84 Z28 SB to BB conversion??

[Shadow11]

Hey I am new here and have found lots of good advice and ideas already, so I have a question of my own now.

I have a 1984 Z28 with a SB 305cid in it at the moment, and while I have been trying to blow this poor 305 it won't die... lol

Anyway's the reason I am trying to blow it is so I have an excuse to drop in a 396cid BB. Everyone I know doesn't know if i is possible or what I would have to do to put a BB chev under the hood of my 84 camaro, main questions are:

A: If it is possible. ( I am sure it is)
B: What kind of mods will I have to do?
C: Any kits available to change my car to a M/T after a BB is installed?

Any input any of you have would be greatly apreciated.

[skibum1111]

Welcome. First, measure the length and width of the motor, then open the hood of your car and measure the distance between the strut towers at the widest part fo your motor. I think it fits but its going to be very very tight, and almost impossible to change plugs. You would also need to change your crossmember and front suspension so it could handle the additional weight of a big block. You will need a transmission and a rear end as stock they can't handle the punishment a big block will dish out to them. One of my friends raped a 350, got it to around 550hp, the transmission took it with protest and the rear end lasted a week. After luching the rear end, he replaced both the transmission and rear end. Good luck, its a lot of work but worth it if it fits...

[Rally Sport]

Yeah, if your car has a 700R4, which it should since it was the first year it was offered. WELL you can bolt on an LT1 from a 93-97 Camaro, that has twice the horsepower your 305 has right now, and its worth it since it will bolt right up to your transmission, from what I can remember about 2 members on this forum have done it and they take on almost everything on the road.

Well its just a suggestion because its obvious you want a better engine with more output, and an LT1 is the best way to do it, cheapest too..

About chaning your automatic to a manual, its very hard. got to find the transmission first then you have to install new lines and its best to just leave the transmission you have on now.

[ct91rs]

Yes, a big block will fit, a friend of mine had a 427 in his '85.

I don't think you'd necessairly have to change any of the front suspension besides the coil springs. You'll need a stronger rear end, and might want to build up the trans.

[Rally Sport]

Originally Posted by ct91rs

Yes, a big block will fit, a friend of mine had a 427 in his '85.

I don't think you'd necessairly have to change any of the front suspension besides the coil springs. You'll need a stronger rear end, and might want to build up the trans.

Depending on how much HP/TQ you get out of the 396 will have you change the 700R4.. im guessing it hasnt had anything changed so you would have to build it up, also it would be highly recommended that you keep the 700R4 because it is one of the best automatic transmissions out there that came with the Camaro.. and it has an awesome overdrive feature, also the trans can handle up to 500 HP and probably the same amount of torque or a little more.

[Genopsyde]

this should help...

http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/showthre...hreadid=248225

[Shadow11]

Cool thanks alot guys, this info really helps, I been pondering a GM BB crate engine to stick under the hood but am undecided yet I may just buy the 396/402 my buddy has done up out of his 68 SS/RS.

Either way I now know what needs to be done... for the most part. Thanks for you r help!