Big Block Upgrade

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Sun Nov 23, 08 11:28 pm

Can you tell me what I need to upgrade to go from a small block to a big block in a Charger?

I gather I need different motor mounts, and I need to upgrade the torsion bars.

...... Anything else?

TIA

Jules.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Sun Nov 23, 08 11:35 pm

Gearbox is the main issue.
Are you currently running an A904 or an A727?

If its the former, then find a skip; and a different (shorter?) prop.

The bell housing is different between an SB and BB A727.

If a manual, you will suffer the same problem with the bell housing.

Radiator bottom hose positions could cause a problem, need to check.

Headers, potential upgrade on rear springs.

Brakes.

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Sun Nov 23, 08 11:44 pm

HOPEFULLY should be picking up both a 440 and 727.
Car never came with prop so no worries - need to get that anyway.
Will upgrade brakes one day anyway.
Do I NEED to upgrade torsion bars Pete?

Thanks mate

challenger · Post by **challenger** » Sun Nov 23, 08 11:54 pm

what bars are you starting with ? also depends what you wana do with the car , i run 440 in my 70 challenger on 6 cyl bars , but have avo adjustable shocks to help with the sall bars ,

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Mon Nov 24, 08 12:00 am

I'll double check this week, but I assume they are standard bars for the car. It was originally a 318 motor.

challenger · Post by **challenger** » Mon Nov 24, 08 12:06 am

it is favourite to upgrade the bars if you use the ones in it prob find you gota raise the tension on them , as long as the car aint loaded with air con etc i,d try fitting some good adjustable shocks and give it a go

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Nov 24, 08 9:07 am

New bars are not very expensive.

Your best bet would be to fit 440/hemi spec suspension all round including front and rear sway bars.

THEN fit some good shocks.

These bigger engined cars came with heavy duty suspension FOR A REASON.

Ivor · Post by **Ivor** » Mon Nov 24, 08 9:13 am

...and don't forget those brakes Jules!

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Mon Nov 24, 08 9:26 am

He won't need the brakes when he is in the ditch.

AllKiller · Post by **AllKiller** » Thu Dec 18, 08 5:34 pm

Shumacher mounts Jules big block into S/B K frame....doddle
My E bod has S6 T bars up front with KYB shock....seems ok
depends what your using it for.

Cant make it saturday to much on...send me a picture or 2 of the GMC if you get a chance

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Thu Dec 18, 08 11:29 pm

I have a set of Shu mounts, but that was 383/400/440 in to "A" body - it may be worth checking on theri site if they fit....

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 19, 08 9:46 am

One problem with using front torsion bars from a lighter car is that you need to wind the bar up more to get the correct height. That means that there is a lot of stress on the bar and any weakness caused by something as simple as a deep scratch can lead to it snapping.

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Fri Dec 19, 08 2:34 pm

Have sorted a pair of big block torsion bars now

Just need to collect them

Regarding the Shumacher mounts your talking about.....
Am I right in thinking the K member is the same for a small block or big block car in a Charger?

These Shumacher mount things..... I thought an E body K member was different sb to bb, but B bodies were the same? No ?

I have a 440 WITH engine mounts still attached ( I need to renew the rubber part ). Won't this just slot straight in to the engine bay, onto the mounting area on the K member? I know the engine mounts that bolt to the engine are different from sb to bb, but I thought if you had the corresponding mounts for the engine, it would just slot straight in to the engine bay.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Dec 19, 08 3:04 pm

Jules wrote: These Shumacher mount things..... I thought an E body K member was different sb to bb, but B bodies were the same? No ?

Other way around.

Jules · Post by **Jules** » Fri Dec 19, 08 3:25 pm

Just found 'em. Oh well. There's another 60 quid need to spend then.
Good job I found out now though

Thanks for that guys