502 in my '77

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Adam ellis

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Adam
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1977
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C20 crew cab long bed camper special 3+3
Engine Size
350 ci
Im considering putting a 502 big block in my '77 C20 and thought id post something here. Any tips or Pros and Cons about the 502? Getting and installing the engine is a while out from now, but want to have all my ducks in a row before I get to that point.
 

RecklessWOT

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Advice- You definitely should as soon as time and money allows.

Pros- it's a 502

Cons- gas mileage probably but who really cares, it's a 502.

@Vbb199 has/had a 502 in his monster K5. I'm sure he could give you some info if you need it, that dude does some pretty impressive stuff


And welcome to the forum btw! Post some pictures!

You should make a post in the introductions section, tell us more about your truck and your story (if you want).
 

82sbshortbed

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I put a BBC 454 in my 82 c10 shorty and absolutely love it!!! Rained all day yesterday and the suns out today. Might have to take it for a spin if ya know what I mean. :burnout:
 

Craig Nedrow

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Love the 454 swap I did to the 73, replacing a 325 HP 350. Same mileage, (keep your foot out of it!), pulls a trailer effortlessly, smokes the 33's most excellently, blows stock TH350's though. You will need to really build a TH350, or even a TH400 some. 4l80 is the way I am going, so consider the trans in the swap. If you are nice to the gas peddle, most anything will work just driving around, and when I was younger, I just could not keep my foot out of it. I thought getting older, this would fade....NOT. Welcome!!
 

Adam ellis

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Colorado springs, CO
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Adam
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1977
Truck Model
C20 crew cab long bed camper special 3+3
Engine Size
350 ci
Love the 454 swap I did to the 73, replacing a 325 HP 350. Same mileage, (keep your foot out of it!), pulls a trailer effortlessly, smokes the 33's most excellently, blows stock TH350's though. You will need to really build a TH350, or even a TH400 some. 4l80 is the way I am going, so consider the trans in the swap. If you are nice to the gas peddle, most anything will work just driving around, and when I was younger, I just could not keep my foot out of it. I thought getting older, this would fade....NOT. Welcome!!
Thats a good point, currently I'm planning on putting a Tremec T-56 super Magnum behind it.
 

Catbox

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461
My 18 year old kid drives my 454 truck as his daily.
He gets 8-9 MPG normally.

I have to say, it is fun to push the pedal and hear the cavernous secondary's do their magic as the engine pushes you back in the seat.
And the engine is fairly stock still, soon it will get better heads to replace the peanut ports as well as a better intake topped with a rebuilt Holley.

You must be registered for see images attach
 

bucket

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I've acquired several big block trucks in the last decade. For all around grunt, they are the bee's knees. Even the peanut port headed ones are no slouch and the mpg is comparable to a small block... if you keep the loud pedal off the floor.

The only downside to a 502 is rear tire wear, lol.
 

Adam ellis

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Colorado springs, CO
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Adam
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1977
Truck Model
C20 crew cab long bed camper special 3+3
Engine Size
350 ci
My 18 year old kid drives my 454 truck as his daily.
He gets 8-9 MPG normally.

I have to say, it is fun to push the pedal and hear the cavernous secondary's do their magic as the engine pushes you back in the seat.
And the engine is fairly stock still, soon it will get better heads to replace the peanut ports as well as a better intake topped with a rebuilt Holley.

You must be registered for see images attach
Fun fun
 

Adam ellis

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Location
Colorado springs, CO
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Adam
Truck Year
1977
Truck Model
C20 crew cab long bed camper special 3+3
Engine Size
350 ci
I've acquired several big block trucks in the last decade. For all around grunt, they are the bee's knees. Even the peanut port headed ones are no slouch and the mpg is comparable to a small block... if you keep the loud pedal off the floor.

The only downside to a 502 is rear tire wear, lol.
I can imagine lol
 

bucket

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I can imagine lol

I have yet to experience a T56 in a truck. I put one in my '86 Iroc-z and I'm currently putting together a '79 Camaro with a T56 as well. Next up will be my "84" big block C10. Potentially with a mini blower on it too, depending on if I get another stock F-body trans or if I get an upgraded unit.
 

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