Absolutely not, it is a bolt in. Just be sure that the big block trans has the two ears on the bottom of the tailshaft for the lower linkage pivot to mount to, not all tailshafts have them.
Does anyone have a picture of where the bolt holes are? It doesn't look like mine has any provisions for it. So if someone has a pic that will help me verify.
Some of you have mentioned about headers. That Schumacher headers aren't the best for flow. They should be better than Stock exhaust manifolds, but not as good as fender well headers, correct?
Also about weight, Small block 318LA- 525lbs., 383B- 620lbs. Difference of 95lbs. Since a small block has a aluminum water pump from the factory, the only places to shed weight on a small block are the heads and the intake manifold. On a Big Block, heads, intake, water pump and housing can be switched to aluminum.
Anyone have an aluminum pump and housing on the shelf that they could weight. I have a cast iron pump and housing and that weights 18.4lbs. Mancini Racing an aluminum housing will shed 8-10lbs. So with all that aluminum it should be about the same as a Stock Small Block. And with manual steering, manual brakes with the aluminum master, headers, and battery relocate to the back it should be lighter over the front end than your typical Small Block powered A-body.