Big Block Chevy 454 in a Dax

[mclark]

Hi there,

Has anyone out there got this setup? If you have, what pointers have you got for someone who may go this route.

I've heard you have to cut part of the footwells away

Can you still have underslung pipes of does it make things easier with side pipes.

Any help appreciated.

Michael

[MarkT]

Hi Michael.

I have a Dax with a 454 Rat motor.

When you order your body, ask Dax to cut away the footwells for you, leaving the holes open and supplying you with the patch panels to bond in later.

I had to remove a further half an inch on the passenger side in order to accomodate the headers.

I am running a 2.88 diff with a 4 speed Richmond super T10 box. Would love to run an overdrive box but the Tremec lower gear ratios are poor.

The engine is a 2 bolt lump in a relatively mild state of tune, producing somewhere between 450 and 500 BHP and 500 and 550 foot pounds of torque.

I have the revs electronically limited to 5,500 per minute which means that you can just about pull 60 in first.

I have side pipes, ground clearance is very poor so have fitted a cross member in front of the sump.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me on 01582 753291 after 7 PM.

Brgds

MarkT

[Bigblock]

Not a Chevy but a 460ci Ford lump. Had to do the same and cut the footwells out, mine was an 88 body so I had to do the cutting my self. Really easy to do, fabricated a steel footwell panel for both sides and bonded them in, now it is stronger than the original. I also went for the side pipe route as the last underslung 2" type used to bottom out every time. Made the headers with bends from custom chrome, again really easy, mind you you want to be able to gas weld or tig. Again if you want any tips or to have a gander give me a call.
Ciao:tu

[mikey]

Think about the smallblock 415 - 427 if you havent got the engine. Virtually same HP with less weight, better handling and less cost. Major advantage on acceleration due to stroke reduction etc. Big block always wins on torque though.

Still love the BB as well though.
Mike

[mclark]

Mark,

Many thanks for this. I going to see the engine guys this morning and I'm going to look at both the 350 and 454 lumps.

Have you got any pictures of the footwells after the mod was done? Just interested to see what the final thing looks like.

Regards

Michael

[dave]

Here's how much i cut out as std. this is enough to fit a BB Chevy also.
This will also give enough room for Shorty type headders on a small block. (Pic. included)
:tu