The venerable Chevy big-block engines have proven themselves for more than half a century as the power plant of choice for incredible performance on the street and strip. They were innovators and dominators of the muscle car wars of the 1960s and featured a versatile design architecture that made them perfect for both cars and trucks alike. Throughout their impressive production run, the Chevy big-block engines underwent many generations of updates and improvements. Understanding which parts are compatible and work best for your specific project is fundamental to a successful and satisfying Chevy big-block engine build.
In Chevy Big-Block Engine Parts Interchange, hundreds of factory part numbers, RPOs, and detailed color photos covering all generations of the Chevy big-block engine are included. Every component is detailed, from crankshafts and rods to cylinder heads and intakes. You'll learn what works, what doesn't, and how to swap components among different engine displacements and generations. This handy and informative reference manual helps you to create entirely unique Chevy big-block engines with strokes, bores, and power outputs never seen in factory configurations. Also included is real-world expert guidance on aftermarket performance parts and even turnkey crate motors. It s a comprehensive guide for your period-correct restoration or performance build.
John Baechtel brings his accumulated knowledge and experience of more than 34 years of high-performance engine and vehicle testing to this book. He details Chevy big-block engines and their various components like never before with definitive answers to tough interchange questions and clear instructions for tracking down rare parts. You will constantly reference Chevy Big-Block Parts Interchange on excursions to scrap yards and swap meets, and certainly while building your own Chevy big-block engine.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1:
Formidable Forerunners
Gen II, the Mark Series
Basic Engine Architecture
Understanding RPO Codes
396-ci V-8 RPO Codes
402-ci V-8 RPO Codes
427-ci V-8 RPO Codes
454-ci V-8 RPO Codes
Tall-Deck Big-Blocks
Big-Block Crate Engines
Interchange Characteristics
Chapter 2:
Cylinder Block Compatibility
Types of Blocks
Gen V Block Coolant Passage Compatibility
Original Blocks
Early-Model Blocks
DRCE 3 Race Blocks
Main Bearing Caps
Rear Main Seals
366, 396, 402 Blocks
Tall-Deck Blocks
Chapter 3:
Gaskets
Timing Covers
Cylinder Head Gaskets
Rear Main Seals
Intake Gaskets
Carburetor Heat-Riser Gaskets
Fasteners
Rocker Arm Studs and Guideplates
Chapter 4:
Rotating Assembly
Crankshaft Interchange
Rear Main Seals
Crankshaft Types
Flywheels and Flexplates
Connecting Rods
Pistons and Rings
Chapter 5:
Cylinder Heads
Port Design
GM Heads
Iron Heads
Aluminum Heads
Combustion Chamber Revisions
Replacement Heads
Aluminum Bowtie Street Heads
Bowtie Race Heads
DRCE Pro Stock Heads
Chapter 6:
Induction System
Intake Manifolds
Carburetors
Chapter 7:
Camshafts
Interchangeability
Valve Lifters
Pushrods
Guideplates
Valvesprings
Rocker Arms
Camshaft Drives
Chapter 8:
Distributors and Ignition Systems
Aftermarket Distributors
Chapter 9:
Lubrication and Cooling Systems
Oiling Systems
Oil Pans
Chapter 10:
Exhaust Manifolds
Chapter 11:
Flywheels and Flexplates
Balancers
Bellhousings
Starters
Chapter 12:
Parts Resources
Swap Meets
Internet
Machine Shops
Publications
Speed Shops
Engine Builders
Salvage Yards, Junkyards and Auto Dismantlers
Car Clubs
Car Shows
Chapter 13:
Aftermarket Replacement Parts
Evaluating Aftermarket Parts
Source Guide