BBC/SBC conversion how to
Converting 1998 v6 firebird to SBC. Need electrical help! I have a 1998 V6 firebird. It is a 5spd manual. I am converting this car to a low 5.0 second stock suspension car. It will have about a 440ci SBC with a Powerglide. I am wanting to use the stock guage cluster in the dash and if possible to wire the stock guages to read with the SBC instead of having to install a bunch of guages. I will need the voltage guage to work, tach, and oil pressure if possible. I will use a manual autometer guage for the water temp, and also for nitrous. I would like a wiring schematic if anyone has one on how to do this if possible. Any help would be appreciated. It will only be a drag car and will never see the street again. The main guage that I want to at least make work is the tach. Thanks alot. I will also be running a MSD 7531 digital ignition if that makes any difference. Also is there anything different that I should know since I am converting a v6?
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
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BBC Camaro 1994 Hey guys im new to this forum! Just wanted to say hi...i had a couple questions...Im building a Blown Big block chevy camaro 1994. I just wanted to know exactly what type of K-member i need. And if possible maybe even a part number off the link given from (((cwaldts))) Its a tight sqeeze under that hood any information would help haha thanks guys!
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Verdad Gallardo Well, you CAN use the OE serp system if you get a good electric water pump and want to spend the tome plumbing the coolant system to avoid the belt, i wouldnt get it so i went the easier route, suck because i wanted to keep the AC system, maybe ill figure out something later.
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 56
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From: Mass.
after reading i seem to be alone on this one...but i used motor plates...and my 454 fits like a glove! as far as headers if you used flaming river joints and double d bar to shift over the steering shaft and narrow it up a bit you might now have to mollest your headers so much =)
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1
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I just bought a 98 firebird with a bad v-6 motor and i am going to do this bbc swap! I have a 454 out of a 73 suburban that i want to drop in and i'm probably going to build up a 700r4 or a th-200 to go behind it but i was wondering do i NEED the tubular k-member a lot of you guys are running? I was hoping to just order up some motor plates and mount it that way, but to be honest i've never used motor plates or mid-motor plates and i have no idea how they actually install? also, most of you seem like you've got big blocks installed in camaro's and it sounds like the firebird has less room under the hood. am i going to have to chop or weld anything to get this to fit?
I'm pumped to get this car road-worthy, but i already spent a lot and i don't think a tubular k-member is in my budget right now. thanks.
I'm pumped to get this car road-worthy, but i already spent a lot and i don't think a tubular k-member is in my budget right now. thanks.
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Show us some pictures of your gauge cluster inside the car? YOu say you can use the existing one right? Would like to see new cluster though. IS there anything else that runs off stock computer since its being removed?
Car has all Burkhart suspension, and they are currently doing the chassis and custom fabbing a set of stainless headers for the Reher Morrison BBC.
Coming soon to a street near you
Coming soon to a street near you
Both the starting point....and I'm sure the finished results are awesome, but man...couldn't you have spared that low milege car and found a clean v6 one or something to build up? It would have looked the same in the end.
Also, do you have a "for sale" thread where you are parting out all the unused stuff from it?
Also, do you have a "for sale" thread where you are parting out all the unused stuff from it?
I dissagree, low mileage street cars always make super nice race cars. It will just make the car a more valuable race car. Plus I do what I want. I really don't have many parts left but I do still have the face plated t-56.
Last edited by houseofboost; Dec 13, 2010 at 08:14 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Front Suspension What are you using for struts and springs??? Will stockers work????? I am installing a 496 bbc and I need to know if I need to start looking in the aftermarket or just head to the parts store for new stock parts.