Hey I was talking to a mechanic I know and I told him I was looking to put a 454 or a big block into my El Camino. Well he told me that since my El Camino is not over 25 years old (1986) that I am not emission exempt yet. So if I was to put a big block into my car I would have to put all the emission crap onto the big block. Is that true or is he wrong?
I live in PA if that means anything to anyone

You'll have to do some research with your states emissions requirements. Here in RI once a vehicle is 25 years old the state only requires a safety inspection. The vehicle still gets a emissions test. If it passes the safety inspection but fails the emissions test it still passes the inspection and gets a sticker.

Are you aware that your '86 will require a bigger differential, beefed up transmission and suspension modifications to handle a big block conversion?

This can be a major and costly undertaking. I would suggest staying with a small block engine. You can get a lot of HP and torque with a modified small block without the hassles of putting a big block engine in a vehicle designed for a small block. And all of your existing emissions equipment can still function.

Doug

Putting a big block into the 86 wont be a big deal. You will need different motor mounts, front springs, use a Turbo 400 or a properly built Turbo 350, bigger radiator may be needed, hood clearance may be a problem(Cowl induction hood), headers, possible heater box mods, and a better rear would be recomended if the car was ever raced. An 8.5 out of a GN or 442 would do ok while a 12 bolt or 9" would be the best. As far as smog controls, you cant put an older engine in the car, the engine has to be the same year or newer and retain all the emissions crap to pass. A big block 454 was never offered in the last gen G body or El Camino. May be able to use the Vortec 454 used in the trucks but would have to convert to electronic injection wiring harness, etc. Wait a few years then swap it over. Less hassle and cheaper in the long run.

Putting a big block into the 86 wont be a big deal. You will need different motor mounts, front springs, use a Turbo 400 or a properly built Turbo 350, bigger radiator may be needed, hood clearance may be a problem(Cowl induction hood), headers, possible heater box mods, and a better rear would be recomended if the car was ever raced. An 8.5 out of a GN or 442 would do ok while a 12 bolt or 9" would be the best. As far as smog controls, you cant put an older engine in the car, the engine has to be the same year or newer and retain all the emissions crap to pass. A big block 454 was never offered in the last gen G body or El Camino. May be able to use the Vortec 454 used in the trucks but would have to convert to electronic injection wiring harness, etc. Wait a few years then swap it over. Less hassle and cheaper in the long run.

No big deal eh? Motor mounts, rear end, radiator, hood, transmission, heater box, springs and emissions. You just confirmed about everything I said in my reply. And what about the handling and brakes?:banghead:

Doug

To me thats no problem. I consider bolt on stuff to be easy, have done it a lot. Its the fabrication stuff that I would consider hard, as well as interior stuff. The smog stuff wouldnt bother me, no tests here. With aluminum heads and intake the big block wouldnt be huge difference in wieght. Since when has an El Camino been considered to be good in the corners, lol. Mine does well but no comparison to my 03 S2000 or my wifes 06 Miata. The brakes are an easy fix also, use aftermarket upper control arms, B body spindles, 1LE 12" rotors and there you have the brakes done. Not real cheap but not bad, much less than an all out brake kit from Wilwood or similar. I have done all that stuff on my 83(except I used a 350) myself, including swapping frames. These are easy cars to work on and modify. Dont know about the original posters mechanical abilities but even a fairly inexperienced person can get it done.

I know all the problem what come with putting a big block in a car that is not really made for it. I just got a 396 big block cheap and am going to put it in my car. once it is in omg it will be a screamer!!!