Help me out - what should I do - SBC or BBC?
 

OK, here's the deal. This is what I have (or will have soon).

'68 C10 SWB. 307/TH350 auto.

This will NOT be a drag-truck, but a sweet cruiser.

383

it`s already set up for a small block so I would go that route. my truck is basicaly going to be a cruiser once I get it on the road and sometimes I wish it has a smallblock in it. to me, if you got a bigblock, it has to be pumped up. I just can`t leave nothing stock.

I think there are a lot of other factors to consider.
How stock is the truck already?
$$$$$ is also a consideration.
Do you have a small block or a big block already?
What kinda shape is the 307 in?

383

there is no replacement for displacement.........

I ran small blocks for years. I finally got a Big Block, and haven't looked back. I don't think there is any debate, go BB.

Dan

True dat!

I've got a pretty hot little 400 SBC in the Blazer and I cannot complain, it's all right. It will light'em up and rip around pretty good.

I've got a factory 402 BB in the Cheyenne. There is really no comparison. It has power for days and it seems like there is no end to the torque. Plus, that BB sounds so damn good it'll make you smack your momma.

383....for every part for the SB figure twice that for the BB and the BB is overkill for that truck.

Overkill.....???? thats like having too much money...or too much fun.. it doesn't exist.... too much horsepower... too much torque... just don't happen...

lol.....with a 383 he can easily put out 400-500 horses.....why does he need more in that truck?

in a drag truck or something maybe.....but i have always been partial to SBs...

I too was once a small block junky, Then I built a BIG BLOCK, I'm hooked for life

I've owned 2 BBs, 2SBs and 1 I6. The small blocks give all the power I need for a dailey driver/cruiser with no trouble. The big blocks just didn't seem right alot of the time... Two of my friends have put 454s into their '72 4x4s and wished they'd gone the 383 route for performance and cost effectiveness. It boils down to cost. If you've got the $ you can put in a sweet big block and have a gas. If you're on a tighter budget and you still want to have a tire roasting torque monster go with the 383.

Admit it! Either way you're going to have a gas!

mt Al has a good point. I built mine just to have fun with. It would break me quik if it was a daily driver. And YES either way it'll be a gas, Go with your gut and your wallet, make it what YOU want, Have fun

That's exactly right... it is your truck do what you want to do and either way you can make a screamer some people like sb's and some like bb's it is personal preference...

bottom line do what you want to do...not what we want you to do..

:agree: ...But get a prepare to get a part time job to feed it if you go with the 496!! ;)

If cost is not a factor go bigblock. If you are on a budget stick with a small block. I built a 400hp small block for my truck and never even installed it. I sold it and am gouing to build a 600+hp bigblock. Just love the rumble of a big block. Plus all that torque is hard to beat.

I say rebuild the 307. I have one now and its plenty for a smooth cruiser.

I have had two 383's. Do it right and you will love it!

No doubt BB's put out.

Thanks!
 

Wanted to say thank you to everyone that took the time to reply to my question.

I don't know as of yet what I am going to do. I have a 454 bare block and 049 cylinder heads, so if I want to go BB I've got a good base.

But I have to admit, just being able to "drop in" a 383 stroker small block without doing anything else sure appeals to me, especially since the truck is a daily driver.

Who knows what I'll do...time (and money) will tell!

Thanks.
Drog