BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CrashPro993 · 06-17-2008, 09:11 PM

I recently purchased a 71 GMC LWB, My first major purchase for this thing is going to be and engine. I know there is plenty of options out there. I want to stick with carburated, mainly because i don't want to deal with all the wiring and I want to keep the cost somewhat down.

I'm looking at either doing a SBC 350 or 427 but I'm not sure on the durability of the SBC 427.

Or I'm looking at doing a BBC 396 or 454, just not sure on the power to weight ratio. And the fact that my truck is going to be almost on the ground when I'm done with it.

What's your guys thoughts on a BBC VS. a SBC?

Thanks for your help

**El Jay** · 06-17-2008, 09:31 PM

Personally, for me, the only thing better than cubic inches is cubic dollars.

Get the biggest that you can afford.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 06-17-2008, 09:34 PM

it really depends on what you want to do with the truck

odog · 06-17-2008, 09:34 PM

When I was in the motor stage of my build I had the choice between freshening the 327 or putting in the built 396. That was when gas was in the 2.50 range. I decided to stay with the 327 for fuel economy and I don't regret it at all. If this is to be your daily driver I would go with the small block, if it is for cruising and playing, and not driven to work everyday, spending $50 a day on gas, go with the big block. Just my .02

Erik

Senator350 · 06-17-2008, 09:43 PM

i highly reccomend a 327... or even a 400. i'd stick with a SBC so you don't have to bang out your firewall... and they can make WAY more than enough horses

chevy72blu · 06-17-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator350

i highly reccomend a 327... or even a 400. i'd stick with a SBC so you don't have to bang out your firewall... and they can make WAY more than enough horses

My low hump 72 hasnt had cab mounts in... too many years and my BBC fit with tall valve covers and no modifications whatsoever in the stock location.

BBC parts arent hard to find, but they are a little more pricey. If your goal is to build a ground pounder, the difference is parts prices is easilly negated by the power gains from the cubic inches.

Like was said above, it all depends what you want to do with the vehicle.

With gas prices getting as high as they are, personally I would go with the BBC pretty much regardless of the purpose... Our vehicles are largely weekend toys for the time being anyway. Unless of course you want to put together a TPI 305 and a 700r4 (which I want to do) and drive the wheels off that thing.

**LockDoc** · 06-17-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senator350

i highly reccomend a 327... or even a 400. i'd stick with a SBC so you don't have to bang out your firewall... and they can make WAY more than enough horses

I'm not sure where you got the idea you have to "bang out your firewall" to install a big block... I have a '67 & a '69 with 454's and th400's and no mods to the firewalls at all. The '67 even has a low hump floor in it.

Anyway, I'm a big block fan...

LockDoc

Willys47 · 06-17-2008, 11:47 PM

If it's a truck that is just for fun go big block and turn it into a ride.What is the price to have fun any how?

Gray Ghost · 06-18-2008, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odog

When I was in the motor stage of my build I had the choice between freshening the 327 or putting in the built 396. That was when gas was in the 2.50 range. I decided to stay with the 327 for fuel economy and I don't regret it at all. If this is to be your daily driver I would go with the small block, if it is for cruising and playing, and not driven to work everyday, spending $50 a day on gas, go with the big block. Just my .02

Erik

My thoughts exactly.

Gray Ghost · 06-18-2008, 07:24 AM

I just landed a deal for a 454 for mine...I was thinkin' 396 before the deal came along.

Ol'Rover · 06-17-2008, 09:51 PM

im a four fiddy four fan (454) dont have one, but want one. SBC's are great. their small, high winding, and its hard to kill em!

it realy depends on your plans for the truck.

BarryB · 06-17-2008, 09:54 PM

I would stick with a SB, reason being it's a easier to find all the necessary brackets needed. I had a 454 for mine but got rid of it for that reason. I now have a built 383 ready to go into the truck when ever I get ready for it.

71big block · 06-17-2008, 10:24 PM

Big Blocks Rule!!!!

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 12:01 AM

Thanks for the advice..... So I'm a little unsure about the having to do some modification to the firewall??

1971 GMC..... I'm wanting to go BBC, put I'm not wanting to mod the firewall. Anybody have an idea?

Thanks for your imput, once again...

Sinisterspeed · 06-18-2008, 12:06 AM

There is no replacement for displacement!

*Billla* · 06-18-2008, 12:07 AM

I wouldn't shy away from a late-model or other EFI engine because of wiring. The GMPP Ram Jet is pretty much a 12V-and-ground installation and there's a ton of aftermarket support for the late model engines.

I'm not seeing anything regarding budget, power targets etc...so it's really hard to make any kind of recommendation...but in the end, there's no replacement for displacement

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 12:20 AM

My goal for this truck is to finish all the body work and flat black it with a few custom exterior mods and some chrome here and there. May even do some black 22's with 22x10s out back. I'm not really concerned with a budget because I'm not purchasing a crate motor. Outside of that I want something that I can pull up to a red light on a nice weekend stroll, and straight spank the !&%$ out of a new GT Mustang or Lightning. So SBC or BBC I'm open, I just don't want to mod the firewall or put to much wiring in the truck and have to deal with DTC's and a scan tool.

Hope that helps with what I'm trying to invision...... I'm open to all thoughts

Thanks for your help

**LockDoc** · 06-18-2008, 12:44 AM

See post #10...

If you use big block frame brackets and mount them in the forward holes you won't have to mod anything.

LockDoc

chevy72blu · 06-18-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashPro993

My goal for this truck is to finish all the body work and flat black it with a few custom exterior mods and some chrome here and there. May even do some black 22's with 22x10s out back. I'm not really concerned with a budget because I'm not purchasing a crate motor. Outside of that I want something that I can pull up to a red light on a nice weekend stroll, and straight spank the !&%$ out of a new GT Mustang or Lightning. So SBC or BBC I'm open, I just don't want to mod the firewall or put to much wiring in the truck and have to deal with DTC's and a scan tool.

Hope that helps with what I'm trying to invision...... I'm open to all thoughts

Thanks for your help

I promise, as long as nothing is wrong on your truck, you wont have to mod the firewall.

If all you want to do is spank on new GT's, a moderate 400 or so HP SBC will do the trick. If I really wanted to have fun, I would build a roller 377 SBC around 450-475 HP with a small turbo and rev it to 7 grand (decent MPG when you arent boosting and power when you want it), but thats just me. Opinions are like elbows when it comes to motor combos, but some sort of budget would help us with some recommendations.

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 01:08 AM

Thanks LockDoc, will I still be able to run a 4-Core radiator with room for electric fans?

**LockDoc** · 06-18-2008, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrashPro993

Thanks LockDoc, will I still be able to run a 4-Core radiator with room for electric fans?

Yep...

LockDoc

Willys47 · 06-18-2008, 01:45 AM

BBC came stock in these trucks so firewall will not be a problem if you use the stock parts.

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 01:14 AM

Thanks Chevy72blu, I'm trying to stay away from Turbo small block right now, I just spent 2 months helping a buddy build a twin-turbo 383 off a TPI system and lets just say I'm glad its done and his. A ton of tweaking and studying and phone calls, but it runs great. He's just always got something he's adjusting to make it a little better. I think I'm going with a BBC. Just not sure on the displacement. I've got some money to sink into it, so thats not a factor. Just not going fuel injected or crate motor. I'll build it myself for sure. Thanks for the advice.

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 01:43 AM

Thanks for the help LockDoc, I'll do some checking around and see what kind of deals I can find on a BBC. Thank you for your time and knowledge

CrashPro993 · 06-18-2008, 02:03 AM

Thanks Willys47, what kind of BBC would you go with?

06-17-2008, 09:31 PM	#2
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Personally, for me, the only thing better than cubic inches is cubic dollars. Get the biggest that you can afford. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

06-17-2008, 09:34 PM	#3
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? it really depends on what you want to do with the truck __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

06-17-2008, 09:34 PM	#4
odog Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wendell, Idaho Posts: 608	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? When I was in the motor stage of my build I had the choice between freshening the 327 or putting in the built 396. That was when gas was in the 2.50 range. I decided to stay with the 327 for fuel economy and I don't regret it at all. If this is to be your daily driver I would go with the small block, if it is for cruising and playing, and not driven to work everyday, spending $50 a day on gas, go with the big block. Just my .02 Erik __________________ 1969 4x4 Nothing beats a good rock drill and some dynamite

06-17-2008, 09:43 PM	#5
Senator350 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 522	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? i highly reccomend a 327... or even a 400. i'd stick with a SBC so you don't have to bang out your firewall... and they can make WAY more than enough horses __________________ RN U OVR

06-17-2008, 11:47 PM	#8
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? If it's a truck that is just for fun go big block and turn it into a ride.What is the price to have fun any how? __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!

06-17-2008, 09:11 PM	#1
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? I recently purchased a 71 GMC LWB, My first major purchase for this thing is going to be and engine. I know there is plenty of options out there. I want to stick with carburated, mainly because i don't want to deal with all the wiring and I want to keep the cost somewhat down. I'm looking at either doing a SBC 350 or 427 but I'm not sure on the durability of the SBC 427. Or I'm looking at doing a BBC 396 or 454, just not sure on the power to weight ratio. And the fact that my truck is going to be almost on the ground when I'm done with it. What's your guys thoughts on a BBC VS. a SBC? Thanks for your help __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 07:24 AM	#10
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? I just landed a deal for a 454 for mine...I was thinkin' 396 before the deal came along. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

06-17-2008, 09:51 PM	#11
Ol'Rover Project: years too late. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte,ON,Canada Posts: 550	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? im a four fiddy four fan (454) dont have one, but want one. SBC's are great. their small, high winding, and its hard to kill em! it realy depends on your plans for the truck. __________________ 1971 C10 Stepper LSX 5.3/4L60E 3.73 12bolt posi. Father Son Project. In Memory of Bruce C. Shorten. Rest easy Dad. Ill take it fryom here.

06-17-2008, 09:54 PM	#12
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? I would stick with a SB, reason being it's a easier to find all the necessary brackets needed. I had a 454 for mine but got rid of it for that reason. I now have a built 383 ready to go into the truck when ever I get ready for it. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff! Last edited by BarryB; 06-17-2008 at 09:55 PM.

06-17-2008, 10:24 PM	#13
71big block 1971 GMC 3/4 ton, 572 CID Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 293	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Big Blocks Rule!!!! __________________ 71 GMC 3/4 572 CID, 1988 GMC 1/2 2006 Saturn Vue "We always have parts left over on a job this size"

06-18-2008, 12:01 AM	#14
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Thanks for the advice..... So I'm a little unsure about the having to do some modification to the firewall?? 1971 GMC..... I'm wanting to go BBC, put I'm not wanting to mod the firewall. Anybody have an idea? Thanks for your imput, once again... __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 12:06 AM	#15
Sinisterspeed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gales Creek, Oregon Posts: 619	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? There is no replacement for displacement! __________________ There are two kinds of people, those who finish what they start and so on. 70 GMC Longhorn (A.K.A Money Bucket) 57 Chev 3100 05 Chevy LLY Dmax. 67 Chevy Camaro Dad's Budget Build 55 My Longhorn Build

06-18-2008, 12:07 AM	#16
Billla Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Monroe, WA Posts: 3,815	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? I wouldn't shy away from a late-model or other EFI engine because of wiring. The GMPP Ram Jet is pretty much a 12V-and-ground installation and there's a ton of aftermarket support for the late model engines. I'm not seeing anything regarding budget, power targets etc...so it's really hard to make any kind of recommendation...but in the end, there's no replacement for displacement

06-18-2008, 12:20 AM	#17
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? My goal for this truck is to finish all the body work and flat black it with a few custom exterior mods and some chrome here and there. May even do some black 22's with 22x10s out back. I'm not really concerned with a budget because I'm not purchasing a crate motor. Outside of that I want something that I can pull up to a red light on a nice weekend stroll, and straight spank the !&%$ out of a new GT Mustang or Lightning. So SBC or BBC I'm open, I just don't want to mod the firewall or put to much wiring in the truck and have to deal with DTC's and a scan tool. Hope that helps with what I'm trying to invision...... I'm open to all thoughts Thanks for your help __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 12:44 AM	#18
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,647	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? See post #10... If you use big block frame brackets and mount them in the forward holes you won't have to mod anything. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-18-2008, 01:08 AM	#20
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Thanks LockDoc, will I still be able to run a 4-Core radiator with room for electric fans? __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 01:45 AM	#22
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? BBC came stock in these trucks so firewall will not be a problem if you use the stock parts. __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!

06-18-2008, 01:14 AM	#23
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Thanks Chevy72blu, I'm trying to stay away from Turbo small block right now, I just spent 2 months helping a buddy build a twin-turbo 383 off a TPI system and lets just say I'm glad its done and his. A ton of tweaking and studying and phone calls, but it runs great. He's just always got something he's adjusting to make it a little better. I think I'm going with a BBC. Just not sure on the displacement. I've got some money to sink into it, so thats not a factor. Just not going fuel injected or crate motor. I'll build it myself for sure. Thanks for the advice. __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 01:43 AM	#24
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Thanks for the help LockDoc, I'll do some checking around and see what kind of deals I can find on a BBC. Thank you for your time and knowledge __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

06-18-2008, 02:03 AM	#25
CrashPro993 Registered 71 GMC Owner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 70	Re: BBC VS. SBC...... Whats the call? Thanks Willys47, what kind of BBC would you go with? __________________ Nolz Project 71 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295907

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.