Sorry I have skimmed through the 2nd gen threads and didnt see anything about this. Looks like the majority here have small blocks. I have a 79 camaro with a 350 in it and I am thinking about pulling out the 350 and dropping in a 427. Has anyone on here stuffed a BB into a 79 and if so how much modding do you have to do to make it all fit.

Thanks in advance

 

It's not a huge deal but it can get pretty expensive,sure a lot easier to build a 383 stroker smallblock or a sb 400.
You'll need a bigger radiator and all the big block brackets,a beefier rear end and trans unless you already have a 12 bolt and a 400auto or built 350 auto or a heavy 4 speed like a Muncie or T-10,427's can be pretty harsh on drivetrain parts when you start pounding on it (torque monsters!).
Not sure about 2nd gens but when I did my '69 427 swap I had to get a different heatercore set up.

 

well I have access to a 427 that already has a pretty big cam, pistons, rods, berrings, and heads. My brother actually had this laying around his house and asked if I wanted it all. So I figured I would see how much of a pain it would be. I agree with you about the rearend I would need to find one, currently I have a 10 bolt 390. I do have a th350 with a B&M shift kit in it. would have to do a few things to it too I would imagine.

I may just do this.. would be worth it in the end.

 

Only if you want neck snapping power and the ability to smoke your tires to the cords in one burnout.

That 10 bolt 390 will hold up for quite a while with an auto trans if you don't pound on it from a dead stop too often,the 350 trans is pretty tough too but the same goes for it,limited life span if you pound on it a lot.
A big tranny cooler will help a lot.
A big radiator is a must have!RAT motors make a lot of heat.
A built 700R4 would be a nice trans for it but expect to spend a lot of money on one that is built enough for a 427,a 400 trans with a shift kit and heavy clutches will cost a lot less and be nearly bullet proof.

 

you can build the ten bolt to be just as strong as a 12 bolt or stronger i have a ten bolt and my car runs 9s but i have a ton of money in it and i am running a big block 502 with nos

 

That's what it all boils down to doesn't it.

 

yep if you dont have money you dont need a musel car

 

AMEN too that.................

 

Pretty simple swap, and really not that tough. We did it to my friend's 1972 in one day.
We had the new radiator ready, plus the top cover to secure it. Also a set of headers and exhaust to complete ready too.
Pulled the 350 and the radiator. Cut the opening in the core support out to match the wider radiator. Be sure to move the rubber support pads in the bottom core support to the new location. Best to have new ones now, as they're usually soft.
Drop the headers into place in the car, then drop the engine onto the mounts using the 350 engine mounts on the 427. Now drop in the new radiator, and new hoses, as they SBC hoses wont work. (except in a pinch).
We eventually went through the 10 bolt, but it worked great until then. Of course the bigger the tires, the better the chance you'll blow the 10 bolt, but if they can spin they wont be as likely to break the 3rd member or axles.
Two guys can easily get it up and running in a day if you've got all the parts ready.

 

I just bought a 79 with a 396 stuffed in it. The receipts in the glove box are over 5 Gs. It's is tight but looks good. The only problem is the clearance between the carb and the original hood. I have about 1" clearance. I will be putting a 10 posi with 3.73 gears in it today. Hope it holds up.