Big Block swap

Hello everyone, This is my first post just registered. I have some question's on swapping from sbc to bbc. I'm building a mild 454 for my 72, I know I need to change motor mounts and frame stands, what other things do I need to do for a successful switch. The car came with factory AC, will the factory AC box work with a BB, core support are they the same for a big block, what headers fit best with PS. I have a complete Hotchkis TVS kit with BB front springs. Any input will be a big help. Thanks Jeff

that AC box will make for a very tight fit. if you don't plan on hooking up the AC, there is a company that makes an AC delete box that will let you keep your heater and core working. I see them advertised in mags and on Ebay all the time. core support will be fine but if you use a BB shroud you will have to drill some extra holes in the top. Headers? can't help ya there.

Its a very easy swap.

I did a conversion years ago on a 69 and have since sold the car.
I used the SBC A/C box, hoses, everything except the brackets to mount the compressor. It is a very tight fit. I got stuck running stock short valve covers and trimming the upper compressor mount for ease of removing the driver side valve cover (solid cam). I just bought Hooker headers but would not know the part number. They had the same ground clearance as the blow plate on the scatter shield. I used the stock radiator and radiator support with a short water pump and all stamped GM pulleys. I had serious hood clearance issues with a drop base and 3" air cleaner. I just built an 8" cowl hood.
The detriment to this story is I was never sure if I had the right frame mounts in the car. I bought NOS motor "frame" mounts but the motor sure seemed high and back too far. It all worked okay but the hood clearance baffled me. Also, my car had manual steering.




http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/NitroRat/ac3.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n260/NitroRat/ac1.jpg

Did you have cooling issues with that setup?
M

I never had any issues other than on real hot days, it would try to vaporlock but it still wasn't at 200. It was a 402 with 11.25:1.