit boring.

One possibility is a big block. I just love the noise it makes, and the beast torque it comes with (thinking back to my 472 caddy)

I just have a few simple questions about it:

1. Thinking of ripping a stock BBC out and wedging it in, what are the space limitations/will I need to move anything around?
2. Does it have to be Chevy? Over here I can probably get hold of a Big Block Caddy engine easier + cheaper
3. Will it mate to the original auto gearbox in my car, a 1985 Z28 LG4
4. Is it a "straight swap" as in, engine mounts etc

Think that's it...it'll do for now.

Si

 

You'll have more luck putting in the BBC instead of the Caddy engine (those things are massive) The most problems I've been reading about the BBC is the exhaust and the possibility of the valve cover hitting the wiper motor. I don't know about the bell housing bolt pattern for the Caddy but I would think it would be different than a BBC. One of these days I'm going to drop in a BBC, just need to come up with 5,000 dollars to build the thing hehe, going to buy a 454 block within the next couple of weeks.

 

well i'd definatly stay away from the caddy engine. There's only one company out there that makes parts for those things....and the prices are astounding.

A big block chevy on the other hand has thousands of companies making parts for them, and they're much cheaper. plus....i do believe that the caddy engines require a different bellhousing pattern, and you'd have to shell out about $80 for a "universal adapter kit" just to get the thing bolted into the engine bay.

A bbc should fit right in....its just going to be tight. i'd say you'd definatly have to go with one of those big cowl hoods.

 

The BBC swap will be the cheapest and easiest. It's a relatively straight forward drop in except for figuring out the exhaust. The easiest is factory cast iron manifolds however they don't offer much for performance.

Caddy engines share the same bellhousing bolt pattern as Olds, Buick and Pontiac engines so you'll have to find a new tranny (gearbox) to use. BBC and SBC have their own pattern.

http://www.cad500parts.com/ CadCompany has everything you need for performance Caddy parts. Why stop at a 472? The 500 is identical except has a longer stroke.

There are a few weak links in a caddy engine. Although they have huge displacements, the heads don't flow enough for good performance. The factory shaft mounted rockers don't like going above 5000 rpm. The factory intake puts the carb below the inlet ports in the heads. Upgrade all the top end stuff and the engine becomes a real powerhouse.

Nothing builds power like displacement. When you figure most engines are capable of producing 1 HP per CID on pump gas a SBC 350 will only make 350 HP while a 500 Caddy will do 500HP with nothing more than displacement.

 

All the BBC swap info you need is on my page at www.koolmeister.com

Let me know if you have any questions,

Miles

 

Wow thanks you guys. I'm not afraid of hard work, but I think I'll stick to the Chevy BB.

I'm not too power hungry either, so the car won't be wheezing under my right foot. Would the stock tranny be strong enough to handle, say, a stock 454 or eq?

Also, and I'm sorry to be naive here, but is there any degree of re-mounting the BB, or does it literally bolt in the same place with a few issues of space? To be honest, I've never even seen a Big Block engine. Apart from in a bloody great caddy engine bay.

I guess the question on my lips is, which BBC engine will be the "easiest" to fit, without being so underpowered (or un-modify-able) that it defeats the object?

I've read about people who have had to modify their cross-members and firewalls...I'm good with the socket set but that sort of thing scares me a little.

Due to the emmence fuel consumption, and the rarity of the cars they come from over here, running engines can be picked up for around 2-400 pounds sterling, about $3-600US. You see why i'd like to do it now?!

A friend in need is a pain in the @$$....i know!

Si

 

SI,

Just one question that may start some more...

Is your car right-hand drive?

If that's the case, finding an exhaust to fit past the steering shaft could be "challenging". You'll have a few other issues as well.

If you are right-drive, it would be interesting to see some underhood photos.

As for the donor, look for some medium duty truck (lorrie) engines that may be floating around the continent or perhaps in the isles. Just don't forget the front springs.

A 454 in a ThirdGen? You just want to ruin the stigma of those Aston drivers, don't you?

 

And ruin a perfectly good Camaro? Never!

So like, a Chevy Stepside or similar would do the trick? And when you say "don't forget the front springs" can I use them off the truck too, or are you talking some aftermarket heavy duty b@$t@rds?

Damn Right.

 

The outside dimensions of the later year BB are the same, i.e.
396, 402, 427, 454. So get the biggest internal displacement you can find!
I've seen the 3rd gen Camaro that Chevrolet built as a show vehicle. It's a tight fit but the engine does go in and it looked great. Cheers.