C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Tom--

You photos are better than the pictures in my Corvette books. There is super definition, clarity and detail in your photos; and what a great looking engine/engine compartment. Sure looks like car show material to me. Thanks for taking the time to post the photos! Rob

[Tom P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Well, originally, it WAS a show car. After a few years of being a garage/show queen, that got real old big time. I had lost sight of my original objective which was to have a serious Hotrod in 56-7 Corvette skin and terrorize everyone on the street (except of course, the cops). Today, that's what it is. The only trouble I have now is whether to terrorize the locals with the 56, the 23 T-bucket, or the 70 Chevelle. In between, I get the 51 out and flog it for a while. Yes, I still drive like I did when I was 17 (54yrs ago). You only get one shot at life--------------don't miss out on it.

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Tom--You are one of my main image men! You have some great cars, and I am glad you drive them and enjoy them! As a consequence of all the positive responses to my TDB query, I am going "full steam ahead" with the conversion. Interestingly, my friend called me this evening, and I told him everything I had learned about the mod, so now he will start looking through his blocks, and try and find me a suitable candidate. Now all I need to locate/procure is the Bill Thomas conversion kit... Too cool. Rob

[Dan D.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Sure love that air box Tom! Still struggling on what to do for an air cleaner on my 57 (327 with 63 FI unit). But I'm going to have to solve that problem very soon. engine is close to coming to life.

-Dan-

[Ray K.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Rob,

When I built my '57 Corvette with an L-88 427 engine I used the Bill Thomas engine mount brackets and also his exhaust header kit. Mated it to H-D version of a Turbo Hydro 400 transmission as used behind L-88, L-89, and L-71.
I still have those engine mount brackets and the exhaust headers.

Ray

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Hi Ray--

This is totally amazing. I have been corresponding with Mr. Toby Taylor concerning the C-1 big block conversions, and I stated that I had no idea that there were so many C-1s that had been modified. Toby had two cars that were modified, and now I learn that you had one as well. I expect any C-1 with a big block must be a brute; but a C-1 with the legendary L-88 must have been a monster. Was your car prepared as a race car; or was it a street driven car? The more that I learn about these modified cars, the more excited I become about accomplishing the mod. I will send you a PM. Thanks, Rob

[Don H.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Sure love that air box Tom! Still struggling on what to do for an air cleaner on my 57 (327 with 63 FI unit). But I'm going to have to solve that problem very soon. engine is close to coming to life.-Dan-

Dan, When I installed a '63 7017375 unit on my '65 with AC, I had to manufacture an air cleaner somewhat like the '57. Don H.

[Tom P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Dan, When I installed a '63 7017375 unit on my '65 with AC, I had to manufacture an air cleaner somewhat like the '57. Don H.

Don,
Dang, that looks great!

[Mike E.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

About 12 years ago I had a pearlescent white 62 with a 396 in it. I sold it to a friend who put in an LT-1 motor. He doesn't have the 396 front mount anymore-I just checked with him.

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Mike--Thanks for checking with your friend regarding the mount! How did you like the 396 in the car? Did you have to modify the braking system, such as adding disc brakes in the front? I truly believe that all of you guys that had and/or converted these cars were very savvy automotive engineers, and I really admire your creativity! Wish I had been hanging around with all of you...not only would I have learned quite a lot, but no doubt would have had a great time. Thanks again for your kindness. Rob

[Mike E.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

I could lighten up the frontend of the 56 even more if I added alum heads, BUT, I have "special" modified 1966 462 heads (we used to call them cheater heads) that I want to keep so that it retains the LOOK of a 57 FI head (double humps are ground off and a pyramid is shaped to look like 539 heads).

Tom,

What brand of rocker arms are those?

A few years ago Tom posted about stroking a small journal SBC to keep the stock look. While not a big block it does indeed sound fun.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...404#post506404

Aftermarket stroker cranks are dirt cheap nowadays too.

Mike

[Mike E.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Mike--Thanks for checking with your friend regarding the mount! How did you like the 396 in the car? Did you have to modify the braking system, such as adding disc brakes in the front? I truly believe that all of you guys that had and/or converted these cars were very savvy automotive engineers, and I really admire your creativity! Wish I had been hanging around with all of you...not only would I have learned quite a lot, but no doubt would have had a great time. Thanks again for your kindness. Rob

Rob,
You give me too much credit. I bought the car with the 396 in it. Drove it some, and it was a hoot. Thought its poor handling was attributable to the big block, and then discovered when doing routine maintenance, that the right front wheel bearings were pretty much gone. It handled better after that, but still handled best in a straight line!
Mike

[Tom P.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Mike,
Those roller tip rockers in the above pictures are from Comp Cams. I've used them of a few engines. BUT, for MOST of my plain ole street driver engines, I use the STAMPED steel rockers with roller tips (Elgin brand if I remember correctly). I have had ZERO issues with either one.
I'm quite sure that the stamped steel rockers with roller tips are not as precise as the Comp Cams version. But as I mentioned, those are used on my daily driver type engines and absolute, expensive precision type hardcore race construction is not the goal. Just good ole long lasting dependability is what matters. With 9.5-10:1 compression and a mild performance cam makes a very nice daily engine.
My serious race days are over.

By the way, you sure want way back into the past to pull up that post about stroking a small block.
ONE OF THESE days, I'm going to do that to a 454 to make a 496 for the 70 Chevelle-------------paint EVERYTHING (including a tall Winters alum intake) and make it look pure showroom stock!

[Jerry G.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Heres another idea. To keep the car "in period" go with a 409. They are making aluminum heads and blocks that are 409. A 409 with dual quads would be a "killer' combination. A friend of mine did this in 1961. It worked great.

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Jerry--

That is an excellent suggestion Jerry! I will check into the idea of a 409, as I am trying to maintain the "period correct" look of this old hot rod. As an example, whoever built the car, went to great lengths to pinstripe not only the motor mount, but the forward frame rails in front of the tires, and the rear differential. Consequently, when I have needed to remove and replace parts, I have try to utilize what I believe to be period correct performance parts such as Moon Speed equipment parts (valve cover breather, shifter ball, etc). Thanks! Rob