bbc or sbc??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 12:29 AM

I have quite a dilema on my hands, not sure what engine combo to go with. My goal is to have a low 11 second truck. I have a 454 and a 350. I have talked to two engine builders and they have different opinions. One is to build a 496 with about 650hp. The other shop recommended a 383 with about 550hp. They said the weight of the bb would make it even harder to hook than it already is. I don't want to regret not going with the bb.
Either engine would have aluminum heads and forged internals. Any opinions would be appreciated.

matt_field · 01-03-2006, 12:43 AM

i hate it when people talk about the weight of a big block, yeah it does weigh more, for some reason 75 pounds is in my head, but the sound of a bb and the power they can produce is awesome... maybe im just a bb person!

71Dragtruck · 01-03-2006, 12:55 AM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=184269

Here is a link to a post with pics of my truck with a steel headed big block, looks as though it hooks fine. My new motor and parts will take another 100lbs. minimum off the front. I did cheat a bit and have a 4-link in the rear, but I've seen lots of stock rears do the same, also check out my motor specs, BB all the way for my vote.

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71Dragtruck

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=184269

Here is a link to a post with pics of my truck with a steel headed big block, looks as though it hooks fine. My new motor and parts will take another 100lbs. minimum off the front. I did cheat a bit and have a 4-link in the rear, but I've seen lots of stock rears do the same, also check out my motor specs, BB all the way for my vote.

Man that's a nice setup, close to what i am looking to get.

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_field

i hate it when people talk about the weight of a big block, yeah it does weigh more, for some reason 75 pounds is in my head, but the sound of a bb and the power they can produce is awesome... maybe im just a bb person!

those were my thoughts also, all that tourqe

*bskylerj* · 01-03-2006, 01:33 AM

You need to go with the BIG BLOCK. I have a 71 SWB with a built 454 and a supercharger. The 20's have a hard time hooking but the 15" mickey thompson street slicks hook just fine. Maybe I am just predujious since I have a big block. Nothing sounds better than a big block.

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bskylerj

You need to go with the BIG BLOCK. I have a 71 SWB with a built 454 and a supercharger. The 20's have a hard time hooking but the 15" mickey thompson street slicks hook just fine. Maybe I am just predujious since I have a big block. Nothing sounds better than a big block.

I have a set of 20" boyd magneatos, I figure they will not hook at all. I will keep my wagon wheels for the slicks.
sounds like you cant go wrong with a bb.

Frizzle Fry · 01-03-2006, 02:21 AM

Sure you can build a small block with big block balls, but if you put the same work and $$ into a BB (asuming you already have both engines) it's game-over. The 396 in my Sub is a small BB, but it feels/sounds so much better than any 350 I've owned... and it's in the heaviest vehical I've owned.

*bskylerj* · 01-03-2006, 02:28 AM

The 20's are sweet for the shows and to just cruise around with but when you want to play and hook I just throw on the 15" rally's with the street slicks and go. It is sweet to be going 25 to 30 and mash the throttle and it breaks loose. That is what happens with my 20's.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 01-03-2006, 01:09 PM

I have always had a small block and then decided to build a BIG BLOCK

I'll never go back, Its even easier to work on

BowTieMan · 01-03-2006, 01:22 PM

pv68 - care to post some pictures of your truck with the boyds on.

What all would I need to put a 454/th400 in my 70 that now has a 350/th 350 in it?
Can I use the distributor from my small block for it?
What do I do about the motor mounts?

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BowTieMan

pv68 - care to post some pictures of your truck with the boyds on.

What all would I need to put a 454/th400 in my 70 that now has a 350/th 350 in it?
Can I use the distributor from my small block for it?
What do I do about the motor mounts?

I am waiting for the rims to be delivered, hopefully this week, it will probably be a couple of weeks before i get tires and mount them. I will post pics as soon as I mount them. As far as the swap, I haven't made it that far yet but as far as I can tell it doesn' take alot. I believe the distributor will work in either. The motor mounts I am not sure of either, I have a set out of a 85 truck. Hopin they will work.

phantom dually · 01-03-2006, 07:12 PM

Go Big Block and never look back.

71shortfleet · 01-03-2006, 07:21 PM

Ok, for my 2 cents worth. I put a Big Block in my '66 Biscayne with a 4spd. Until you have a Big Block you will never know. It's harder to hook, yes. But just learn how it leaves best and you will never go back.
Yes Small Blocks can fool you. But, there is nothing like the torque of a Big Block. I'm putting a 454 in my '71 ShortFleet. Who cares if it doesn't hook well. I'll have a hell of a time practicing.

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom dually

Go Big Block and never look back.

I guess if I go big block the only looking back will be at the other guy.

b454rat · 01-03-2006, 07:41 PM

In my old car, I had an all iron 400, except alum intake. The car rode good, didn't have an ill effects. I then got my (at the time it was a 461) in with 049 iron heads. The car sat some 2-3" lower, and rode like a whale driving down the road. After the 2nd rebuild, Bowtie alum heads, alum intake, the car road like it was stock. Didn't really notice all the motor in the front, until you hit the gas, and then you better have the wheel the direction you want to go, cause it's going that way anyways. The motor was est. about 550 horse. In a maybe 3000# car, it flew. Go BBC, you won't regret it. You will have alot more motor in a BBC than the same money in a SBC.

72MARIO · 01-03-2006, 07:48 PM

I better keep my nose out of that stash.

That sh*t sounds good

I think it's cool to have a really fast small block........ for now.

pv68 · 01-03-2006, 10:57 PM

Looks like it is overwhelming. RAT is the way to go. I also stopped and talked to another engine builder today and he said definitly go with a rat motor. I am going to start buying parts now.

Is anyone out there running dart 345cc heads???

71Dragtruck · 01-04-2006, 01:05 AM

Choose your heads wisely and be VERY realistic, bigger is not allways better and in the end can make your motor a real DOG, the fat lazy kind.

01-03-2006, 12:29 AM	#1
pv68 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: deer park, texas Posts: 28	bbc or sbc??? I have quite a dilema on my hands, not sure what engine combo to go with. My goal is to have a low 11 second truck. I have a 454 and a 350. I have talked to two engine builders and they have different opinions. One is to build a 496 with about 650hp. The other shop recommended a 383 with about 550hp. They said the weight of the bb would make it even harder to hook than it already is. I don't want to regret not going with the bb. Either engine would have aluminum heads and forged internals. Any opinions would be appreciated.

01-03-2006, 12:43 AM	#2
matt_field Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota Posts: 885	Re: bbc or sbc??? i hate it when people talk about the weight of a big block, yeah it does weigh more, for some reason 75 pounds is in my head, but the sound of a bb and the power they can produce is awesome... maybe im just a bb person! __________________ 1971 k5 blazer 80k mike survivor 1972 3/4 ton 4wd Cummins 12v 1967 swb 2wd 427bbc 1968 4wd shortbox 1971 Cheyenne swb k10 unrestored 1971 Cheyenne super 40k 402bb survivor 1967 Chevy k10 (first truck) 1968 L78 camaro survivor 18k miles 1969 z28 survivor 60k miles 1969 z28 survivor 39k miles 1969 z28 rs survivor 80k miles

01-03-2006, 12:55 AM	#3
71Dragtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,368	Re: bbc or sbc??? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=184269 Here is a link to a post with pics of my truck with a steel headed big block, looks as though it hooks fine. My new motor and parts will take another 100lbs. minimum off the front. I did cheat a bit and have a 4-link in the rear, but I've seen lots of stock rears do the same, also check out my motor specs, BB all the way for my vote. __________________ Speed is just a matter of money, question is how fast can you afford to go? 8.95@148.97mph all motor haven't tried bottle yet Sponsored by: Getz Oilfield Consulting Hard Candy Customs

01-03-2006, 01:33 AM	#6
bskylerj Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON Posts: 1,001	Re: bbc or sbc??? You need to go with the BIG BLOCK. I have a 71 SWB with a built 454 and a supercharger. The 20's have a hard time hooking but the 15" mickey thompson street slicks hook just fine. Maybe I am just predujious since I have a big block. Nothing sounds better than a big block.

01-03-2006, 02:21 AM	#8
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: bbc or sbc??? Sure you can build a small block with big block balls, but if you put the same work and $$ into a BB (asuming you already have both engines) it's game-over. The 396 in my Sub is a small BB, but it feels/sounds so much better than any 350 I've owned... and it's in the heaviest vehical I've owned.

01-03-2006, 02:28 AM	#9
bskylerj Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SPOKANE, WASHINGTON Posts: 1,001	Re: bbc or sbc??? The 20's are sweet for the shows and to just cruise around with but when you want to play and hook I just throw on the 15" rally's with the street slicks and go. It is sweet to be going 25 to 30 and mash the throttle and it breaks loose. That is what happens with my 20's.

01-03-2006, 01:09 PM	#10
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,185	Re: bbc or sbc??? I have always had a small block and then decided to build a BIG BLOCK I'll never go back, Its even easier to work on __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

01-03-2006, 01:22 PM	#11
BowTieMan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 747	Re: bbc or sbc??? pv68 - care to post some pictures of your truck with the boyds on. What all would I need to put a 454/th400 in my 70 that now has a 350/th 350 in it? Can I use the distributor from my small block for it? What do I do about the motor mounts? __________________ "A true hotrodder wouldn't be content untill he had created a car so violent, so hairy, so totally sick that the very act of dropping the hammer would result in instant death. Anything less results in the need to go faster." - Tony DeFeo

01-03-2006, 07:12 PM	#13
phantom dually Project92 SWB stepside Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 4,792	Re: bbc or sbc??? Go Big Block and never look back. __________________ 92 C1500 stepside 496 Stroker Competiton Engineering Ladder bars/QA1 coilovers. Dana 60 rear with 4.10 gear and posi. Bonspeed Palisade 20x12 in rear w/335/30/20 and 20x8.5 front w/245/40/20. 5/8 drop with Belltech springs/DJM spindles/drop shocks. WWS Progress thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=140448

01-03-2006, 07:21 PM	#14
71shortfleet Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: simi valley, ca. Posts: 20	Re: bbc or sbc??? Ok, for my 2 cents worth. I put a Big Block in my '66 Biscayne with a 4spd. Until you have a Big Block you will never know. It's harder to hook, yes. But just learn how it leaves best and you will never go back. Yes Small Blocks can fool you. But, there is nothing like the torque of a Big Block. I'm putting a 454 in my '71 ShortFleet. Who cares if it doesn't hook well. I'll have a hell of a time practicing.

01-03-2006, 07:41 PM	#16
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,469	Re: bbc or sbc??? In my old car, I had an all iron 400, except alum intake. The car rode good, didn't have an ill effects. I then got my (at the time it was a 461) in with 049 iron heads. The car sat some 2-3" lower, and rode like a whale driving down the road. After the 2nd rebuild, Bowtie alum heads, alum intake, the car road like it was stock. Didn't really notice all the motor in the front, until you hit the gas, and then you better have the wheel the direction you want to go, cause it's going that way anyways. The motor was est. about 550 horse. In a maybe 3000# car, it flew. Go BBC, you won't regret it. You will have alot more motor in a BBC than the same money in a SBC. __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 4” SAS 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 6" SAS

01-03-2006, 07:48 PM	#17
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	Re: bbc or sbc??? I better keep my nose out of that stash. That sht sounds good I think it's cool to have a really fast small block........ for now. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD Last edited by 72MARIO; 01-03-2006 at 07:50 PM.*

01-03-2006, 10:57 PM	#18
pv68 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: deer park, texas Posts: 28	Re: bbc or sbc??? Looks like it is overwhelming. RAT is the way to go. I also stopped and talked to another engine builder today and he said definitly go with a rat motor. I am going to start buying parts now. Is anyone out there running dart 345cc heads??? Last edited by pv68; 01-03-2006 at 10:57 PM.

01-04-2006, 01:05 AM	#19
71Dragtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,368	Re: bbc or sbc??? Choose your heads wisely and be VERY realistic, bigger is not allways better and in the end can make your motor a real DOG, the fat lazy kind. __________________ Speed is just a matter of money, question is how fast can you afford to go? 8.95@148.97mph all motor haven't tried bottle yet Sponsored by: Getz Oilfield Consulting Hard Candy Customs

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