Small Block to Big Block Conversion

[Dan White]

For quite a while now, I have been thinking about dropping a 427 into my 66. The car was once wrecked and parted out, and partially restored, so it is not a numbers matching car, I just want to build a nice driver for my enjoyment. Anyways, I was wondering if I was to swap in a 427, would I need to add a rear sway bar, change springs, and more importantly, change the side yokes on the differential? It doesnt seem likr the u-joint u-bolts (which are brand new) would hold up to the 500 ft lbs. of torque a high performance 427 could dish out, but I'm sure its been done before. Thnks for the help, Dan

[Joe L.]

Re: Small Block to Big Block Conversion

Dan-----

This is a subject that I've studied and know a little about. Here's how it is:

1) You should change your front springs if you install a big block (unless you install a "ZL-1"; then you don't need to change the springs since the big block will weigh less than the cast iron small block);

2) you don't need to change the rear spring; it was the same for small and big block (except F-41);

3) With a cast iron big block you should add the rear sway bar. With a "ZL1" you don't have to;

4) You don't absolutely need the cap-type rear stub axles unless you're going to build a real high horse big block. They wouldn't be a bad idea, though, and if your stub axles are old or originals, they might need replacement anyway;

5) big block and small block u-joints are exactly the same.

[Dan White]

Thanks Joe! *NM* *NM*