Chevy Big-Block Engine Parts Interchange: The Ultimate Guide to Sourcing and Selecting Compatible Factory Parts

by John Baechtel

Overview

The photos in this edition are black and white.

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781613255322
Publisher:	Cartech
Publication date:	04/10/2014
Pages:	146
Sales rank:	522,520
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

John Baechtel is a former editor of Car Craft and Hot Rod magazines and was the founding partner of the Westech Performance Group engine dyno testing facility. He is also a member of the Bonneville 200 MPH club, holding both SCTA and FIA International speed records. He drove the first production-based Mustang Cobra past the 200-mph mark in 1993 and was the driving force behind the restoration of the Summers Brothers Land Speed Record car for The Henry Ford museum. With more than 34 years of high-performance engine and vehicle testing under his belt, he is still passionate about engines and high-performance technology. He currently serves as a technical consultant to several performance aftermarket companies while pursuing his interest in land speed racing and grooming his extensive collection of land speed model cars and memorabilia.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 4
Introduction 5
Chapter 1: Formidable Forerunners 7
Gen II, the Mark Series 9
Basic Engine Architecture 10
Understanding RPO Codes 14
396-ci V-8 RPO Codes 15
402-ci V-8 RPO Codes 16
427-ci V-8 RPO Codes 16
454-ci V-8 RPO Codes 17
Tall-Deck Big-Blocks 19
Big-Block Crate Engines 20
Interchange Characteristics 24

Chapter 2: Cylinder Block Compatibility 27
Types of Blocks 27
Gen V Block Coolant Passage Compatibility 28
Original Blocks 29
Early-Model Blocks 41
DRCE 3 Race Blocks 43
Main Bearing Caps 44
Rear Main Seals 44
366, 396, 402 Blocks 44
Tall-Deck Blocks 44
Chapter 3: Gaskets 48
Timing Covers 49
Cylinder Head Gaskets 49
Rear Main Seals 52
Intake Gaskets 53
Carburetor Heat-Riser Gaskets 55
Fasteners 55
Rocker Arm Studs and Guideplates 57
Chapter 4: Rotating Assembly 59
Crankshaft Interchange 59
Rear Main Seals 60
Crankshaft Types 60
Flywheels and Flexplates 63
Connecting Rods 63
Pistons and Rings 66
Chapter 5: Cylinder Heads 70
Port Design 71
GM Heads 74
Iron Heads 77
Aluminum Heads 78
Combustion Chamber Revisions 79
Replacement Heads 80
Aluminum Bowtie Street Heads 81
Bowtie Race Heads 84
DRCE Pro Stock Heads 85

Chapter 6: Induction System 88
Intake Manifolds 88
Carburetors 98
Chapter 7: Camshafts 104
Interchangeability 104
Valve Lifters 106
Pushrods 108
Guideplates 109
Valvesprings 110
Rocker Arms 110
Camshaft Drives 111
Chapter 8: Distributors and Ignition Systems 113
Aftermarket Distributors 117
Chapter 9: Lubrication and Cooling Systems 120
Oiling Systems 120
Oil Pans 122
Chapter 10: Exhaust Manifolds 126
Chapter 11: Flywheels and Flexplates 130
Balancers 130
Bellhousings 132
Starters 132
Chapter 12: Parts Resources 134
Swap Meets 135
Internet 137
Machine Shops 139
Publications 139
Speed Shops 139
Engine Builders 139
Salvage Yards, Junkyards and Auto Dismantlers 140
Car Clubs 140
Car Shows 140
Chapter 13: Aftermarket Replacement Parts 141
Evaluating Aftermarket Parts 142
Source Guide 144

Editorial Reviews

"The perfect junkyard or swap meet take-along guide."

Old Cars Weekly