Will a 396 big block fit in a thrid gen Camaro?

If it fits, will it be too heavy and bend the frame?

 

yes it fits and no it won't bend the frame

 

If I remember correctly the difference in weight between a small block and a big block is only around 150lbs sice you should be using an aluminum manifold that will save 25 lbs or so., No it won't bend the frame.

I'm in the process of stuffing one into my 87 RS as we speak. The fit is good but it is tight in some places. A 4 lb sledgehammer helps to convince the car into accepting the big block. My car had a V6 so I am running electric fans already. I took out the A/C, emmissions controls and electronics. I haven't got to the belts and pulleys on the front of the engine yet but I have access to a plasma cutter and a welding torch, I'll make it fit! You can buy the headers from summit, They are made for this swap and it is my understanding that I will still need to convince the floorboards that they really do just drop right in. Standard HEI will not fit without convincing the firewall a little. Overall it will fit except the carb is too high to clear the stock hood. I'm not doing this to fool anyone so it's most likely going to have a tunnel ram

Yup, it'll fit

 

Ok...so most big block engines will fit a third gen? Obviously a 502 would cause some problems.

About your hood problem, they make big block hoods for third gen Camaros. They're even fiber glass.



[This message has been edited by StCr19 (edited December 19, 2000).]

 

a 502 is the exact same physical size as a 396.

 

Here is a picture of a car with a 396.



EDIT:
Here are other pictures of that car and one other.
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image01.jpg
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image02.jpg
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image04.jpg
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image05.jpg
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image06.jpg
http://members.hmcltd.net/ceverly/Gary/image07.jpg



[This message has been edited by Chuck Everly (edited December 20, 2000).]

 

As stated above, yes it will fit, no it won't bend the frame. All the info you need is on my page.

Miles


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88 427 Camaro
12.18 @ 113mph 1.75 60ft

www.koolmeister.com

 

Sweet.

I don't know jack when it comes to big blocks.

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1986 Camaro
Carbureted 305
700R4

 

I wish my engine compartment was that clean.

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Stephen's racing page

87 IROC-Z Pro ET Bracket Race Car
383 stroker (carbed) with double hump cast iron heads and pump gas
454 Big Block buildup now in progress for the 2001 racing season

Best results before the 383 blew up
Best ET on a time slip: 11.857 altitude corrected to 11.163
Best MPH on a time slip: 117.87 altitude corrected to 126.10
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 476.5
Best 60 foot: 1.662

Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association

87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley