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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Carlsbad, Ca
Posts: 385
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Big block verses small block?
What's the good and bad about both for a streetable truck?
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#2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,015
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I'd be interested to know this also, I keep thinking that when I wear out my SBC, I'm serioulsy considering a 402BB as an upgrade.
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#3 |
It's the air up here
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 710
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Re: Big block verses small block?
The small block is inexpensive to work on, and can build a whole lot of power, with a quick power band. Kind of the bang for the buck. The big boy is a lot more torque for stock, and I feel lasts longer for the power produced. The wrap is slower and top end rpms is not as high, But oh what a sound from the pipes!!!! The BB is alot heavier as well, and not always as easy to install. I like them both, but I think in the end the BB is my favorite.
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1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c ![]() Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Posts: 285
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Re: Big block verses small block?
i like both but as said by eedgell, the small blocks= rev quiker, parts are cheaper and easy to find and can be built strong for less than a big block
big blocks, produce alot more torque than sbc in stock form , long stroke, plus the wow factor when you have a big block breathing through open headers ![]()
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,Clint LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES ![]() 69 C-10 short stepside 406 sbc, 02 YAMAHA WR250F, 07 SUZUKI SV650S, 81 Grand Prix 355 sbc, 81 XT 500 YAMAHA |
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#5 |
I have a radical idea!
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweet Home Alabama!
Posts: 6,513
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I replaced the 396 in my '69 C30 car hauler with a 383 small block a few years ago, and there is no comparison. The 383 does everything better and gets around 13 MPG loaded compared to 8 (on a good day for the 396!) With gas being $2.99 a gallon, there is no question IMO that the SBC is the only way to go if you plan on using the truck with any regularity. If its a show truck or a weekend toy, the BBC is great, but I use all my trucks way too much to run one.
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'67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club! |
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#6 |
It's the air up here
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Western Colorado
Posts: 710
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Re: Big block verses small block?
67 c-30; if your using to pull, that is where I will argue the BB is better for shelf life. Sure your stoker will pull, but not for as long as the BB. Dollars and cents ways, probably about the same, but less times to rebuild with the BB. For a toy, or DD, the SBC is great, but for getting the work done.....BBC!
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1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c ![]() Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: colorado springs colorado
Posts: 737
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Re: Big block verses small block?
This is a debate that has raged on for eons. At this point everyone has made some very valid points for both sides,,,,, what its gonna boil down to is personal preference.
My personal choice is big block but thats just because I like all the torque. On the down side of a big block fuel milage isn't great,,, I get 10mpg no matter what,, head wind, tail wind, loaded, empty, pulling an all steel 16ft trailer with a skid loader(8-9 thousand pounds combined) on it, uphill, downhill, rain, snow, shine nothing matters 10 mpg. I need to do a rebuild so it might increase after that but probably won't be much. and btw this is in a 79 blazer, 454/th350/np203, dana 44/corp 14, 4.10s and a 33"x 9" tire and 150,000 miles on the motor Frank
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70 chevy lwb c10 454/th400 and a 9" rearend suicide doors, marker light fuel fill, 4" cowl , mini tub Last edited by sick69; 05-28-2007 at 09:10 PM. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: here
Posts: 5,789
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Re: Big block verses small block?
Its just like the year thing. Which ever you have is better!...
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#9 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I say SBC... if you take the $$ it takes to screw together a stout BBC, and put it to a SBC... you could make it live longer.
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#10 |
Scrapper 1
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Riverside Calif
Posts: 1,649
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I have to add my 2 cents the only reason why to install a big block is when you pop the hood at a car show all is quite
I just bought a 1969 nova. It had a 350 with th 350 trans with buckets. well i'm puitting in a 1992 454 truck smog engine. it will probley have 200 hp I will be putting in a 700R4 trans with a 10 bolt with a 305 0r 307 rear gear. I want to cruze at 70 mph and get 14-15 mpg and should get it. off the line i feel i will be able to say with a small block. Nothing heavy remmber there is no more of this 1.00 a gallon Gas any more. No more lead fuel and the good times of trying to race your buddy to light to light is surly going to the wast side. with a 500--1000 doller fine plus they might crush your ride In to days market. todays market you build your toy to sell if the big block will bring more money grate but its not always about engines. I have guys now going to Inline 6 250 and can stay up or Blow a stoker 383 off the starting line. remmber you can stoke a Inline 6 to 302 and put tri power on it and mave a 400 hp inline 6 and it weighs a lot less but major torq But on with the 1969 nova 454 700R4 i put the 1969 camro console in with all gauge package and tack i'm building it to sell i will enjoy it but some one comes up with 27-35,000 its gone i build another one and the Japs are at it agine buying are old cars |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Moore, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,396
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Re: Big block verses small block?
Depends on what you want to do with your truck---- you can build a 450 horsepower big block for less money than it takes to build a 450 horse small block. a 450 horse BB can be in a relatively docile state of tune, while 450 out of most small blocks is "on kill".
If you want a weekend toy and don't mind putting up with 9-10 mpg, then a bb beats a sb hands down for a full size truck. But not a 402 or a 396. Its just as cheap to get a 454 and a stroker crank from Scat is about $300 (give or take) and will take it out to 496. In fact, in today's world , the only reason to use a 396 or 402 is if its free and its all that you have - or if you are restoring a numbers matching vehicle. But if its a grocery getter - the small block has a few cost advantages - but don't expect gas mileage to be a helluva lot better unless you are a tuning whiz. I am trying to swap a 305/overdrive combo into a truck for better mileage(working on it now- waiting on parts, got some really good info in another thread i started called "mileage motors"from a few members) , the 350/th 350 combo in it was only good for 10-12 mpg itself |
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#12 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NORTHEAST OHIO
Posts: 493
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Re: Big block verses small block?
A wise old man said..."There's no replacement for displacement" I believe this still holds true.
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#13 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Star Valley, WY
Posts: 2,038
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Re: Big block verses small block?
13mpg with a 575tq 550hp 496 on 87 octane makes for a pretty good daily driver.
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Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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Re: Big block verses small block?
Amen--502 CID--550 foot lbs torque @ 3500 RPM. (450 HP @ 5200 RPM)
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer Last edited by jhow66; 05-28-2007 at 11:19 PM. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Re: Big block verses small block?
asking which is better? SB or BB, is like asking which is better? black or white
its all on what you like and what you want and youre always going to have the arguement between the SB guys and the BB guys
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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#16 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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Re: Big block verses small block?
Quote:
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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#17 |
2WD Jimmy
![]() Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Davis County, Utah
Posts: 2,564
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I think the new LS motors from GM are the best thats ever been. That being said, Ive got a blown BB.
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: jaffrey,NH
Posts: 325
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Re: Big block verses small block?
no replacement for displacement, but i just removed my 9 mile per gallon 402 bb, for a 25, mile per gallon, 350 crate motor.
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#19 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,552
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Re: Big block verses small block?
So, what is your secret to 25 mpg with a 350. I'd like to know how you did that
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#20 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,015
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Re: Big block verses small block?
350ci with 25mpg, yes, please tell us what crate motor that is. Hey? Also tell us who signed your Truck?
Last edited by 71chevylowrider; 05-29-2007 at 11:20 AM. |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Marana, Arizona
Posts: 3,416
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Re: Big block verses small block?
3/4 ton terror is that mpg in a truck ? that picture looks like a Camaro ?
or ?
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"I feel the need for speed!"... as soon as I am done with my nap. |
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#22 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hillsboro Oregon
Posts: 6,449
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Re: Big block verses small block?
I'd like to know why people say mice rev quicker than rats? Horsepower and torque ratings at the crank are AFTER all parasitic and intertial losses. Any two engines with the same dyno'ed torque and HP curves will wind up at the same rate. I'm not talking about redline here either.
That said, I have owned several SBC BBC and Gen III and I drive a 476 everyday. I prefer 6.0 or larger Gen III and 454 or larger BBC. Last edited by Frizzle Fry; 05-29-2007 at 12:25 PM. |
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#23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,015
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Re: Big block verses small block?
Hey Mike, I need to hang out with you sometime & buy you a beer, I'm riding the fence on whether to upgrade to a BB when I finally wear out my 350
![]() HHmmm.....does that make it a 427? One of my favorite BB number's. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Knoxville Tenn.
Posts: 3,058
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Re: Big block verses small block?
408
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56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer |
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#25 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,015
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Re: Big block verses small block?
402BB I know the 402 is actually a 400BB which is based on the ol 396, but.....even a 400BB bored .30 over is only a 408? That's all? Huh?
Last edited by 71chevylowrider; 05-29-2007 at 02:48 PM. |
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