Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I was thinking of converting my 1996 impala SS to 540ci chevrolet big block streetable. are there to much hassles with this conversion or keeping the LT1 is a more comfortable way?

any one has info on how difficult to convert to 540ci big block?

bufmatmuslepants

iTrader: (3)

You have a lot more engine bay room and space than an f or y body so it's much easier in theory but probably less resources to help since it's probably been done less.

Prelim questions:

What's your goal?

What's your budget?

What parts do you have, resources at your disposal, tools, friends, etc?

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

It's been done, the original concept Impala SS had a 540 BB

I think you would be better off sticking with the LT1 and build a 383 for turbo/supercharger if the car actually gets driven much.

There's tons of room for a BB though: http://www.impalassforum.com/vBullet...d.php?t=233697

guppymech

iTrader: (7)

Where are you going to get the BBC from? I work with a guy that installed a GM ZZ502 in his '95 GMC Yukon, GM uses low tension rings on those motors and before he re-ringed the engine it was getting 300-400 miles per quart of oil. His wasn't a isolated event, many people have oil consumption issues with these engines.

93Z2871805

iTrader: (5)

That's not typical with all BBCs. Since OP said 540, it's nothing GMPP/CPP offers.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

A few drag cars have worked, the street ones never seem to pan out as planned. Seems like a great idea that is a lot harder to execute than one would expect and if you do a nice injected setup $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I would sooner do a turbo 5.3 or LT1 355 with 24x for less money and more power.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

I will get a BBC aluminum block from summit racing trick flow 320cc bbc heads ported by AI and custom cam with stock idle. Compression will be at 9:1 later I might add custom twin 76mm turbo system. Can I reuse the stock LT1 pcm and wiring harness for the bbc after being modified?

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

oh, and also I will use stage 3 4L80E transmission with the 540ci BBC.

guppymech

iTrader: (7)

I know it's not typical for a BBC. I was just warning Abdulla about the current GM ZZ502 oil consumption issues which are well documented across the web. I don't know if the other BBC engines sold by GMPP have the same issues but if I was going to spend 7k+ some research would be in order.

My buddy is going to do a turbo on his also, looking at 700-800 fwhp.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

So if there is oil consumption issues with the BBC 540ci then better to stay with the LT1?

guppymech

iTrader: (7)

I was only talking about the new BBC engines sold by GM Performance Parts and not about a scratch built or crate engine from another supplier.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

aha, OK.

seymourbuttz

Mind if i borrow some cash? Im good for it, i swear.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

lol. lol.

sweetbmxrider

iTrader: (13)

You do that. You take pics. You take vids. You will win.

NewOrleansLT1

Do it, it'll be bad ***

moehorsepower

iTrader: (3)

^^^ and more mileage..

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

The new LT1 engine will have more power and higher fuel mileage because of direct injection.

Abdullah

iTrader: (2)

But even with less fuel milage the 540ci BBC will make more power and more power under the curve if built correctly. There is an impala SS with 496ci BBC did 134@9.92 sec NA. Check it out in the impalassforum.com I guess. I'm not sure what heads he used and how big the cam was but I guess it was a hydraulic roller cam. also don't forget the impala SS is a heavy weight car.

ahritchie

iTrader: (1)

LSX 454 would be 10x cooler and make more power with better gas mileage.

https://www.texas-speed.com/p-3967-t...y-package.aspx