72supreme455

First post here! So, I've got a 72 cutlass supreme, originally a 350 car. I swapped in a 455 years back. My original heater and all that wouldn't fit with the big block. What has anybody done for a heater/Ac in a swapped car? I don't think that car was ever offered with a big block. It was an original Ac car. Will a big block chevy heater motor bolt on?? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

RetroRanger

The stock heater set up fits fine w a bbo in a 70-72 supreme. In the. Nobodies the bbo used a notched set of valve covers to provide some extra clearance. I've got a 72 supreme w 455 in it w stock heater set up

Tall valve covers may be a problem tho

oldspackrat

Can you be more specific & maybe post some pictures? Like RetroRanger stated, you could get a cutlass with a 350 or 455, either with or with out AC.

72supreme455

Thanks, Im guessing my problem is that I'm using an AC setup with it. I'll track down one with just heater and try it. My dad has a 72 cutlass S with 350 and no Ac, I'll take some measurements on it. Thanks guys!

72supreme455

72supreme455

Sorry for the sub par engine pics, the glare is nuts right now. But these are the car as it sits right now.

svnt442

Same heater box 350 or 455. There shouldn't be any clearance issues with either engine.
I have had a 455 with standard valve covers in a car that came with a 350 and A/C with no issues.
You COULD have bad body mounts causing the problems. That's about all I can think of besides the car being smacked really hard and having a bent frame that would cause the issue you're having.

svnt442

Here is an SX (Supreme body) with a 455 and AC

RetroRanger

Like Randy's pic shows it fits but it isn't exactly roomy at the heater box firewall valve cover junction. I used a spark socket w a hex end to tighten the #8 plug as the socket w ratchet doesn't fit! There is probably 1-1.5 inches between the VC and heater box.

MDchanic

So, the answer to your question is that "anybody" has simply kept the original heat and A/C parts installed.

In your case, clearly "somebody" preferred to do something different, and you are left to clean up the mess.

You need to get an A/C setup from another car.

And, No, an Chebby unit will not fit.

Welcome to ClassicOlds.

- Eric

72supreme455

Well, "anybody" and "somebody" is me Lol! I was inpatient with it all and just crammed it in there. I still have all my original AC unit and everything that came out of it, but it seemed like a few years ago when I got around to trying to put it on, it didn't want to fit. I'll try again now that I am a bit more patient and a will to do it right haha.

Also, car was never hit, and i just replaced the stock motor mounts with new ones, since the old ones were pretty worn. That is also probably contributing to the issue.

Thanks everybody, I will get an update posted after I try again!

72supreme455

Well that's very encouraging. Thanks! The lack of any fan whatsoever is a big contributing factor to why it doesn't get driven more often.

joe_padavano

You do realize that 1968-72 cars with big blocks got notched valve covers to help with clearance to the HVAC box, right? The lower one in this photo is the passenger side cover.

MDchanic

I doubt it.

I think that "details" here are elusive things.

Note "universal" radiator hose, and lack of not only windshield washers, but windshield wipers as well, but presence of fancy chromed air cleaner and master cylinder cover.



- Eric

72supreme455

It does have washers and wipers, just can't see em in the pic. Master cylinder is shiny because I just replaced the whole thing and the air cleaner was cuz I had it and the original was all bent up. But, as I said earlier, detail was not my strong suit when I put the engine in the car lol, it was power. I'm wanting to move towards clean and unique, and less "race car".

Fun71

The problem is obvious. It's the orange valve covers.

oldcutlass

How hard is it to convert to a no a/c car? There is a heater core in it as the hoses are connected to the firewall.

You might consider lowering your coil a smidge.

72supreme455

I've never heard of someone converting a Ac box into a no Ac one before. Just swapping it altogether. I rotated the coil up to get a better pic, but thanks for watching out for me!!

RetroRanger

if i remember ill try to get a close up shot of my car there tomorrow, i looked today and its closer to 3/4" clearance at the tightest spot ...thats w notched valve covers

svnt442

If my memory serves me, the heater core lines pass through the firewall in different locations and would require major metal work to make that happen.

svnt442

A/C firewall:



Non A/C firewall:

MDchanic

Holy crap! You can buy those now?!?

- Eric

joe_padavano

Been available for a couple of years now. Pretty much any sheet metal panel that's common with a Chevelle is available.

oddball

Generic A-body stampings. Correct for a Chevelle, correct-enough for an Olds. I used one (A/C) without issue.

72supreme455, the key is the notched covers like Joe said. Things are really tight in there. Strongly recommend removing the hood and passenger fender.

Looks like a fun car, keep it rolling!

RetroRanger

Here is the area in question 455 w notched valve covers, gets as close as 3/4 "

72supreme455

Awesome. Thank you.