I am new to the forum and El Camino ownership. I purchased a 68 that was a factory 327/auto car. When I got it it had a 1959 283 out of a Corvette in it, which I have sold to a 59 Corvette owner. I have a 454 that is built and ready to go. My question is, has anyone out their installed a 454 in a factory 327 car? if so, do you have any recommendations or things to look out for? ie, motor mounts, cooling, etc..

Should be a simple plug and play. And :Welcome!: from one 68er to anothere. Now lets see some pics of the beast

My 67 was originally a 283 car and I put a 396 in it. For me it was a simple drop in and go application. Just replaced the motor mounts. I used the original small block frame perches with no problems. But I think on a 68 they used the same frame mounts or perches for both the small blocks and the big blocks.

I would also recommend that you replace the front springs. When I originally started I was going to rebuild the 283 or swap to a 350. So I just replaced the old springs with new springs for a small block application. Only after I got my donor car did I decide to just use big block that was in it, as it did not need a rebuild yet. So now the added weight makes the front end ride a bit on rough side and it sits low enough that I can not get my good floor jack under the front cross member.
Actually the stance is almost perfect right now, but I know I will have to eventually replace the springs with the correct ones for a big block. Just one of the issues you run into when you change plans as you go. :???:

Welcome 68er, (the best year ever):nanawrench::nanawrench:
I have a 396 and I would recommend as much water cooling as possible as I am battling cooling issues. These guys here are great and I have no doubt my problem is about solved. (just need time to finish) I would agree on springs too.
Post some pics!!!
Donny:texas:

Welcome fellow 68'er! Second the pic requests... And second the springs and cooling. I have run into issues in past vehicles changing from small to big block in that if you have power brakes the booster may be a problem. And from back in my old camaro days, seems that intakes and carbs can get you real close to the hood, so you want to be aware of what you buy so you don't end up having to chop hoods or change parts. Something else to think about is drive line, I don't know the elko that well (learning), but seems I've had situations where I had smaller u-joints and drive shaft in a small-block car, that a healthy big block can tear up. Of course, a heathy small block can tear up lots of stuff too! :) And just for fun - I am having my calipers rebuilt, which are the dual caliper type, and I did see where an el camino could come with single-caliper (who knows if they every actually were). So, do you have disc brakes?; and if so, are they dual-caliper? Hope so, since the big block beast is kinda heavy. Welcome!

Welcome to the forum. Hope you like your stay and hope your engine swap goes well. I did an engine swap to my 5th gen and it was a bitch to do! I am just about finished with the engine swap and not on to body and interior.

Thanks for all the info, very helpful. I put the only pic I have in the avatar, I'll be back to take some more pics soon. this car was a frame off restoration on 1982. A few weeks and we'll start the engine swap..the car does not have power brakes, but they are discs. I have a rebuilt 700R4 that I am thinking about installing when I add the 454...

Hello from "deep frozen" germany! :eh: Not the right time for working on a car...
I agree with the other guys, and I own a 68 SS with a 454. IMy car has dual caliper brakes and they are working well. Although it was not easy to get replacement parts for these rare brakes over here in germany.
But I am happy with it now for they work excellent.
Remember: the BB plus the automatic tranny have a solid weight that has to be stopped, else: :cruch:
B.t.w.: I like the 68 model, not at least because mine is a 68 too. It has the most harmonic body-style!
:hail2:

Welcome to the forum from one 68er to another!:nanawrench:

Boy! Talk about a bunch of '68s coming out to greet another '68er. I love it! Welcome to the crowd - and remember - '68s RULE!!!.........Ken :beer:

this is a damn '68 love orgy holy crap!!!

@Maintenceman:
This is why: http://www.chevymall.com/ShowAdditionalImg.asp?number=CCL9091#

@Maintenceman:
This is why: http://www.chevymall.com/ShowAdditionalImg.asp?number=CCL9091#

:laughing4:
(To quote "Tater Salad") That'll Shut Him Up!!!! :buttkick: (Just kiddin' Maintenceman)

The rule is (68s RULE!!!!!!)
Donny