Hi 1st gen Camaro enthusiasts! My question is: What is the difference between the heater box for a SB vesus a BB? Classic Industries, for example, sells both versions, so I know there is a difference. Why are there 2 heater box versions? Is it a hose clearance problem? If my car had a SB heater box version, can I use it with a BB? For example, I think my car originally had a 350 SB. But now it has a 396 BB from a 66-68 Chevelle. The heater is not connected at the moment. (The previous owner only want "go"...) Can I hook it up no matter what version it is? Thanks. Hope I can help you guys some day.

Bye.
69Camaro guy with a 396 SS with Edelbrock RPM intake and Edelbrock 1411 Performer carb with electric choke, HEI distributor, 1-7/8" headers into 2-1/2" dual exhaust

The inlet and outlet location on a B/B heater box is in the center of the box instead of the end.

Jmar, as the earlier post states, the BB heater box has the inlet/outlet in the center of the box. This was done for clearance due to the BB being wider. If you're on a budget you can take the SB heater box and "carefully" cut out the holes for the new openings. Some of the SB heater boxes I've seen actually have an indentation where the ports are to be. It would also be a good idea to buy or make the reinforcement plate that installs over the ports.

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67 Camaro LS6 454/TH400/12bolt 3.73

You can hook up your heater with the small block outlets, but it is tight back there, and there is a good chance of the engine hitting the hoses and breaking the heater core. The big block cars use a different heater core with longer inlet/outlet tubes and the core is flipped 180 degrees so the hoses go into the actual core cover, instead of next to the cover on the small block. If you are bucks up, it looks nice to have the factory style stuff but its not needed. First you will need to get longer tubes put on your heater core, a radiator shop can do this. Then install it flipped 180 deg in the car with the cover off, mark where the tubes will come though the cover and cut the holes. Put a small plate over where the old firewall holes are, and install the cover. This works fine. Make sure your core is good before changing the tubes, if you need a new one just buy the BB core to start with.

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66/70 chevelle ss396's
69/71 camaros

Dear Tech Forum:
Thanks for the great feedback on SB versus BB heater cores! It really helps to talk to people who have previous experience with tech issues. You have my sincere thanks. I especially liked the suggestions on how to use a SB heater core with a BB. That is definitely an option I will consider. My sincere thanks.
Jim w/69Camaro BB