C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Thanks for the response Tom! I wish I had seen that white pearl modified '61; like all the period customized 'Vettes, I find them very interesting/intriguing. A guy that I grew up with had a '61 or '62 Vette, and in 1969 he and his father installed a DZ 302 engine in the car--this in turn, was a "source of discussion" between myself and one of his buddies, as I could not understand why he didn't go with a "hipo" 327. Anyway, I had actually considered putting a "hipo" 302 in my '61 to replace the performance built 350ci engine that is currently in it, until I learned about the big block conversion. Now I want to install a big block, but everything is dependent upon finding the Bill Thomas motor mount assemblies, as I am not mechanically gifted; and therefore, not capable of fabricating my own motor mounts. By the way, the '61 with the 409ci/425hp that you reference must have been somewhat of a "sleeper" if everything fit under the hood without any mods required to the hood. The guys that did these kind of modifications "back in the day" were truly amazing in my opinion. Thanks again. Rob

[Tom B.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

The 409 was in a '55 Corvette which makes it even more special.

[Rob V.]

Re: C-1 Corvette Big Block Conversion

Tom--You're correct; I did read '55, but wrote '61. I am sure modifying the '55 made it just that much more difficult. Keep your fingers crossed that I am able to obtain some of those conversion motor mounts.Rob