installing big block in 57 210

[streetrods07]

can some one tell what is involved with installing big block in my 57.i am changing my breake system but want to keep stock power steering.buying motor mounts to move engine forward 3-4 of an inch.dont know about headers and other problems i might have.motor is a 454 vortect is now a carb.it is a 96 and up motor if that helps. i also have a 350 with 350 turbo if that is easier i am sure it it should be. can any one out there help me out.

[567chevys]

Hi Here is a video of installing a big block chevy into a 57 chevy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr2hj8MqXvE

[567chevys]

I will try to come up with a step by step instructions

[eldon454]

got 14 to 16 mpg with my small block. now with 454 and some modifications i am lucky to get 10!

[Rick_L]

The stock power steering and a BBC will be tricky. You will have to have a custom fabricated oil pan. Even then, it may be tricky to make the power steering cylinder clear the oil pan.

Consider a CPP500 power steering box instead.

[chevynut]

This swap has been done tens of thousands of times over the past several decades. I did it in 1972 with a 427 in a 55 sedan. If you don't have a problem with modifying your firewall, I'd leave the engine in the stock position. Even 3/4" forward will require some modifications. A firewall set back 4" all the way across the engine will clear it fine. That will help with the steering issues and clearance in front of the engine. If ou don't want to touch your firewall, you will need to move the engine forward 1.25"-1.5".

The BBC is about 2" longer forward of the mounts than a SBC...the mounts are in the same place relative to the back of the block. You will need to deal with the exhaust, and all your accessories. I'veread that cast iron manifolds won't work with a steering box (never tried it myself), so headers are required. There are several headers available on the market. The radiator will have to be moved to the 6-cylinder position in front of the support, but that's easy to do.


The good news is your current transmission should bolt right up, and if you don't move the engine forward even your driveshaft should work. Depending on how much torque your BBC makes, you will want to address the rest of the driveline or you'll be breaking parts. .

I currently have a Ramjet 502 in my car, and I expect to hit high teens MPG on the highway, if not 20. I have a .5 overdrive in 6th gear so even with a 4.10 rear it will be like a muncie with a 2.05 rearend.

[markm]

I could have done it with 1.5 foward however the CCI kit bolt in 2 1/4 foward kit fit so nice I am glad I bought it. I can easilily rempve VC to adjust solid lifters. Do not listen to the clowns on the other site who say you can do it with 3/4, because it wont work.

[markm]

Quick question Cnut who makes 1.5 foward.

[chevynut]

Mark, I don't think anyone makes 1.5" forward, but I think TCI makes 1 1/4" forward mounts. Surely 2.25" forward will work, but it's more than needed, and causes or exacerbates other problems. Do you have any problems in front with accessories?

[markm]

Being a long time Camaro guy I used 67 Camaro SWP power steering components with no issues. A clockable base mech Edelbrock fuel pump cleared. One issue was the tight fit on lower radiator hose which was solved by splicing a 67 Camaro lower hose. I am not sure big back an inch would have helped, I blamed Portel Rad. for that one. The one no one ever talks about is how tight my rear carb on the tunnel ram is to firewall, I barely have enough room for it and a small breather. I could not use LWP stuff.