SBC to BBF Motor Swap

kevin.mchugh · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2013, 04:55 PM

Hello,

In the planning stage of swapping a 327 to a 460. I plan on running the M-21 4 speed currently in the car after tracking down the appropriate bell housing. What I'm looking for from the group is some help/advice on the motor mounts - both aquisition and placement. Has anyone done this swap and have any words of caution or wisdom? What motor mounts are available or do I need to fab them. I'm hoping to be able to place the engine low enough to keep the origional hood (probably using a torker or stealth manifold). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

SGR · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2013, 07:40 PM

My CR was originally set up for a 460, but I am running a 302 now. I have 2 sets of the 460 motor mount brackets that connect to the frame. I believe these would allow you to use stock 460 motor mounts. If you are interested, send me a private message and we can work out a deal.

kevin.mchugh · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2013, 08:26 PM

PM Sent...thanks for the reply and help.

Karl Bebout · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2013, 08:34 PM

Kevin, maybe SGR is trying to tell you something. You could just stay with your existing mounts setup and get yourself a monster mouse motor. Ask Hotfingrs. His 450 SBC runs in the 9s.

Thor maine · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2013, 10:07 PM

327 Chevy to 460 Ford , why on God's green Earth would you want to do that???? If you need Big Block power go Big Block CHEVY, just change your headers or manifold and everything else is a "bolt right in". SBC to BBC motor mounts same, distributor same, bellhousing same.

kevin.mchugh · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-2013, 02:20 PM

You both have a great point. I have been wrestling with the motor type decision and your comments don't help my struggle (lol-not in a bad way). I want more power, on that much I am certain. I've been looking for a suitable replacement and figured if I was going to do the swap, I might as well drop in the "proper" brand power plant. I don't want to spark the ford vs chevy debate (perhaps I already did) as I think both are great and it really comes down to a matter of personal preference. I have a line on a rebuilt 460 locally and think I can keep the remaining running gear already installed without too much modification (new bell housing, motor mounts, maybe radiator?). I could be wrong here and really don't want to have to go much further...ie. swap the xmsn, have a drive shaft made, etc. Bottom line, going to a stronger chevy is definetly the easier course....but i have that little voice telling me thats the wrong engine for the car which is compelling me to go to a ford power plant. With that said, am I underestimating the amount of drive train interoperability? I do appreciate the feedback.

D-CEL · #7 (**permalink**) 06-03-2013, 03:56 PM

From my very worn, but sturdy and well deserved soap-box, I submit my humble opinion… The little voice is steering you correctly. BBF’s are just plain better! The list of actual, mechanical reasons to go Lima is big enough to easily drive the decision, but the intangible “what feels right” and” what excites you” should be the coup de grace for the short-decked, short-rod’ed, poor distributor placed hunk of Detroit iron. The 385 series IS the BEST choice if power per dollar is your goal. Its tall deck, great crankshaft, long rod capability, great cylinder head, make it easy and relatively inexpensive to make what even power number you choose
(Waiting for the chorus to begin singing in the key of “FE” flat!)

Hotfingrs · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2013, 04:02 PM

Just build a decent SBC and you won't have to change anything...

kevin.mchugh · #9 (**permalink**) 06-03-2013, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the replies and advice. I'm moving forward with acquiring the FBB pieces and parts in preparation for a winter project. Until the next RFI...thanks again.

Lightingrod · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2013, 10:54 PM

What Hotfingrs said and remember SBC was Carroll's first choice, he only went to Ford when Chevy wouldn't play! 600 hp is pretty easy with a 427-434 SBC and I even have some Chevy valve covers that say Power by Ford I will sell you!

Karl Bebout · #11 (**permalink**) 06-24-2013, 08:56 AM

Al,
"and I even have some Chevy valve covers that say Power by Ford I will sell you!" Seven or eight years ago, I had some valve covers cut, for my BBC, that said "Powered by Ford NOT" and I've had lots of fun watching people try to figure out why the distributor is by the firewall, when they don't notice the "NOT" on the covers. Surprising just how many people miss the last word when they read the covers.
I've considered getting an adapter to move the distributor to the front of the block, just to really mess up some minds, but haven't pulled the trigger on that expenditure.

Lightingrod · #12 (**permalink**) 06-24-2013, 03:29 PM

I guess I have been into tweaking people's noses since I was around 15 years old, longer ago than I like to remember! I put 160 emblems on my old 305 Honda Super Hawk. It worked pretty well until a 160 pulled up beside me. Though they looked very much alike, due to the size difference it didn't fool any 160 riders!

Build what you like and run what you brung, it's all about the FUN!