Hi i have a 69 ss with a small block & turbo 350 just about to put a short deck 550 cuber with turbo 400 what is involved in the swap . I.E is gearbox crossmber the same engine mounts & gearbox moun , should i use a short or long water pump , im also going to pro charge it , would love some advice thanks jim

Hi i have a 69 ss with a small block & turbo 350 just about to put a short deck 550 cuber with turbo 400 what is involved in the swap . I.E is gearbox crossmber the same engine mounts & gearbox moun , should i use a short or long water pump , im also going to pro charge it , would love some advice thanks jim

Jim,
The small block frame mounts will need to be replaced with the correct BB mounts along with the proper BB engine mounts. That Turbo 350 trans crossmember will have to be replaced with one for a Turbo 400 if you want everthing to be properly aligned for such things as header fitment in the chassis(i.e. to ensure the headers don't sit too low and drag the ground) and header clearance at the steering gear box. You also should use the long style water pump.

David F.

Also, do a search on this site, as we have covered this many, many times. Things like heater core/ac evaporator, Radiator, Fan Shroud etc. will need to be changed.

You'll also need to change your front coil springs due to the heavier weight of the big block or the car will set too low in the front. Have your front end aligned again after the spring swap too. If you've never messed with coil springs before, I highly recommend you getting an experianced shop to change them for you.

for sure change your motor, and transmission mounts i busted my bell housing on my th350 because it was in a bind, the steering box was a clearance problem to.

Thanks for the help guys , wat brand off headers do you recomend that are a good fit , not a lot off choices here in au looking at 2 1/8 primaries & 31/2 inch collectors thanks jim

should i use a short or long water pump , im also going to pro charge it , would love some advice thanks jim

Jim,
You also should use the long style water pump.

David F.

I would check with Procharger regarding the water pump length.The accy belts are typically behind the blowers lower pulley and require a short style coolant pump for belt clearance.

Thanks for the help guys , wat brand off headers do you recomend that are a good fit , not a lot off choices here in au looking at 2 1/8 primaries & 31/2 inch collectors thanks jim

Jim,
I chose to purchase a set of custom fit headers from......

www.lemonsheaders.com (http://www.lemonsheaders.com)

They aren't cheap but they fit perfectly in every aspect, i.e. excellent ground clearance & steering box clearance.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-011F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-019F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-018F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/IMG_0035.jpg

Other brands to consider are Hooker,Heddman and Stahl(custom construction).

David F.

Thanks again for the advice & the photos they are a good looking set off headers , guess you get what you pay for though

thanks dave

Thanks again for the advice & the photos they are a good looking set off headers , guess you get what you pay for though

thanks dave

You're welcome Jim :beers:. Best of luck to you in regards to your big block conversion !!!!!

David F.

Jim,
I chose to purchase a set of custom fit headers from......

www.lemonsheaders.com (http://www.lemonsheaders.com)

They aren't cheap but they fit perfectly in every aspect, i.e. excellent ground clearance & steering box clearance.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-011F.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-019F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/MVC-018F-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/1969ProStreetCamaro/IMG_0035.jpg

Other brands to consider are Hooker,Heddman and Stahl(custom construction).

David F.

Hey Dave,
Did you have problems with your Lemons clearing the stock motor mounts? I had to cut back the rubber flanges a little to get proper clearances. My stearing clearance is real tight too. I had to remove a grease nipple from a tie rod because it was THAT close.

Hey Dave,
Did you have problems with your Lemons clearing the stock motor mounts? I had to cut back the rubber flanges a little to get proper clearances. My stearing clearance is real tight too. I had to remove a grease nipple from a tie rod because it was THAT close.

I had Dan fabricate my headers based on me using Moroso solid engine mounts and I don't have any clearance issues. No steering clearance issues either.

David F.

.......im also going to pro charge it

You also should use the long style water pump.

David F.

I would check with Procharger regarding the water pump length.The accy belts are typically behind the blowers lower pulley and require a short style coolant pump for belt clearance.


......I missed the reference to using a ProCharger:o.

George is correct :p .....J/K George :D..........you'll need to contact ProCharger for the correct water pump application.

David F.