Big Block Chevy in a 65 Coupe?

[OldSkiBum]

Im building a 496 cu in big block Chevy motor that I was going to put into my Corvette.
I've decided to sell the Corvette and build either a 65 Coupe or another 33 Hot Rod instead.
How hard will it be to put a big Block Chevy motor in a 65 Coupe?
I'm sure it's been done.

[Jim1855]

From watching a friend stuff a 351w T56 package into a coupe I think it'll go. He changed engine and trans mounts for the Windsor to better fit his plan. The BBC is larger than the 351W but not that much from my knowledge. The engine compartment will hold a coyote, which is a wide motor.

Plan on engine mounts, headers and maybe the trans mount. May need to massage forward diagonal bracing frame tubes for oil pan interference but this will depend on engine fore/aft placement and height.

If you have a template showing the width I can test it.

Jim

[OldSkiBum]

Thanks Jim,
The big block is a tight fit in the Corvette.
I had to purchase Crower stainless roller rockers to fit under the stock height valve covers just so there would be clearance with the brake booster and the ac unit at the firewall, and a special Moroso oil pan to clear the steering.
I don't have any measurements on the motor because its still running in the car and all the parts are up on the shelf for the rebuild.
I'll open the hood and see if I can get measurements.
Hood clearance is an issue on the Corvette as well and I'll be running a Edelbrock Performer Air Gap intake so I'm also concerned about hood clearance on the Coupe.

[Gordon Levy]

I think it's going to be too big unless you do serious hood mods.
What year Vette?

[NAZ]

I think the Type 65 is a very interesting looking car and would be fun to build and drive. But that motor would look way cooler in the hot rod with an open engine bay. Add a roots style blower and zoomies -- that would look more killer than anything you could do to a Type 65. Of course I'm kinda of biased toward the hot rod with big power.

[GoDadGo]

A S.B.C. fits splendidly in a MK-4 so I'm sure I could easily transplant a Big Block in my car so:

A Big Block Chevy Has Got To Fit Since The Coyote Is Just As Wide Or Wider!

Just scoot it forward a bit and I bet you'll have room to spare.

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

[Garry Bopp]

I'm betting hood clearance will be a real issue, especially if you move the engine forward.

Garry

[GoDadGo]

Problem Solved Sir Garry:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-475001

[erlihemi]

I noticed most of the focus seems to be on valve cover width and hood height. The type 65 has a lot of room in front of the crank whereas the hot rod does not. The BBC needs room in front for the gilmer pulley...

[OldSkiBum]

1973, big block, TH400, fully loaded.

[OldSkiBum]

I noticed most of the focus seems to be on valve cover width and hood height. The type 65 has a lot of room in front of the crank whereas the hot rod does not. The BBC needs room in front for the gilmer pulley...

A friend of mine dropped a hemi in his hot rod. It was sweet.
It seems my 408 sbf was taller than my bbc, the length seems about equal, I'm mostly worried about any chassis interference.

[OldSkiBum]

I think it's going to be too big unless you do serious hood mods.
What year Vette?

1973 Coupe, 454, TH400, ac, fully loaded.
I was planning a body off resto/mod.
I've got full Van Steel coil over suspension, adjustable shocks, heavier sway arms, moog bushings, borgesen steering, Wilwood brakes, 17" wheels and many more goodies sitting on the shelf.
I've always wanted a 65 Coupe and thought just do it now.

[Garry Bopp]

Steve,

Yes, that would probably work quite well.

Garry

[Jcdata]

I know old thread, is there an update on this? I'd like to put a Big block type 65/r