Parts required to swap from small block to 385 in a Superformance

[dont]

I have a 460 with the victor 460 single plane intake on cobra jet heads, demon 850 carb with air horns milled down, drop base 21x10x1.75 filter. It fits up in the air scoop with 1/2" to spare. Poly engine mounts help keep the engine from rocking. You can't lower the engine much due to the side pipe clearance on the body.

BTW spf changed to the higher cowl in the early 1200 series. Mine is 1235 with the hi cowl.

[mdross1]

Obviously our cars are not all created equal as far as engine bay dimensions. These 385 series engines can be built into some serious power houses. My car is in the 525+hp range honestly when bolting the Stellings on for cruises certainly cannot feel the slight loss in hp/tq. Of course I'm not racing to get there either. With the raised scoop I can run whatever manifold I want,my choice was the Edelbrock Perf RPM it more than fits the bill ported to the heads from off idle to rev limit.
The path I chose with this car more than satisfies my need for speed and has for the last 23 yrs. hope you find what works for you.
Mike

[Ace23]

Originally Posted by mdross1

Obviously our cars are not all created equal as far as engine bay dimensions. These 385 series engines can be built into some serious power houses. My car is in the 525+hp range honestly when bolting the Stellings on for cruises certainly cannot feel the slight loss in hp/tq. Of course I'm not racing to get there either. With the raised scoop I can run whatever manifold I want,my choice was the Edelbrock Perf RPM it more than fits the bill ported to the heads from off idle to rev limit.
The path I chose with this car more than satisfies my need for speed and has for the last 23 yrs. hope you find what works for you.
Mike

Mike,
The fact that you have kept a setup for 23 years sound like it something you enjoy. I'm glad you like the big block and it satisfies your needs. When the time is right I can only see moving up to the 385 series platform as well.

[bubela]

Hello Ace,
Did you ever complete this swap? I'm thinking about doing this in the future as well if I find that the high HP small block just isn't enough.

[520SC]

You may need to swap your existing alternator bracket to a 385-series bracket.

Also, the small block coolant surge tank won't work on a 385. On a small block, the water exits the intake manifold horizontally. On a 385, the water exits the intake manifold vertically. You'll either have to fashion a custom 90 degree elbow, or come up with another way to vent the air out of the radiator. My car uses a 1970s Corvette surge tank.

[520SC]

Originally Posted by Ace23

Was considering what would need to be done to the hood but I came across an article by "Craigs Cobra" where Craig had a victor intake on a 385 big block and managed to build a drop base filter that all fit under the stock hood.

On my Street Beasts 427S/C with a 385-series engine, I have an Edelbrock RPM Air Gap intake, a Holley 750, and a Spectre 14" x 3" air cleaner. It all fits under the hood with no modifications necessary.