Stanley

Has anyone done a big block swap in a '69 Grande? I have a 351W in it now. I was talking to a guy at work and he said he had a small block in his Mopar and went to a BB and thinks it was worth it.

If anyone has done it what did you go from and how much hassel was it?

69FECoupe

As far as it being worth it, it depends on what you are looking for. A previous owner did the conversion on my 69 coupe from a 6 to a 390 but I have converted a few early cars to 351c's. The big block into a 67-70 is easier. If you are going for nostalgia and big block torque, it's worth it. If you are going for pure performance, I'd suggest that you build up or stroke your Windsor and stick with it. It will be cheaper and the performance parts are generally easier to find. If you go the FE route, it's a prettry straight forward conversion, but it is tight! You'll need the right chassis mounts, GT heads and if you have a stick, the right clutch linkage. Also, you'll need to change the front sway bar to the correct big block unit as the small block one will hit the oil pan or damper. My car is just a weekend ride and for me, my warmed over 390 works well. I don't recommend a big block as a daily driver. They are miserable on gas. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Rodbender

If you want a big block go 460. Everything is there for the swap( see Mustangs Unlimited). Pound for pound it'll eat a FE motor. Far superior design and cheaper to build with a bigger aftermarket support. As far as gas mileage...one thing...if this concerns you, don't put a big block in it. Go with a 408 stroker in your existing 351. My brother's 408 gets about 22mpg on the highway with a 5-speed and 3.25 gears!( 69 Mach1). My bigblocks get 10mpg whether your pulling a house or just bustin' down the highway with a tail wind.

horseshoeing

Keep the 351 and make right. Block blocks are over rated. Small block are more fun and cheaper. Small blocks own the road block to block. They are the best street racers. Much better on the turns and gas.