BB or SB, That is the question! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 06:58 PM

I haven't been active on this forum for a few years now because I parked my truck engineless a while back... Needless to say my love of the truck has been re-ignited and I'm going to do the truck up again! Today, I was offered a 69 with a 327/th350, and a 70 with a 396/402 with I assume, a th400 both for $300!! The body's are junk on them, but the guy figures one might have bucket seats (whether they are original or not I have yet to see...) I figure I will pull the disc brakes off the front of one of them and put them on my drum truck, hopefully power brake booster etc...

The big question is, do I ditch the 350 (not original)and powerglide that was in the truck and go to the BB?!

Obviously, it's much more expensive to build a BB. Is there a lot more cab noise with one? What about heat in the cab versus a small block? Mileage I don't care about...

I realize I may be getting a donor BB truck, but what has to be swapped besides motor mounts when you go from sb to BB?

Thanks, and it's good to be back!

coggonobrien · 08-23-2010, 08:20 PM

shouldn't really cost much more to overhaul a big block than small...unles you do something radical

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 08:25 PM

well I can see cylinder heads are at least double compared to sb heads... I'd like to be up in the 500hp range...

Are the bottom ends in the 402's real solid? Should aftemarket rods and crank be used?

coggonobrien · 08-23-2010, 08:37 PM

how much compression will you need to make 500hp and will you have a power adder? your lower end shouldn't have trouble hitting 400 maybe 450, beyond that i can't say, just depends on how you make the power

**nightmare** · 08-23-2010, 09:21 PM

unless a disc swap was already done on either of those you are getting, neither one has discs up front. either one could have the power booster though.

I would say go with the big block, but that's because I want one for mine. I've got a 350 in there now and it runs great, just would like to say that I have a big block in there.

c10seconds · 08-23-2010, 09:30 PM

"There's no replacement for displacement" if you're not worried about gas mileage go big block

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 09:44 PM

Disc brakes weren't an option on 69 or 70 trucks????

Hubscrub · 08-23-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69GMC910

Disc brakes weren't an option on 69 or 70 trucks????

as far as i know 71 was first year for disc on trucks

1971C10Blown · 08-23-2010, 10:01 PM

there is replacement for displacement its called technology. but you cant beat the feel and power of a bb. i got a blown 350 in my 71 and dad has a stroked out 440 in his dodge and it is just way more torque for now, im pulling that out a and going to stroke that 350 out to a 383 or bigger. but if your going no power adders go bb but it will cost quite a bit more.

c10seconds · 08-23-2010, 10:57 PM

"but you cant beat the feel and power of a bb"

because "There IS no replacement for displacement" ask "the major"

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 10:09 PM

I've got a 383 in my 82 GM right now, and sure it has power, but nowhere near enough for what I want.. And it is probably in the 365-380hp range.

Is 470-500hp easy enough to do in a 396 with killer heads and a wicked cam? Or should I be looking for a 427 or 454?

Also, as mentioned before, will the stock bottom end hold up to that kinda power with no power adders etc?

1971C10Blown · 08-23-2010, 10:16 PM

well i seen some 383 with 500hp and it is possible to get that hp out of a 396 but so much easier with a 454 or even a 502 if you want to go wild. it also depends on the money if money is not a problem you can get a crate 572 and have all the power you could ever want.

i will get back to you about the bottom end of the 396

the motor im making should put out some where between 550 and 650, its a 350 getting stoked out to a 383 and putting a blower on top.

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 10:19 PM

you wanna trade for a 396? hahahaha! jk!

1971C10Blown · 08-23-2010, 10:19 PM

i found that the bottom end should be good to about 600hp with proper tuning

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 10:24 PM

K, that's good news! Any recommendations on heads and cam and intake? All input is appreciated!!

**too much stuff** · 08-23-2010, 10:30 PM

Check out the new car craft magazine. (oct 2010) good write up on doing a 396 450hp...
My opinion... go big block!

1971C10Blown · 08-23-2010, 10:31 PM

you cant go wrong with edelbrock, they offer good performance for a good price, but there is always better but then its big money

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 10:55 PM

I see Edelbrock has introduced some new heads since i last checked! What is better, Oval or rectangular ports? I've seen people say oval is better... but why? Is it better to have more cylinder head than you need? Or is something sacrificed when you have an "all race" head, like bottom end torque etc....?

I am soooooo leaning BB!!!

Shyguy · 08-23-2010, 10:59 PM

If I wanted a V-8 I would go with a Big Block. One thing we failed to do when we put a 454 in my '71 was to put a mini high torque starter on it.

Because of the extra heat from the headers the stock starter would heat soak and not turn the engine over until cool.

I did not notice any more noise or heat from the 454 than I did from the 350. Both are pretty much stock with headers, but I really noticed a big difference in power.

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 11:04 PM

What about cab noise? And thanks for you input!

Shyguy · 08-23-2010, 11:43 PM

I did not notice any more cab noise with the stock 454 with headers. I do have an exhaust system that exits out the back.

Jacfourteen · 08-23-2010, 11:49 PM

big block all the way! I have a 350 and I wish I would have done a BB.

69GMC910 · 08-23-2010, 11:49 PM

I am soooooo going to go big block!!!!!!

QKENUF4U · 08-24-2010, 12:17 AM

just keep it simple and a smart build on the BB and youll be super happy.... pick the right parts that work together and keep your eyes on craigslist etc.. for parts. lots and lots of parts out here in AZ. for sale cheap.(complete BB's for 300$ etc)
i had a 402 in my sb prostreet but it was stock and i never got the kickdown for the th400 hooked up so i had to shift it manually when i passed.. it was stock as far as i know too but it still pulled those 31x18.5 tires around with no problems...
plus poping the hood to a BB is awesome

69GMC910 · 08-24-2010, 12:21 AM

Yeah, I've learned from my mistakes of "buying the cheaper part so I can get it on the road" Might as well do it right the first time!

I really dislike my neighbors, and they are going to dislike my BB!!!

08-23-2010, 06:58 PM	#1
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	BB or SB, That is the question! I haven't been active on this forum for a few years now because I parked my truck engineless a while back... Needless to say my love of the truck has been re-ignited and I'm going to do the truck up again! Today, I was offered a 69 with a 327/th350, and a 70 with a 396/402 with I assume, a th400 both for $300!! The body's are junk on them, but the guy figures one might have bucket seats (whether they are original or not I have yet to see...) I figure I will pull the disc brakes off the front of one of them and put them on my drum truck, hopefully power brake booster etc... The big question is, do I ditch the 350 (not original)and powerglide that was in the truck and go to the BB?! Obviously, it's much more expensive to build a BB. Is there a lot more cab noise with one? What about heat in the cab versus a small block? Mileage I don't care about... I realize I may be getting a donor BB truck, but what has to be swapped besides motor mounts when you go from sb to BB? Thanks, and it's good to be back! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 08:20 PM	#2
coggonobrien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Coggon, IA Posts: 580	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! shouldn't really cost much more to overhaul a big block than small...unles you do something radical

08-23-2010, 08:25 PM	#3
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! well I can see cylinder heads are at least double compared to sb heads... I'd like to be up in the 500hp range... Are the bottom ends in the 402's real solid? Should aftemarket rods and crank be used? __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 08:37 PM	#4
coggonobrien Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Coggon, IA Posts: 580	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! how much compression will you need to make 500hp and will you have a power adder? your lower end shouldn't have trouble hitting 400 maybe 450, beyond that i can't say, just depends on how you make the power

08-23-2010, 09:30 PM	#6
c10seconds Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: gilbert,AZ Posts: 947	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! "There's no replacement for displacement" if you're not worried about gas mileage go big block

08-23-2010, 09:44 PM	#7
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! Disc brakes weren't an option on 69 or 70 trucks???? __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 10:01 PM	#9
1971C10Blown Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: athabasca alberta Posts: 106	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! there is replacement for displacement its called technology. but you cant beat the feel and power of a bb. i got a blown 350 in my 71 and dad has a stroked out 440 in his dodge and it is just way more torque for now, im pulling that out a and going to stroke that 350 out to a 383 or bigger. but if your going no power adders go bb but it will cost quite a bit more.

08-23-2010, 10:57 PM	#10
c10seconds Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: gilbert,AZ Posts: 947	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! "but you cant beat the feel and power of a bb" because "There IS no replacement for displacement" ask "the major"

08-23-2010, 10:09 PM	#11
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! I've got a 383 in my 82 GM right now, and sure it has power, but nowhere near enough for what I want.. And it is probably in the 365-380hp range. Is 470-500hp easy enough to do in a 396 with killer heads and a wicked cam? Or should I be looking for a 427 or 454? Also, as mentioned before, will the stock bottom end hold up to that kinda power with no power adders etc? __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 10:16 PM	#12
1971C10Blown Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: athabasca alberta Posts: 106	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! well i seen some 383 with 500hp and it is possible to get that hp out of a 396 but so much easier with a 454 or even a 502 if you want to go wild. it also depends on the money if money is not a problem you can get a crate 572 and have all the power you could ever want. i will get back to you about the bottom end of the 396 the motor im making should put out some where between 550 and 650, its a 350 getting stoked out to a 383 and putting a blower on top.

08-23-2010, 10:19 PM	#13
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! you wanna trade for a 396? hahahaha! jk! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 10:24 PM	#15
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! K, that's good news! Any recommendations on heads and cam and intake? All input is appreciated!! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 10:30 PM	#16
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,786	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! Check out the new car craft magazine. (oct 2010) good write up on doing a 396 450hp... My opinion... go big block! __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

08-23-2010, 10:31 PM	#17
1971C10Blown Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: athabasca alberta Posts: 106	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! you cant go wrong with edelbrock, they offer good performance for a good price, but there is always better but then its big money

08-23-2010, 10:55 PM	#18
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! I see Edelbrock has introduced some new heads since i last checked! What is better, Oval or rectangular ports? I've seen people say oval is better... but why? Is it better to have more cylinder head than you need? Or is something sacrificed when you have an "all race" head, like bottom end torque etc....? I am soooooo leaning BB!!! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph



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08-23-2010, 10:59 PM	#19
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! If I wanted a V-8 I would go with a Big Block. One thing we failed to do when we put a 454 in my '71 was to put a mini high torque starter on it. Because of the extra heat from the headers the stock starter would heat soak and not turn the engine over until cool. I did not notice any more noise or heat from the 454 than I did from the 350. Both are pretty much stock with headers, but I really noticed a big difference in power. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

08-23-2010, 11:04 PM	#20
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! What about cab noise? And thanks for you input! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

08-23-2010, 11:43 PM	#21
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! I did not notice any more cab noise with the stock 454 with headers. I do have an exhaust system that exits out the back. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

08-23-2010, 11:49 PM	#22
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! big block all the way! I have a 350 and I wish I would have done a BB. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

08-24-2010, 12:17 AM	#24
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! just keep it simple and a smart build on the BB and youll be super happy.... pick the right parts that work together and keep your eyes on craigslist etc.. for parts. lots and lots of parts out here in AZ. for sale cheap.(complete BB's for 300$ etc) i had a 402 in my sb prostreet but it was stock and i never got the kickdown for the th400 hooked up so i had to shift it manually when i passed.. it was stock as far as i know too but it still pulled those 31x18.5 tires around with no problems... plus poping the hood to a BB is awesome

08-24-2010, 12:21 AM	#25
69GMC910 MOTORHEAD! Join Date: May 2000 Location: Devon AB, Canada Posts: 849	Re: BB or SB, That is the question! Yeah, I've learned from my mistakes of "buying the cheaper part so I can get it on the road" Might as well do it right the first time! I really dislike my neighbors, and they are going to dislike my BB!!! __________________ 82 GMC High Sierra VortecPro 496 12 Bolt, 3.42's AFR 265 Holley 850 Performer RPM Air Gap Hooker 2455's TCI Turbo 400 Super Street Fighter TRRC 12 Bolt Eaton Posi Mark Williams Axles Cal-Tracs Hoosier 30x10.5 Radial Slick Full weight long box pickup Current best- 11.33@117mph

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