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#1 |
born to lose
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 842
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all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
I have been debating on going big block in my 71 C20 for awhile now. I have had some good deals come and go but never jumped on any of them. I love my 350 it will never let me down but I want the lowend just incase I want to get a boat or somethng to tow also the power would be great too so I could move my 5000 pound hulk around a little bit faster haha. So im asking was it worth it in terms of work like changing motor mounts pulleys high hump etc and performance wise. Let me know fellas.
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_____________________ '67 Chevy Belair Wagon 283 Powerglide '68 Chevy II Nova 2 door 350 TH400 ![]() '71 Chevy C20 350 TH350 '71 Chevy C10 Burb 350 TH350 ![]() Burb Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475155 Nova Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=498979 Wagon Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543052 Not giving a truck. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Eagle Ne
Posts: 356
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
I started out with a mild 350 in this truck but after it popped I went with a mild 462 and never looked back. I don't care to own another small block.
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60 4x4,235,SM420,Rockwell T221,D44/HO33 sold 4/12 67 C-20,292,SM420,HO72 90 Dodge W250 Cummins,NV4500HD,205,D60/D80 93 Dodge W350 Dually Cummins, Getrag, 205,D60/D70 |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: reidsville north carolina
Posts: 64
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
Absolutely,and still have the low hump
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#4 |
Redefining LowBudget
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: lebanon Cow Hampshire
Posts: 4,538
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
OH YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2 days by myself for a 500 caddy swap it was cake and bolted right in
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1970 C10 CST fleetside 472 ....big dreams little cash... SunShine Syndicate.. ![]() Mikes Sandwich Fair Run OCT 8th 2011
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Posts: 1,887
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
After re-reading your post I am confident you would like the low-end torque of a big block. The biggest difference in my opinion is right out of the hole. Oval-port heads/intake on a big block give it excellent low-end performance that is ideal for a heavy/tow vehicle. I had a ZZ3 small block in a SWB truck and loved it but it didn't feel as strong under 2000 rpm.
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 632
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
If you want lowend without the swap to Big Block......let me say 400 Samll Block. Big torque of a Big Block in the package of a Small Block.
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Lifes journey is not to arrive at the gate well preserved, it is to slide in sideways all used up and wore out yelling.....God what'a ride! Where patience fails, force prevails Stapp's Ironical Paradox "The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle." |
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#7 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Southeast Missouri
Posts: 2,436
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
A big block will definitely give you the torque you want but there are a few draw-backs to doing it. We put a 73 454 in my '71 with a granny 4 speed that was mostly stock except for the cam and headers and I really noticed the difference over the stock 350.
A low hump cab will work with an auto or 3 speed. My son has put big blocks in three of his trucks with the low hump and it worked out ok. Two of them had the three speed manual and one a 350 auto. Here are some things that will help I hope. A 700R4 would be good behind it with 3.73 rear gears, but if you are running a 350 aut use gears more like 3.08. Go with a mini starter if you are running headers. A 3 core radiator will work ok unless you are also run a/c. More torque will mean less mpg, but you will be able to tow anything you want to. If you are going to tow 5000 pounds are so it is nice to have heavier rear springs or air shocks or the auxiliary over-loads. My son is running a 402 in his '72 with a 350 auto and 3.08 and likes it real well, except for the worse mpg, lol.
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'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. |
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#8 |
born to lose
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 842
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
my 71 c20 is built to tow. the leaf springs are huge and have over loads as well. it has a th350 trans and a dana 60 with 3.54 gears. it had 4.10's but they sucked on the freeway. it will tow 5000 pounds right now no problem im just saying it weighs 5000 pounds. no go on a 400 sbc ive had a few and they always blow up. i had a 383 which did good in my truck but it was built for racing so i swapped it in my nova. thanks for the all input and advice gentlemen.
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_____________________ '67 Chevy Belair Wagon 283 Powerglide '68 Chevy II Nova 2 door 350 TH400 ![]() '71 Chevy C20 350 TH350 '71 Chevy C10 Burb 350 TH350 ![]() Burb Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475155 Nova Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=498979 Wagon Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543052 Not giving a truck. |
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#9 |
I built it
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bakersfield ca
Posts: 744
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
may i ask how? i thought more torque would get better mpg..? engine doesnt have to work as hard. horsepower is what takes the mileage
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'72 k10 lwb 454, th400, 205, d44ft, 12b rear, 4in skyjacker, 35x12.5-15 superswampers, 4.56, blazer tank. painless wiring harness '98 dodge 3500 12v 5sp 4x4. the truck that actually runs |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Eagle Ne
Posts: 356
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
When I swapped my mileage stayed the same
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60 4x4,235,SM420,Rockwell T221,D44/HO33 sold 4/12 67 C-20,292,SM420,HO72 90 Dodge W250 Cummins,NV4500HD,205,D60/D80 93 Dodge W350 Dually Cummins, Getrag, 205,D60/D70 |
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#11 |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,515
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
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I have a big block in the White '67 and a big block in the Blue '67 beater. I enjoy driving both of them. I changed the rear in the White truck to a 3.07 and it made it a lot nicer to drive. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Thomasville, NC
Posts: 1,877
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
I had both & love both of them,it's what you need to do with the truck,pull or just drive & go fast,oh that's both of them,it's a Chevrolet & that's all good
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#13 |
DND Trucks
![]() Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NW Indiana
Posts: 2,383
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I've used SBC and BBC engines in all the 69-72s I owned and I have to say hands down the BBC 402s and 454s offer more towing benefits "out-of-the-box" over the SBC's.
Even though BBCs do tend to be more expensive to operate (mpg), among other things, nothing beats the deep tone sound and low end performance these engines produce. |
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#14 |
I built it
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bakersfield ca
Posts: 744
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
i actually get a LOT better mpg with my 454 then i ever could get out of the 350 that came with the truck.. the 350 would only get about 3-4. this 454 (after about 2 years of tuning) will get 12-14 if i stay off the freeway. on freeway its about 8. it doesnt like to wind up very high very long
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'72 k10 lwb 454, th400, 205, d44ft, 12b rear, 4in skyjacker, 35x12.5-15 superswampers, 4.56, blazer tank. painless wiring harness '98 dodge 3500 12v 5sp 4x4. the truck that actually runs |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Grand Terrace, Ca.
Posts: 1,607
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
Once you go big block you'll never go back! Yes, worth all the work and every penny.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Eagle Ne
Posts: 356
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
And they look so much cooler.
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60 4x4,235,SM420,Rockwell T221,D44/HO33 sold 4/12 67 C-20,292,SM420,HO72 90 Dodge W250 Cummins,NV4500HD,205,D60/D80 93 Dodge W350 Dually Cummins, Getrag, 205,D60/D70 |
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#17 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: hingham ma
Posts: 1,721
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
depends, is this a week end toy..
bbc are fun but if you can't feed it, and you park it, it's pointless. |
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#18 |
toys'r'us
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Penticton, BC, Canada
Posts: 347
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
nice cal customs valve covers
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71 jimmy bone stock 350 sm465 33x12.5 rallies 79 caprice landau full load crate350 th350 lowered 20"wires 00 f150 reg cab sb 4x4 5.4L |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Eagle Ne
Posts: 356
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
Yeah, those were an awesome swapmeet score, IIRC I spent 40 bucks on those.
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60 4x4,235,SM420,Rockwell T221,D44/HO33 sold 4/12 67 C-20,292,SM420,HO72 90 Dodge W250 Cummins,NV4500HD,205,D60/D80 93 Dodge W350 Dually Cummins, Getrag, 205,D60/D70 |
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#20 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
yes
Posted via Mobile Device
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#21 |
PROJECT 7DEUCE
![]() Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: GRANTS PASS OR
Posts: 21,608
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
I went bbc and love it even though I have never driven it down the road yet..
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GO BIG GREEN ![]() MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P.. |
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#22 |
born to lose
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Posts: 842
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
i know alot of guys getting the same or better mileage than a sbc. its all in how you drive and tune it. 10 plus mpg and im happy.
Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device
__________________
_____________________ '67 Chevy Belair Wagon 283 Powerglide '68 Chevy II Nova 2 door 350 TH400 ![]() '71 Chevy C20 350 TH350 '71 Chevy C10 Burb 350 TH350 ![]() Burb Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=475155 Nova Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=498979 Wagon Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543052 Not giving a truck. |
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#23 | |
1969 Custom 30 wrecker
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Pottsville, Pa
Posts: 2,611
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
Quote:
Maybe by fall...
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Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10 |
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#24 |
VA72C10
![]() Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Midlothian, VA
Posts: 25,269
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
I'm excited to hear my 402 fire up for the first time
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Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA. ![]() |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hagerstown, MD
Posts: 246
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Re: all you guys that went big block was it worth it?
Worth it? Well, yes and no...
Yes, because I have not seen another truck with an LS6. It is pretty sweet with possibly the only LS6 powered 67-72. Although I have a 700R4 and 3.08 gears, the best I've had was about 14 mpg. No, because it really likes to drink. If I had to do it over again, I would have waited and placed a 6.0L or 6.2L LSX motor in it. Excellent power at 24 mpg. It all adds up to personal preferrence. I wanted something really cool and nostalgic. When I swapped the motor in 1999, gas was about $1.20/gal. 11 years later and about 5000 miles on the motor, she will be driven weekly but daily. Keep in mind, it takes 93 octane.
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John Paap Ole Greenie Hagerstown, MD My Mistress 70 CST Short/Step LS 5.3/4L65E New motor install Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=667773 |
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