Install BBB in Skylark With Most Accessories Installed

Discussion in 'Wrenchin' Secrets' started by Dan Gerber, Nov 8, 2021.

  1. john.schaefer77

    john.schaefer77 Well-Known Member

    I installed a few 455's in 70-72 cars. I leave the power steering pump and alternator off to give me more clearance to wiggle a bit to maneuver in place. If using headers I lay them in place in the engine bay, if manifolds, I put them on before lowering engine. Water pump on, fan off. Plenty of room unless you have AC, then remove passenger valve cover.
     
  2. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    True!
    Look at the swap this way.......... Use the shop to pull, then drop your new engine in, you only need the shop for the covered building and the shop crane/ engine hoist.
    Maybe re-install the hood also.
    Everything else is small stuff completely doable in your 2 car garage at YOUR leasure, no rushing:D
     
    Max Damage likes this.
  3. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    Hey Mark..... I agree.
    The "plan"...
    My garage: Remove whatever small stuff that I can.
    Drive to shop.
    Shop: Remove hood, radiator, fan, shroud, 350 carb, PS pump (and lay aside with hoses still connected), disconnect wires & fuel lines, pull engine, clean up lower engine bay, remove SBB engine mounts, etc.
    Install BBB mounts, BBB wire harness, BBB engine, carb, headers, any other items that require heavy lifting or strength to install (if time permits), and then the hood.
    Flat bed or, if I'm incredibly lucky, drive home.
    My garage: Detail work, etc, etc.

    Believe me Mark, I don't like this situation. It's the first time in my life that I wasn't able to do this stuff by myself in my own garage. I must finish this project very soon, though.


    Thanks for your response, by the way.
     
    Mark Demko likes this.
  4. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Good luck Dan - If the weather permits and the shop is close you might pull the fan and shroud at home too. Put the fan on the 455 for the ride home but leave the shroud off - they can cause issues with clearance and would require lots of time to solve. Again, if its not too far and its not above, say, 90 degrees.
     
  5. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    Good idea, Bill. Thanks for the tip.
     
  6. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    I know the feeling, I like being independent also and not rely on others for things I used to do on my own
     
  7. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    Hi Canadian GS 350. I sent a PM (question) regarding one of the photos in your "Blew up the 350..." thread. Please respond when you get a chance.

    Thank you.
     
  8. 1969RIVI

    1969RIVI Well-Known Member

    Dan, pull the hood at home too, leave it there, drive to the shop, do your swap, drive it home, reinstall hood and whatever other things you took off. Or is it illegal to drive with no hood where you are??
     
    12lives and Mark Demko like this.
  9. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    That's a great option, 1969RIVI. I'll keep it in mind.
     
    1969RIVI likes this.
  10. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Dan - any update? I'm sending good vibes to help!
     
    mbryson likes this.
  11. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    Thanks Bill. Apparently your vibes are helping.

    The engine and all of the peripheral items (right down to the smallest fasteners, clamps, brackets, wiring, etc) are ready to go. All we need now is for a 2-day slot to open up at the shop. It should take place sometime between Christmas and New Year's Day... I hope.
     
    mbryson, 12lives and FLGS400 like this.
  12. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    OK... After all of my questions, concerns, etc, the 350 was removed and the 455 was installed over the weekend in my garage. Luckily my stepson and the owner of the shop that I originally planned to use volunteered to do the heavy work. Now, when I say the 455 "was installed" I mean that it was lowered in the engine bay, and bolted to the transmission and and engine mounts. So we have quite a bit of detail work to do.

    I want to thank all of you for your help over the last couple of months. I really appreciate it.

    You haven't heard the last from me, though. I'll be asking for advice a few more times as I (well, my stepson) runs into glitches while doing the finish work.
     
    mbryson, FLGS400 and Mark Demko like this.
  13. Dan Gerber

    Dan Gerber Founders Club Member

    Hood on Conv Top.jpg BBB in.jpg Oops! I forgot.....
     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2022
  14. FLGS400

    FLGS400 Gold Level Contributor

    Looking good Dan!
     
    12lives likes this.
  15. 12lives

    12lives Control the controllable, let the rest go

    Great news! Oh what a feeling! Wait until you fire it up the first time! Looking good!
     
  16. steve murray

    steve murray Well-Known Member

    Looks great ! Good job man / men !!!
     

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