Big block pros/cons?

[ledfut72]

I've got a '56 Chevy 3800 that currently has an old welding flat bed on the back. My overall goal is to make a hauler out of it to go to shows with. I've got a big block to go in it and plan to use it. If anyone has put one in there's, would you mind giving me a few pointers or at least some heads up on some of the problems I might run into. Any recommendations will be helpful as well. Thanks in advance.


Brad

[ledfut72]

Here it is.

[jelfert]

Pro- you already have one in hand. They can make big torque at lower rpms.
Those trucks have plenty of room to mount one.
Con - more fuel consumption. Probably not a big deal depending on how much u drive it.

[la hi]

new bb radiator, new radiator mount, wrap your headers, probably need electric fans/w/shroud as fan probably will not fit. Those are pros, as someone always says on this forum "you can't get too many ci's"
larry 57 454

[mr48chev]

More torque and power. Now, what's the problem?

From what I've seen they fit into a Task Force style truck pretty well.

Loaded I'd think you would get just as good and maybe better gas mileage than a small block pulling the same load. Not spectacular but passable for what you have and what you are doing. And it will climb a grade a lot better. With my small block pulling my boat I am way way over in the slow lane getting passed by VW micro Buses on long grades.

[buggy5872]

I went from a small block to a big block in Big Bertha. I got 9 mpg with the small block towing 11k lbs trailer. I get 9 mpg towing with the big block going 15mpg faster up the hills. I did lose 2 mpg empty but 90% of the time I am towing. I would go with the big block

[Stepside Jim]

One thing that's not mentioned is whether the sub frame will changed or not. If something like a Camaro subframe is done I'm not sure if the sitting height of the engine changes.

I'm saying this also for if the original steering box gets in the way for the exhaust, I see some with small blocks having to work with the steering box sometimes.

Other than that there is plenty of side space. The only issue is between the firewall and radiator. I left about an inch between the valve covers and firewall, this, even with the short water pump, didn't leave much space for a mechanical fan. The optimum way for me was a dual electric fan, the water pump pulley fit between the two electric fan motors.

This picture gives an idea of the front fit.


And a front view, mine does have a Camaro front on it.


As I mentioned, I'm not sure how it settles in with a stock frame, someone else my have that answer.

[ledfut72]

Thanks everyone. I like the idea of two fans. Makes a lot of sense. Since it's a 1 ton truck, I was thinking about leaving the stock front end under it, but new springs. I know that the I-beam should be plenty sturdy enough. But I'm definitely going with a power steering set up.

[CUCV2]

Thinking of putting a 454 Vortec in my 1959 GMC. I am concerned about the steering box clearance and how it will fit towards the firewall. Does anyone have any better pics of this?