Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

When I bought my '87 SWB, it had already been slammed and sits perfectly as far as I'm concerned. I've found and purchased a 454 for it from a '76 3/4 ton p/u. I'm in the process of preparing the engine for a transplant next month.

Here's how it looked when I bought it in 2007
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/87pickup1.jpg

The front has 2 1/2 drop spindles and shorter springs to obtain the current stance. Roughly 3" from lower control arms to the pavement. Rubs on some speed bumps, but that's ok. Once I drop the BBC in it, it's gonna sink even more.

What I need to do it get it up enough to offset the weight difference without changing the stance too much.

Re-Install stock spindles?
Change out springs for Heavier duty springs?

Any thoughts?

Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Once you have the BBC installed it will probably be trial and error with springs to get the stance you want. I believe BBC trucks came with the HD springs you see advertised in parts catalogues, you will need a stiffer spring to prevent bottoming out with the extra weight. I would leave the drop spindles on, since that gives you a static drop and work with the springs.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

I Did The Same Swap On My 83, I Instaled Air Helper Springs With A Load Controller From Summit. It Worked Good............ I'LL GET SOME PICS OF IT THIS EVENING IF YOU WANT

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

It WILL come down when you drop the BBC in. If you like it like it sits now, I would put the stock ones back in and see how it sits, if its too high, cut them a little at a time until they site like you want them.

How much drop is the springs?

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

It will come down alittle,like captkaos said put stock spring in and then cut coils until you get the height you want, or rock it without inner fender wells, and roll it LOW...

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

It made no difference on my truck nothing noticeable at least.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Slug... I'd love to see some pics. Thanks!

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Capt....I have the stock springs from the guy I bought the truck from. I believe ones in there now are 2"-4" shorter than stock. I'm not sure. You don't think the HD springs would be needed? If so, where could I buy them and how would I order (surburban, 4x4, etc...).

Thanks for all the advise.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

the weight of a big block is only like 150-200# heavier than a small block. just get one of your buddys to stand on the front bumper and you should have your aproximate ride height.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

It will probably drop about an 1", depending on what accessories you are using. If you have the stock springs, just use them, it isn't THAT much of a difference.
I don't know what your current stance is like, but I would seriously doubt you have a 4" drop spring in there, I would say 2.5 is the most that is sold. If it is 4" someone cut them.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Mine dropped about an inch when the big block went in. It has 3" drop spindle and 28" tall tires. Occasionally the top of the tire will rub the fender well. Usually it is when the springs are compressed some and then hit a bump. Feels like somebody tapped the brakes. I will be putting in new springs this summer.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Wow you guys must have some seroiusly weak springs if it droped that much. My truck has no noticeable difference at all.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

I just got in, was next door talking with my neighbor who is a 10.5 racer. He said the same as you guys.. I appreciate all the input. I'm pretty excited. Getting the heads rebuilt this weekend in Louisville. World of Wheels is in town too I believe. Gonna stab the cam in it and start putting it back together next week and get the truck ready for it. After I get the motor back in, I'll see where everything stands and then make some decisions. I do like the Firestone product though. :metal:

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

I thought I'd add these pics at this point to document the build and process of putting the 454 in. For most of you BBC guys, it's a been there done that kinda thing.

__________________________
After several months of looking in the area for a 454 to put into my 87 SWB this spring, I found this truck in a barn. It's a '76 3/4 ton truck.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0220.JPG
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0228.JPG
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0223.JPG
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0238.JPG
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0245.JPG
I picked this little combo up for $700. Motor and tranny. The rest of the truck is being parted out by someone else. The motor is bone stock, we actually drove it in the garage. Rebuilt in the last 5 years. Motor has a casting of 361959. The Heads have a casting of 336781. I don't want to do anything radical to this set, but I would like to waken it up a bit. Bigger cam, new intake, carb, etc.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Continuation....

I tore down the 454 to get it ready for the rebuild. Atleast the top end anyways, assuming rotating assy is ok. Block is virgin 2 bolt. Here's a few pics.

Before pressure washing
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/dirtymotor.jpg

After
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/cleanmotor.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/block.jpg

781 Heads.. going to Louisville on Friday for 4 angle and new 2.190s/1.880s and all the trimmings. (Brother is a machinist) - Cuts down on labor costs :metal:
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/heads.jpg

And to top it off Friday, some of my parts started to "flow" in.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/parts.jpg
7561 RPM Air-Gap Intake
1407 CARB
Comp Cams XE274H-10 552/286
Comp Cams Timing Set

Lots of work to do before spring... Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Continuation 2/24/08 ...

I drove to Louisville, Ky Friday with my 781 heads from the 454 I'm building for the '87 lowrider.

Here's what they looked like when I removed them from the block last week.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/dirtyhead.jpg

My wife and I dropped them off at my brothers shop so he could get them in the washer, cleaned up and ready to start the machine work on Saturday morning. We left his shop 30 minutes later heading down I65 to his house and I lost power in my '86 Jimmy. Had to tow it back to his shop. Saturday morning, I started working on it while he started working on the heads. The problem was in the pickup stator in the distributor. So, I rebuilt the distributor and fired it up.

Later in the day, he got the heads finished. Here are the old valves and new ones:
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/valves.jpg

He opened up those stock heads with 2.190/1.880 valves
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/hardatwork.jpg

Here's the finished product, ready for paint and installation:
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/headready.jpg

Got them back home last night. Started prepping the lower end tonight. Hope to have it running in a few weeks.

Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Continued 3/02/08...

I had planned to get the engine completely put together but I hit a snag with the Timing Set. I think it's the wrong one. Chain was too short and 1 of the 3 cam bolts wouldn't line up once installed. I did get the engine painted though. I installed the heads, cam and oil pan. Set the intake, carb and timing cover on for the picture.

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/454a.jpg

Coming together slowly. wanna have it running in 2 weeks.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/454b.jpg

I still need to buy my ignition system next week, get a new timing set tomorrow and finishing buttoning her up. It's going in the '87 below.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Timing set problem was nothing. Buddy came over and fixed in about 5 minutes.

I got some more parts in on Friday.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/moreparts.jpg

New Oil Pump, Headers, Mufflers, gaskets, MSD Pro Billet Dist, MSD HVC Coil, 8MM wire set, looms, MSD Digital 6 Ignition Box, Alum Water Pump and 454 Emblems for the fenders.

I'm thinking of putting them just above the front side marker lights.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Here are few pics of the engine going into the Lowrider. I've got polished valve covers from ProForm coming. I've also got Ride Rite bags for the front springs if I need them and new wheel wells to put in the truck this week before the engine drop.

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0493.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0494.jpg
Engine on the left is the original 350 out of the lowrider that's going into the camaro below later this spring. In the background is my '57 SWB Stepside that will be next to get some attention.

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0491.jpg

The weather is supposed to break this week in KY so the engine goes in next weekend if Mother nature cooperates.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

those 781 heads are one of the best oval port heads GM made back then --- later on if you want to "pump up the volume" a little bit, they can support about 550 hp's or more with just some pocket porting.

You really scored there, as i didnt think the 781's were even a truck head

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Thanks.

I hope just by putting bigger valves in them, it'll waken them up a little. With the cam, intake, carb and ignition I've chosen it should make a decent bit of HP and torque.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Here are a few pics of the truck late last fall

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/lowrider1.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/Lowrider2.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/Lowrider3.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/Lowrider4.jpg

This is the weekend for the BBC transplant
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/DSC_0496w.jpg

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

The motor is finally in!!! Pics to follow.. what a day!

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

What a weekend!!

Got the new wheel wells put in. Fit like a glove (LMC)
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/520.jpg

Still got wiring to clean up, install ignition, fuel and cooling systems. Hoping to get her running for next weekend's trip to Gatlinburg, TN.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/522.jpg

No noticable difference in ride height from the small block to big block. Of course, I did lighten up the engine by about 100 pounds though with aluminum parts. With the new wheel wells put back in, they are very close to the tops of the tires. I purchased the Firestone Spring helpers for the front. I'm going to install the stock springs back in it first and check ride height before I install the spring helper bags.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Been a pretty busy last couple weeks. Got my accessory brackets in and installed. Primed the motor, exhaust installed. Still need to mount ignition box, maybe in Glove Box, cleaning up wiring, install radiator and fire it up.

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/846.jpg

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Just about ready for the road.

Installed Electic fan from previous thread... adapted it to the factory shroud. Works great.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/881.jpg

http://www.a2zcs.com/files/887.jpg

A few more steps before she's road worthy, and then, off to the paint booth for Hot Rod Black.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Good job man looks awesome congrats!!! upload a video to listen that
monster

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Thanks - Going to the muffler shop this week, afterwards, I'll post a video of the engine running.

Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Nice work, can't wait to see the video!

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

that is turning out real good.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Finally,

After much anticipation, I got the lowrider out for her maiden voyage! (Just around the block) :metal:

Motor sounds great... still need exhaust though but, gosh, what a strong sounding motor to be just over stock. The Comp Cams XE cam is really thumpin'.

I believe the rockers are a bit too tight cause I've got a wicked squeal. I backed them off a 1/4 turn to get the oil flowing and help the squeal but I think I need to go a little bit further. Gonna do that tomorrow and pull it in my neighbors garage for sanding and RAT ROD Black paint.

I'll post a vid of the motor running when I get the bugs worked out. Can't wait to get her out to a cruiz-in. /Ken

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Here's a short little vid of the engine running.


Here's the engine after I installed new accessories on it:
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/972.jpg

Here's the dash after I installed the new cluster
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/995.jpg


Ken

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

I can't seem to keep the engine cool. I have the original BBC radiator in the truck. I put a 165 degree thermostat in to keep the engine a bit cooler than 200 - 205 degrees when cruizing around. Today, I noticed a leak coming from the radiator in the area of a seam.

I'm thinking of replacing the radiator with one of those "Be Cool" kits with the fans already included. They advertise about 40 degree drop in temp over stock.

Their specs also say the radiator is a "Dual Core" radiator... I thought BBC's all were kept cooler with 4 core radiators... did something change?

Anyone have any thoughs on 'em??

Thanks!


Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

The BeCools are much bettehr than the factory 4 core. More cores do not necessarily mean better cooling. Also I wouls look at that electric fan -I'm a firm beleiver that you need an honest 4000+ cfm outfit to 'em down.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Be Cool uses Aluminum radiators, their I believe is 1" aluminum cores which are more efficient than the traditional 4 core. My only thoughts are they are expensive.

I just picked up a Proliance 2 row aluminum for my 87 that went bad. I got it a lot larger since it is going to receive the 6.0L transplant. It required mods to the brackets to make it fit which I plan to make some new ones later, and the factory shroud won't fit, but I plan to order a Flex-a-lite or Perma-Cool electric setup for it. It was $170 locally. It is aluminum with plastic tanks.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Are you dryin' out down there yet?

Today, I ordered the BeCool 62013. It's a dual row aluminum one. No fans yet since I have that big honkin' electric fan on there already... I may have to order the fan kit for it cause I don't know if it pulls the over 4000 cfm mentioned earlier or get that Flex-a-lite or Perma-Cool setup myself. That's a bunch cheaper than the BeCool fan setup.

Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

Hahahaha. Not yet. It pretty much has been raining CONSTANTLY since Friday of last week. I really wish it would stop.

I am either going to buy one of those listed, or build my own. If I can make them easy enough so they bolt in, I may start selling them.

I don't have any feedback on the Perma-Cools, but they mount in the factory holes, which I like, and they move 5900cfm..

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

We came through bham Friday on the way to pensacola... we're down here for the weekend enjoying the beach and the holiday off!

Here's a pic from my iphone
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/pbch.jpg

When I get back next week, the radiator is waiting for me. The truck is at the shop with a newly rebuilt TH400 in it.
http://www.a2zcs.com/files/th400ds.jpg
I'll pick it up when I get back and put the radiator in and try my fan... if it doesn't cool well enough, I'll get one of those perma-cools or maybe the overpriced be-cool fan kit. I don't think it pulls more than 2500cfm though.

Kenny

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

And you didn't drop by? :( Look pretty calm from the pic.

The Flex-a-lite is 4900 cfm' and variable speed.

Re: Prepping for a BBC conversion
 

New guy here but before you spend all that money on an expensive fan...get a fan out of a 3.8 liter ford taurus. It has to be out of a 3.8 tho. Hook it up to the high side only and you won't have any cooling issues.