My Small Block Chevy Swap

[RockLobster01]

Hey guys, long time stalker, first time poster.

I recently got my 350 Ranger on the road, and thought I'd share the journey with you guys. First I want to say how much I appreciate everyone's extra work in providing photos as well as asking/answering questions on this forum. I have NEVER had to ask a question here, and I thank you for having the problems you've had, so that I may not make the same mistakes you have.

Here's the Specs:

Engine:

355 CI L-82 small block Chevy from 1976 Corvette.

Summit Racing Hypereutectic Pistons (4.030")

New Crank

Melling Cam (Duration, 278/288, .420 in./.433 in Lift)

1.6:1 Rocker Arms (spec above is for the cam, not total valve lift)

High-volume oil pump

Deep sump oil pan

Wieand Stealth Intake with my very own custom built tunnel ram

Holley 4777 650 CFM Double Pumper Carb

My own homemade headers

Flowmaster Super 40's

Electric cooling fans

I'm sure I missed some stuff...but ONWARD!

TRANSMISSION:

Turbo 350 with B&M TransKit (shift kit included)

REAR END:

GM 12 Bolt Rear

Strange Engineering C-Clip Eliminator Kit

Richmond Gear 3.73 Set

Richmond Locker

Tied to the trans by my shortened GM drive shaft.

TODO:

Build a custom grille
Build bumper bracket or build bumper
Modify hood-will probably open in reverse?
Redo some exhaust tubing
BUILD MY BED!
Lift front end about 2" to correct camber issues
Wide rear wheels/tires
Repaint


Let me know what you guys think, I'm always open to suggestions or anything else you guys have.

PHOTOS!!!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Looks good so far. I have questions but that will have to wait till tomorrow.
subscribed.

Richard

 

[pillen140]

suggestions? get rid of the bowtie on the grille. I've never been a fan of chevy engines in fords, or ford engines in chevys.... but I know how much cheaper/easier it is to run a sb chevy. but anytime a truck or car that didn't come with a v8 gets a v8, its a good project.... just loose the bowtie on the grille!

also, was the 12bolt just out of the donor vehicle?

 

[RockLobster01]

I figured that would get a few people going! I am in the process of fabbing up a custom grille (minus any badges.) Mainly because the current grille sticks out so far on account of the radiator/fan assembly.

 

[RockLobster01]

also, was the 12bolt just out of the donor vehicle?

Forgot to mention that the 12 Bolt was out of a '69 GTO Big Block

 

[brinker88]

No offense, but those headers are....well, they're hideous. I would have spent the extra $200 on a set of hedmans. I'm sure you have at LEAST $200 worth of your time into making those "headers"

 

[jhammel85]

Not bad but I'm not sure what to think of that intake.

 

[RockLobster01]

No offense, but those headers are....well, they're hideous. I would have spent the extra $200 on a set of hedmans. I'm sure you have at LEAST $200 worth of your time into making those "headers"

You're right. The headers aren't pretty, there's no scavenging, and they're only temporary. But I didn't and don't have "extra" money kicking around. All I was trying to obtain was getting the exhaust gasses out of the engine compartment. As of right now time is easier to come by than money.

 

[RockLobster01]

Not bad but I'm not sure what to think of that intake.

I'll have to post a pic up with my infrared thermometer reading after a run down the road, it gets icy cold!

 

[pillen140]

somehow I missed the pics of the 12" carb spacer. I think that might be a little much. it looks like someone was playing jenga on your motor and set an air cleaner on tomp of it, lol.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'll have to post a pic up with my infrared thermometer reading after a run down the road, it gets icy cold!

I have to wonder where all the heat is going?
Which leads me to the questions I was going to ask last night. What is your design/purpose for the tall spacer/tunnel-ram? And I was going to ask the same about your exhaust but you already answered. I like when people use what they have and think outside the box. It may not always work but how do you know without taking three or four years of university math or trying it out personally. It would be interesting to see a time slip. Also, what size tires/rims are you running?
Keep it up,

Richard

 

[RockLobster01]

I have to wonder where all the heat is going?
Which leads me to the questions I was going to ask last night. What is your design/purpose for the tall spacer/tunnel-ram?

I'll let the experts with the college edjukashun explain lol ....a great article that was among one of the many I consulted before taking on this endeavor. http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/0304_intake_manifolds_contrast/

 

[brinker88]

Um, that THING on your engine doesnt even come close to what they're testing/describing. They're testing actual "tunnelram" INTAKES with beveled edges NOT intake spacers....

 

[bobbywalter]

stout lil monster for sure.



the spacer is experimental.....keep playing with it....make for fun learning.










i just grind out the grill from behind till it fits if that dont work then go custom.....i thought the chevy badge was pretty funny.

 

[RangerSVT]

Take the motor, trans, and axle out and put it in an s10, then it'll be better...


SVT