Older intake on GenVI big block

[WILMASBOYL78]

Does anyone know if an original style big block intake(163)will fit on the 454/425 hp Chevy crate engine. I realize the engine comes with a high rise, just trying to create the nostalgic look.

Thanks. Tom Williams

[427TJ]

Try asking the guys at Sallee Chevrolet: www.sallee-chevrolet.com. They do alot of work with the new crate motors and might know the answer.

BTW--great idea using a new crate BB in a 'nostalgia' application. Muscle Car Review did a story on this very subject a few years ago (before their demise) where they told how to dress-up a 454 HO as a L78. Unfortunately, I can't find any of my MCRs from that period... Good luck and tell us what you find out.

[Chevy454]

That 163 intake will work on any of the Gen. IV, V, or VI short deck blocks.

[WILMASBOYL78]

Many thanks for the feedback on this subject. I have listed a post in the "wanted" section for a manifold. Dates don't matter just has to be in good condition. I will post some pictures of "MY COPO" project as it moves along.

Tom Williams

[Pantera]

What about the heads are they the same as the LS-7?

[WILMASBOYL78]

The cylinder heads are 118cc rectangular port open chamber design, 2.19 int. 1.88 exh. engine has a comp. ratio of 8.75 to 1. Pump gas friendly but tons of torque! Oh and the cam is .510/.540 roller hyd. You need to order an oil pan kit to install the engine in the older model camaro, nova & chevelle. gm part # 12568774

Tom Williams

[Chevy454]

You can mix/match heads on the Gen IV/V/VI blocks as well, just need the right gaskets. The Gen VI brings back the mechanical fuel pump boss like the Gen IV/VI...that was a common complaint (and tattle tale) of the Gen V.

[Pantera]

I have a chance to buy a pair of almost new heads off a LS-7 second gen and I want to use them on my 70's vintage LS-6 block to restore my Motion back to LS-7 specs. I am going to have to overhaul the motor anyway (Rod Spun) so why not buy a set of pistons and use these heads. Joel sold it with the LS-7 in it but it was overheated and replaced with a new crate LS-6 before I got it. If they had a larger chamber that would not upset me too much as it will be easier to find gas for it. After running the LS-6 at a roadrace track I can't imagine needing anymore power out of it. Traction is the biggest problem. I guess they are making tires now that will do justice to the car. You can be dam sure that I am not going to hammer it too hard on a set of L-60 x15's. Last time I ran it hard on the street against a bad ass GTO I almost sideswiped him in 3 rd gear with the MT M-60's on the back.

[427TJ]

Off the top of my head I think that LS-7 heads are the same as LS-6, etc., and are open-chamber. The main difference between the -6 and the -7 was compression and cam. The LS-7 had 12.5:1 compression and a wild, l-o-n-g duration cam.

My friend bought a crate LS-7 in 1988 to replace the 396 in his '67 Camaro SS 396. Holy ____, what a radical motor. The amount of overlap is such that the unburned gas that exits the tailpipes at idle would kill you in a matter of minutes. He let me take the car to a Super Chevy show back in '90 and while we were idling in the entry lanes the guy next to me said, "That thing's killing me." (I shut it off while we waited to get in.)

Another aspect about old vs. new BB heads is the exterior appearance. Old heads (no pun intended) have the water jacket plug in the front (and back) of the head, a casting line across the front, and the large-port versions have a small half-circle on top of the casting line so you know that it's a high-perf head. Oval-port heads don't have the half-circle.

Again, just going off the top of my head here guys, if I'm not exactly correct then feel free to clarify.

Another good book is "Chevrolet By The Numbers." Casting numbers, differences, etc., etc. Almost too much information to comprehend and that's why the book is so good.