surfolly

I'm considering putting a big block in my 1980 Corvette with a rebuilt 3.70 rear and automatic transmission. Does anyone have any experience with this type of swap? I'm looking for information on working with brackets and fit for the alternator, power steering pump, starter and power brakes. I'm leaving out the A/C for now. Also looking for information on big block headers and fit (I know Heddman makes them), and aftermarket aluminum intake with the stock '80 hood. I realize I may have to modify the hood, but would like to avoid that if possible. A tough job, but this would be a neat project once (if) completed. Thanks!

AGVI

Welcome to the Forum! If you do this swap, I would be VERY interested in the results.

I wonder what tranny and rear would be best for an '80 with a big block.

Personally, I can't make up my mind as to what I want to do to my '80. BIG or small block???

Anyway, good luck! :thumbs:


[Modified by AGVI, 9:12 PM 9/4/2003]

The Money Pit

I put in a big smallblock.Don't have to worry about brackets,pulleys,exhaust fit if you keep the stock stuff. I shot myself in the foot by going aftermarket on some of the parts.
I'm now trying to figure out how to keep the 500hp from blowing the transmission for the second time. :banghead:

Glensgages

surfolly, if you can get a complete BBC (pulleys, brackets, etc.), probably not 'too' difficult. Try finding an Impala/full-size (maybe a wagon?) to get all you need, including a tranny (THM400 preffered).
I think yer screwed as far as using the '80 hood, though. A buddy had a '77; his hood & mine weren't CLOSE to being alike, for height-clearences. Even the 'lowest' after-market intake might not clear. Maybe get a 'cheap' after-market hood?
If yer gonna build REAL power, and 'use it' at the Stop-light Nationals or 'Oh-Dark-Thirty Speedway' with sticky tires, the rear might not survive. The general built the '80-'82 rears to handle 230 NHP, not 400+
Should be an 'interesting' Shark.....
:thumbs:

Tom73

A basic bolt in operation. But will need a HD radiator and big block shroud to handle the cooling. Accessory brackets from a BB vette. Stronger front springs to handle the added weight. Approprate adjustments to the rear suspension to handle the changes to the front suspension and weight bias change. A low rise intake may clear your hood, not sure, earlier BB Vettes used a low rise. And last but not least, what emission inspections are you subject to? An 80 was never certified for a big block so in the eyes of the EPA it is an illegal swap.

tom...

Red69

The brackets for 69-71's with BB should work... I would try using most of those parts because the're is not too much difference in the engin compartment designs. :flag

BSeery

THe 1980 hood has more clearance than some people think. I think you should be able to get an aluminum intake under that hood unless you go with a high rise or an air gap.
All the stock brackets and pullies from the early C3's with BB's should work fine in a 1980.
As far as headers, check out http://www.sandersonheaders.com - they make some nice stuff, and you can even get some cast ones that will keep much of that heat in. With a BB, regular headers can get pretty close to other items in the engine compartment and make it pretty crispy.

Jughead

The pulley's are a killer though. The 3 groove water pump pulley is well over $300 and climbing.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=635472


[Modified by 1970 Stingray, 4:58 AM 9/5/2003]

shawn_cake

I put a ZZ502 in my 1980 - then took it out - added a stroker crank for 532 cid. The main problem is underhood heat with header equipped big blocks in C3's. I finally got a 5 core Griffin Black Ice rad with dual electric cooling fans.

You'll have to upgrade the front springs, shocks and sway bar for the increased weight of the big block. Suggest you try the Vette Bakes website or the Guldstrand website for suspension suggestions.

Look at my web in my sig for engine pixs. http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c3/scake/index.shtml


:thumbs: :steering: :thumbs:



[Modified by shawn_cake, 9:30 AM 9/7/2003]

MotorHead

You want big power slap a 406 roller motor in :D

rrent

I'm getting ready to drop a bb in my '77 -- I've been using the following to gather brackets -- I have a spare number 2 if you get to where you need one



I just started up loading pics to cardomain - so hope you aren't looking at the white box little red X.

I didn't know this swap took a special/different crank pulley -- what is the difference?

Cole Neadow

I put a 454 in my 80 convertible, it went in very well, you will have to purchase the pulleys and brackets, water pump and PS pump. I also had my rad recored to a four core, I had no heat problems. My hood shut with no problems, I even used the breather from my original L48. I bought all my pulleys, and brackets from Paragon, the pumps I bought from a local parts store, I tried to find all these parts used but it was not possible. The only brackets I had to make was for the AC so the short compressor would fit and even that went pretty good. I did not do any thing to my suspension and my car lowered less than 1/4 inch with the 454 ( I was informed an AC car has heavy enough springs??) and did handle better than before. This swap cost a fair amount and takes a bit of time but I think it was well worth it. as was mentioned the worst hit is the triple groove water pump pulley. ( I was at a car show on the weekend and seen a chevy pickup with a factory big block and the pulley looked the same, maybe one could be found cheaper for that application ??)I had to buy everthing with Canadian money which made it worst.
Good Luck
Cole