'69 Camaro: 6 cyl to 427 Swap: Questions

[Newman]

Currently in the process of swaping out my 250 for my 427 question is... is there anything that needs to be changed with the transmission mount or crossmember? when we set the engine in for test fitting I noticed that the back of the block was almost 2 inches away from the front of the bellhousing. Any help would be appreciated.

Also a question regarding my Hooker Comp headers, does the drivers side need to be intstalled from under the car? or Can it be layed in when dropping the engine in? Thanks

[travlnz28]

You will need the big block engine frame mounts. Also, the transmission crossmember was unique to the big block in 1969. The 69 big block cars either came with a Turbo 400 trans which has a unique crossmember, or a Muncie 4 speed which also had a unique big block-only crossmember. Once the proper frame mounts are installed for the engine and the proper crossmember is used, you should not have a problem.

[TonyHuntimerRaceHome]

Well,

Do you have the correct Big Block '69 frame stands? What transmission are you installing? Which header number are you using? I have Hooker Comps 2457. Do you have power steering?

The drivers side header will probably need to be dimpled before you're ready for final installation. Unless you can get your car a few feet in the air, you'll have to install the drivers side header before dropping the engine.

Tony Huntimer
Camaro Performers Magazine

[Newman]

Thanks Guys! We have the proper frame mounts... but is there a way to make a TH-350/Powerglide crossmember work? or is there one available? to use behind a big block?

[John Brown]

I'm sure there are thousands of big block Camaros with small block crossmembers in them. If you want to offset the trans where it should be, you can always use a tranny mount that has three holes in the bottom and just use one bolt in a hole that lines the motor / trans up correctly. After all, this ain't exactly rocket science here. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[parkbrau]

Think about the heater box as well. Do you have A/C? If yes, the A/C box might present a problem.

[Newman]

Thanks guys, that might work John but I'm sure somebody in the aftermarket must be making the one I need?

No A/C, and at this point No power steering, or brakes.

[travlnz28]

They make an aftermarket crossmember for the t-400 and for the big block 4 speed. Classic Industries in Southern California has them and I'm sure many other dealers do too. They also sell a small kit to allow the heater hoses to exit in the right position for a big block. It would be a wise investment and simple to do. Of course, that means changing the heater core to a big block one and that would be a smart thing to do while the car is apart.

[Kurt S]

http://www.camaros.org/trans.shtml#Crossmembers