1971 chevelle ss 402?...

[Berg]

If you already have a beefy 3 core with the 4 bolt top plate you should be good on the rad. You should have a long water pump. I believe that the only year that could have had both long and short water pump from GM on Chevelles was a 1969. 1970-up should be a LWP. As far as the fan goes, the aftermarket kits have 7 blade fans and from my memory it looks just like the fans on both the big block and small block cars. They list it aftermarket as the same fan and clutch but i'm almost positive the LS6 and L78 cars had a special clutch on them. I think AC clutches were different too. They also come in thermostat or non-thermostat versions. You SHOULD be able to reuse your original fan but being it is only a 4 blade and direct drive I'd spring for either a thermostat clutch fan or a flex fan and spacer. Really the only big expense you'll have will be the headers/manifolds and modifying the collectors or engine pipes to fit the BBC. Front springs could be swapped out if you don't like the way the car handles. It wouldn't be a bad idea since the added weight may make it handle different. I personally don't feel that big of a difference.

[TURBOSCHILZ]

Sweet, definitely some great information, that should most definitely help and get me on track... Yea, by the sounds of it, the headers (manifolds) and probably an original 7 blade fan will be the largest expenses for me, sweet, I'll begin the search today and see what I can come up with... Would you happen to know if the crank pulleys were the same as the sbc, or maybe a casting number for the two groove, long water pump crank pulley?...