Great write up, im glad somebody finally did this. Ill comment on a few things, the lt1 radiator wouldnt work with my sbc, so it may be a concern for some. Assuming the performer rpm is the same height on a bbc, that is the tallest you can go and still use the stock hood (but if youre going bbc, why not get a victor jr?). I used the performer rpm and trimmed some support from the bottom of the hood. I also left the plastic on the cowl in place and just trimmed around the filter. Not sure about the bbc's but i could retain my wipers with my sbc.
A few things i would advise anyone to do during their gen1 swap:
1. sump the tank and use an external pump, i didnt and i really regret it
2. Distributor...i used a mallory unilite which has an optical eye instead of points to wear out, i had to replace the optical piece and it took 5 min.
3. I had to lower my front sway bar 1/4" or so so that it wouldnt hit the dampner. I did this by drilling matching holes into a piece of thick steel and then getting longer bolts, cheap fix.
4. i used my stock gauges and added autometer water temp, vacuum, and air/fuel. If you need help with the stock gauges let me know.
5. rewiring the fuel pump relay is easy once you know what to do. Just wire it up so that the relay is hot in ignition, start, and run
6. I swapped the power steering pump from my v6 on the old school mounts and kept the rack, very easy
7. Check, double check, and recheck your wiring.
8. Take your time and be patient! There were so many times i wanted to light the entire car on fire but in the end its worth it. |