i would like to put a 502 in my 350 69 convertible. what is different on the small/large block that i will need to change?
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Re: engine swap
I believe you will be better served by folks on the Vette net or Corvette forum. This board tends to limit itself to the restoration of Corvettes to the factory production standards. -
Re: engine swap
Jimmy-----
The engine, itself, will bolt in with no modifications and using the same style motor mounts. You will need to change radiator, radiator support, fan shroud, and pulley system. You will also need all new engine bracketry since none of the small block pieces will work with a big block. Of course, you'll need new exhaust manifolds. The small block bellhousing and clutch will work, but you'll need to change the flywheel since 502s are externally balanced and all 69 engines, big block and small block, were internally balanced.
Also, you will require a new hood. The small block hood will not fit with a big block under it. If you use the 68-72 big block hood, then you can only use 68-72 factory intake manifolds or the Edelbrock Torker II, single plane aftermarket manifold. No others will fit under a 68-72 big block hood. The 68-69 L-88 hood will accomodate many more high rise type manifolds.
502s have no provisions for a mechanical fuel pump, so you will have to use electric. Also, some 502s do not have provisions for a clutch cross shaft used for Corvette applications. I think that an adapter plate is available, though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Thermal considerations....
may be a factor too. A local fella 'souped up' his '85 about 7-years ago by putting a 502 crate motor he'd had printed under the hood. He stumbled across MANY problems along the way including having to tool a custom kevelar hood to gain adequate clearance. Finally, the project was complete and he jumped in the car in one fine summer day for his debut cruise to Spearfish. Think the count was something like 628 elapsed miles from Denver when the panic call came in. He COMPLETELY MELTED his engine wiring harness!!!!!!!!!
Bottom line, those old boyos who designed the engine compartment KNEW the BTU generating silhouette of the factory stock power plants they intended to offer and it IS possible to cross the 'hairy line' of design safety margin. But, as the Shark was originally intended to house L88 and ZR1/ZR2 power plants, you could be safe if you stick to those option configuration considerations.Comment
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Re: Thermal considerations....
Ok, since you guys are getting into this...... We have been working on a similar project. 502 in a 1967 BB car using a turbo 400 in place of the 4 spd. The radiator is an area of concern. Suggest you contact DeWitt's radiators. Then the shroud becomes a concern.
We fabricated a shroud using the original and fiber glassing in whole new sections so we would have a tight seal around the fan and up against he radiator and the support. Oh yeah, which support to use gets into the picture as well. Have fun ! I mean you didn't think you were just going to "drop it in" and run did you? Are you old enough to remember that those early 1968's and 9's had trouble keeping their original motors
cool ? Now you are going to suck out a SB and drop in a 502 . Getting rid of all that extra heat is a real concern. Our '67 is probably an easier task than yours due to the more up right position of the radiator. Of course we had to find one with the provision for the intregal auto transmission cooler. Like I said - keep scratching your head and have fun.Comment
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