Lou Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Is the any way to tell if a 70 was originally a big block car from the factory in the absence of a build sheet. Like a different rag joint with Chevelles? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share Posted September 20, 2020 If the rag joint subject is the same as Chevelles then I have a small block rag joint anyways so mute point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canuck Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Yes, the rag joint for small block vs big block is the same as the Chevelle. You will find a lot of similarities as the Monte Carlo is a 2-door Chevelle in a dinner jacket. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC1of80 Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 Hey Lou. The only definate way to tell if a Monte was a factory big block or not without a build sheet is the steering column shaft. The big block cars, 402 and 454 had a bolt in shaft at the flange that bolts to to the rag joint. Small block cars are pressed in. All other things, 12 bolt, air ride, gauges, f41 suspension could be ordered an small block cars also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bell Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 The steering shaft on a Monte Carlo is unique, it's length fits no other car. If it has a bolted shaft, it's very likely it was a big block car. However, it could be a 402 big block car so it's not "proof" a car was an SS. Having said this, it is possible to install a bolted shaft pulled from a big block Monte onto a small block car so it shouldn't be the only proof that a car was a big block car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted September 20, 2020 Author Share Posted September 20, 2020 Thanks guys! If I had a big block rag joint it would have been THE reason to install a big block. Small block joint, small block engine! Less $$$ I have to spend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbarnette Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Well, I just learned something else. Good to know! Thanks guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy's Auto Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 Another thing to look for is the electric kickdown switch bolted to the gas pedal. GM never put a TH400 in small block cars in first gens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou Posted September 22, 2020 Author Share Posted September 22, 2020 Great! Now I feel better about 'modifying' the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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