Hey folks, new to this website.

How easy will a big block fit into a 1979? I'd assume that it will fit without any fender well modifications, but has anyone done this before?

I understand there are a lot of other equations when arriving at a big block answer (rear end, frame, tranny, etc.), I'm just worried about how it will fit in the hole, so to speak....

Thanks!

Welcome to ECC, Will. The big block fits in there quite nicely.

Here are some pic's I lifted from the gallery.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4467/work094sizedfl8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/221/dsc00796sizedcr2.jpg (http://imageshack.us) This is a well done install of a big Buick from "464 elky" Neil's gallery. Check it out on page 50 of the fifth gen album.

thanks for the plug Jim.

Well deserved, Neil. We will be in Palm Beach May 9-15, looking forward to a ride in it. :cool:

Biggest issue seems to be between the passenger valve cover and the A/C box. If you have a non A/C car you should not have any issues.

wfljr76 it seems like more people buy the 1978-1982 5th gen elky to put big block in them. I own a 1986 El Camino, but it is a bitch to put a big block in (396). I have to rip out my AC and take of the firewall in order to get the thing it. Next big issue is there are really no parts out there that cater to people who want to do a small block to big block swap in a 5th gen elky. They mostly have 350 or 400 small block parts.

Well if you have time, money, and your calm then it will all be worth it in the end.


There is a guy who owns a 1980 El Camino that has a 502 in it. The Elky is a beast and sounds greats. The elky is a drag car, but just to let you know again it can be done since I saw a 502 in a freaky El Camino

Was originally thinking about doing this (still thinking) so I did some checking, the trick to keeping the AC is to use the Mark IV block (9.8" deck height) and short valve covers (which means you can't use roller rocker arms, they require tall valve covers to clear...although there may be someone who makes roller rocker arms for use with short valve covers now...not sure on this...roller tip rockers will work with short valve covers). The tall deck block I believe has a 10.4" deck height... which is .6" taller. Of couse if you delete the AC and get the heater only box or delete the AC/heater all together and use a heater delete plate, then no problem...except for the power brake booster...once again back to the Mark IV block...but at least I think this will clear the tall valve covers...so you can use full roller rockers. You have to change the front coil springs...the stock coil springs won't handle the added weight of the big block...it will lower the front end about 2"...ok for drag only, but not street driving. I've never given up the idea of doing this...only the cost of big block parts has prevented me from doing this...so if I run into the right deals at the right time it's still on the back burner. My original plan was to install a beef up LS6 motor with a Super T10 trans (no I don't like M22 Muncies)...an 84 with a 70 drivetrain.

I put a bottle of Viagra pills in in my 305. It is now a big block.:lol:

Doug

WTH!! Someone is messing with me and my posts :cry: Has to be a mod.

Doug

Nah, Ya think, could it be?
I mean, what do I know?