Jack, does someone have the kit for a big block chevy, like the motor mounts and the bellhousing. etc. or do they need to be fabricated. thank you for your help. I will be keeping my original 351c, just in case. #4726
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MY GAWD, MAN!!!!!
GET HELP SOON !!!
Next thing you know, you'll be shopping at Kragen for neon lights and 4" exhaust tips.
Buy a Corv#%@* if you have to have a Ch%#& motor......please
Just my 2 cents,
Larry
GET HELP SOON !!!
Next thing you know, you'll be shopping at Kragen for neon lights and 4" exhaust tips.
Buy a Corv#%@* if you have to have a Ch%#& motor......please
Just my 2 cents,
Larry
GEEZZ< some people have nothing better to do than criticize others when when they don't know anything about them. obviously I made a big mistake. EXCUSE ME. And I do drive mine everyday...
No kit available. Both big- and -small block Chevs use the same bellhousing. These conversions were sorta popular in the early '80s when people tried drag racing Panteras, but they found the sand-cast conversion bell housings were weaker than a stock bellhousing, and that big-blocks indeed accelerate a car faster but have a lower top speed due to a lower redline (unless rebuilt with aftermatket racing parts). They also effectively make the ZF a 4-speed transaxle since the extra torque makes 1st gear useless unless you re-gear the ZF at significant extra expense. Good move keeping the Cleveland- almost all the cars in question have been converted back to Ford power, including one that ran a ZL-1 engine for some years. I suggest contacting the Byers Bros in CA about their 512 Ford kit. A street-type customer car with this engine has been driven to 'Vegas & back twice with no seeming problems including being driven at the open tracks.
I believe a number of Panteras have been converted to big block GM engines. As I understand the conversion process, it can be very expense and end up with poor performance results. Not the big block expense because they are cheep. It�s all the other stuff that needs to be done to get the engine installed. Even if the big block was free it would most likely be less costly to rebuild the 351C. You don�t see many GM big blocks in Panteras now a days because most of the people that installed them did not get the performance they expected and ended up pulling them back out. The 351C is only 550 lb and you sure do not need 75 lbs or more added to the back of a Pantera. I�m not sure but isn�t the big block going to be over 625 lb with custom motor mounts, custom headers, etc.?
The 351C can be pretty easily built to 475 � 500 hp or if you want really big HP go with a 427 Windsor. I think you are doing the smart thing though, by checking out the availability and cost to make the conversion. Once you start buying stuff and start the conversion it�s hard stop when you discover that it is very costly and a well tuned 351C car will out perform the monster big block.
On the surface the GM option looks attractive but there are many negatives in the end. If you already have the big block you could sell it for a few bucks and put that money on the 351C or find a 351W.
[This message has been edited by Mike Dailey (edited 05-12-2003).]
The 351C can be pretty easily built to 475 � 500 hp or if you want really big HP go with a 427 Windsor. I think you are doing the smart thing though, by checking out the availability and cost to make the conversion. Once you start buying stuff and start the conversion it�s hard stop when you discover that it is very costly and a well tuned 351C car will out perform the monster big block.
On the surface the GM option looks attractive but there are many negatives in the end. If you already have the big block you could sell it for a few bucks and put that money on the 351C or find a 351W.
[This message has been edited by Mike Dailey (edited 05-12-2003).]
Thanks Jack, my plan was to put the 514 in, I have been talking with Bob and Don, and it seems to be the best bet. I appreciate your information on this subject, I have a big block in the garage thats why I asked.
I hate the idea but I did get a chance to drive a 498" Chevy powered Pantera and the torque was absolutely amazing!I'm sure the 514" engine is pretty amazing it's self.And the 460 type engine(385 series)looks alot like a Cleveland.Ultimately it's your car and you should do what you want.I think Dave at P.I. or Jerry at P.I. Motorsports could tell you about Dallas Rains(sp?) Pantera with a BB Chevy in it.
Good Luck,
Ron
Good Luck,
Ron
quote:
Originally posted by r mccall:
I hate the idea but I did get a chance to drive a 498" Chevy powered Pantera and the torque was absolutely amazing!I'm sure the 514" engine is pretty amazing it's self.And the 460 type engine(385 series)looks alot like a Cleveland.Ultimately it's your car and you should do what you want.I think Dave at P.I. or Jerry at P.I. Motorsports could tell you about Dallas Rains(sp?) Pantera with a BB Chevy in it.
Good Luck,
Ron
It�s for sale at http://www.pim.net/dall121202.html