Big Block swap questions

[273]

I'm thinking of abandoning my built 273 idea in favor for a 451-470 swap since with aluminum intake and heads will bring the weight down to stock 273 weight. So the question, is the exhaust the only main obstacle in the swap? the headers I plan to build myself since ground clearance is important to me cause I'm autocrossing my 65 Cuda, I'm assuming fender wall header would interfere with wide tires and turning radius?

 

[az426hemi]

Obviously you will have to also upgrade your chassis and brake systems also. If you are going to make your own headers I would look at the pro-parts design with a couple of tubes over and 2 under the chassis rails on the drivers side. This should improve the header clearance problems.

I have a set of modified pro parts headers from Pishta that I will be using om my 64 dart 383 4 speed project. I got the car back from getting the rear springs moved in and the sub frame connectors installed last weekend.

The weather here in AZ has just broken from the summer heat and wrenching weather is here for the next 8 months or so. I will be starting to do my initial mockups tomorrow. I am starting with the rear end first. I have already upgraded and rebuilt the front suspension and disc brakes.

I will be starting on the rear end first then move up to the engine. I am probably going to start with hipo manifolds to get the car back on line for testing sooner. Then I will upgrade to the pro parts headers.


Good luck,
Mike

 

[273]

I was thinking of a tri-y headers, I'm looking for 500hp-500tq but think tri's could handle it.

 

[az426hemi]

It is going to be sweet.

I am going to the garage now to start on mine. Thanks for the motivation. Tonight is my Friday night.

Mike

 

[terryr]

they dont make a tri y for a b\rb to my knowledge,put your money into a small block,from what i can see now the list is endless as what you can do with one

just my opinion ,im sure there are people that may disagree ,my b block demon was a hell of alot of fun and flew (11.2)but i still would rather drive my little valiant

good luck with whatever you doo

 

[68dodge]

I run the Shumacher Tri-Y headers with a 500 HP 440 in my Scamp.. They are a real nice header. So far I have run 11.75s with them. Not sure how they will fit on your car.

 

[273]

I was gonna make my own headers, I figured Tri-Y's cause there isn't much room plus I want lots of ground clearance, front end gonna sit 4-5" off the ground.

 

[Darter6]

Shumacher Tri Y's with a 451 "B" engine. 11.90@110 mph, 3600 lbs "B" body, full interior and street driven.Aluminum Edelbrock heads,intake,water pump and housing,pump gas. One of the best engines I ever had. I like your ideas. Nothing wrong with Tri Y's. I like that you are willing to build your own headers. I vote that you take the challange.

 

[273]

So beside custom headers and custom engine mounts, it's a bolt in affair ?

 

[az426hemi]

I have Schumacher motor mounts. Makes physically bolting in a big block a bolt in affair. I am going to get my car running using hipo manifolds first, then I will upgrade to headers. I don't want the header project to delay getting the car running.

Andy F, who has written many Mopar articles, has a 466 big block that he has dyno'd at 550 hp with manifolds. So I figure that I will add headers to my upgrade list.

I hope to get it running using as many parts that I have on hand first, then upgrade as I get the money. I am sure that it is going to be a killer ride!!

I can't wait to have it running!!
Mike

 

[273]

I read that article I thought about just going with manifolds since I only want 500hp-500tq but you have to build a 550hp engine to get 500hp with manifolds plus extra weight which will hurts handling, but it's good temp solution for your project, gonna keep an eye on your progress good luck, P.S. we had a killer hot summer up here couldn't even imagine how hot you had it no wonder you waited for cooler weather.

 

[Ohio Joe]

lots of work but can be done