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.
Installing a BB 427 into my 57
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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 1972.56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
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1962 327/340HP Corvette
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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.Comment
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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.Last edited by markm; 01-31-2024, 07:19 AM.Comment
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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.56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali DuramaxComment
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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.56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali DuramaxComment
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