Installing a BB 427 into my 57

[Pappy]

Has anyone used the bb kit from classic Chevy that moves the engine forward about 2 1/2"? I am looking to install some headers that would clear the frame and a CCI power steering box I have installed. This is a complete off the frame restoration I am doing. Any advise would be appreciated.

[chevynut]

2 1/2" is about 1" further forward than you need to go but I don't know what kind of problems it causes, if any. I thought CCI had headers that worked with that kit. Things get a little tight with a BBC but it's been done thousands of times.....I did it back in 1972.

[Rick_L]

2-1/2" forward gives you serious interference between the center steering link and the oil pan, plus it really crowds the front of the engine into the radiator area.

The setup preferred by many is to mount the engine 3/4" forward. This still requires an oil pan with a notch for the steering and some minor hammer work on the firewall.

[markm]

I used CCI 2.25 forward mounts on my 55 396 5 speed with 500 PS and they worked great. Yes you do need a notched oil pan but that is not a big deal I have 3 of them on the shelf. I can easily get my aluminum valve covers off. My car came with 3/4 forward and I did not use them as they required a BFH. I can see that 1.5 will work for some but I also need room up high for rear bowl clearance as I run dual fours on a tunnel ram. But I know of no known manufacture of said 1.5 forward mounts. Unless they have chnged the CCI mounts are 2.25 forward not 2.50.

[chevynut]

2-1/2" forward gives you serious interference between the center steering link and the oil pan, plus it really crowds the front of the engine into the radiator area.

I agree, it does give good clearance at the rear of the engine, but wastes space there. 1.5" puts the back of the valve cover about even with the face of the firewall. I think it's the best compromise position for a BBC. If a guy is going to replace the firewall with an aftermarket one, you really don't even need to move the engine forward, or 3/4" would be fine if you want more room. They used to make a dropped drag link for BBC installs.

[otis]

I put a 572 Big Block in my 57, was always dealing with the radiator , trying to make the fan not hit the motor.

[markm]

I put a 572 Big Block in my 57, was always dealing with the radiator , trying to make the fan not hit the motor.

Have not had that issue, I run a SWP with 67 Camaro 396 pulleys and brackets.

[otis]

When you move the bbc forward you will have very very little space for radiator fan and radiator mounts.

[chevynut]

A BBC is only about 2" longer than a SBC and the engine mounts are in the same location relative to the bellhousing mount face. I put one ('67 390 HP 427) in a 55 Chevy back in around 1972 and never had huge problems with the radiator or anything else. Even the headers fit. As I recall I used the stock radiator, but honestly I don't remember. I'm sure I used a mechanical fan.

[markm]

Had to been a 6 cylinder car and a 67 427 would be SWP and use the same brackets and pulleys I used. Where did the person asking the questions go?