Just curious if anyone here is running a big block in something like a Diplomat or Volare, with the stock suspension.

Does it become unsafe to drive with all that extra weight up front?

The weak link is the T-bar setup...but if you have the $$$ FirmFeel can set you up with a much stouter replacement piece...having talked to someone who's done this they were much impressed and he loves the new feel of the car.

Now...the real question: why big block? Why not stroker small block? lol...

curiosity and money.

I know it'd make a good drag setup but that's not how we use our cars. have a volare duster that's in pretty good shape, basically just a rolling chassis with rebuild front end.

also have lots of BB stuff and a very low budget. Would be a nice way to get dad back into the game in his retirement years. but don't want it to be dangerous!

I have an aluminum slant six for my diplomat

Either spend the money on the upgraded t-bars or spend it on aluminum everything for the BB to get the weight down closer to the SB weight.

I say go for it. Will be a cool ride. I own an f body, 4speed car with approx 400hp smallblock. These cars are very stable & have a nice wide stance with a good wheel package. A few front end tweaks, an 8 1/4 posi rear & it will be a cool toy. First thing I'd do would be solid front bushings for the k-member, good kyb shocks, new tires & a good alignment.

The front bumpers & bumper shocks weigh a ton. Certainly a place to lighten up. I've done aluminum bumper brackets in the past.

Oh good lord.

Yes you can run a BB in an F/J/M body with the stock suspension.

I ran a 440 in an'77 Volare RR for nearly 32 years and it was a blast. Would I recommend it for everyone? Not when you can build a stroker sb.

There were no issues with the front suspension. The rear did not hook until I put a superstock spring suspension under it. There are other choices available for that as well.

I have a dealer demo kind of loaded 59k 80 Dippy coupe i intend to put a magnum headed early 318 w A500. im wondering what my best rear option is. eliminate iso-ride?

I am running a stock K frame from a 5 th ave with stock t- bars in my 56 Plymouth ...I have am iron head 493 stroked 440 and have run it for 4 years now..I like everything about it...rides well on long trips . (When I change to the 2: 76 rear ).and runs well at 11.6 @ 115 mph .with 3:55 gear.the whole car weighs 3700 lbs.The only problem I had was the headers and the P/S box want to occupy the same space..but with a little heat and bending ,it works

It's just a big block, not a cummins diesel!

Stock for stock a big block is what? 150? 200 lbs heavier than a small block? Aluminum heads, intake, water pump housing, water pump, headers... And that big block weighs the same as an all stock/iron small block.

The front end will be fine.

Have a buddy with a 79 t top Road Runner . . . 440 with 518 auto behind it, stock front suspension. Car works great - perfect for long trips, with the AOD in it !! . . . go for the BB build. You can always change out the T bars once you have seen what it drives like with the BB drive train in it . . .


Cheers,

Mark

thanks for all the feedback.

and that sounds like a very nice setup, 440 with 518! how was it done? u ultrabell or adapter?

i have no issues with mine, handled just fine with an all iron 440.

I suppose a follow-up question could be: how well will it handle with the stock T-bars and 440 in there?

All the posters are absolutely right...it sure can be done...but will it handle, will it be a street car that you have to adjust to as you shift between your daily driver and your project car, or are we talking here 1/4 mile cars that go 'straight'????

Put it this way, my coupe is completely re-done, all new parts, including Koni 5-way adjustable shocks (front & rear). They are a day & night difference as compared to a stock or even HD shocks. Yet, there I am with a 360 block up-front (iron heads) and boy, that front-end likes to 'float'. Already have the replacement K-frame biscuits too.

So...I like a car that handles like it's on 'rails'...LOL...and a stock T-bar isn't going to get you moving in that direction!

I had a 1.25 front cop swaybar on the car, no rear swaybar. The dreaded KYB front shocks and cheapie long 25" Monroe Pickup truck shocks on the rear. It took corners pretty good, the ride was great. It was a rougher ride with the small block and KYB's on all 4 corners, (also had the cop rear bar at the time). It really did handle great as a small block, but big torque is more fun sometimes.

yeah, I know what you mean about the float. My slant six M body with "cop" t-bars (as far as I know they just used higher durometer bushings) and the big swaybars handled very well. Firm suspension at any speed, even at 85 and beyond. however my 79 318 lebaron rode like a cadillac. Not exactly inspiring to drive

I could imagine stepping up once more would make it a bit on the scary side. I like to at least have the ability for evasive maneuvers.

I think I've gotten the impression I need here. thanks for all the information