SBC or BBC for 1st build?

[1959 Apache 3600]

I mentioned that I have and plan to put a 454/TH400 in my '59. Many people that I've talked with (not here) suggest I go with a small block, especially since this is my first build. Reasons being are steering box/header clearance issues as well as cooling and weight considerations. I planned on keeping front and rear suspension stock as is.

What do y'all suggest for this newbie and why?

[ready2go69]

BBC..... any problems you come across, the guys on this forum have seen that and done that and are very helpfull. BB cost more. If money is a big concern small blocks are cheaper.

[la hi]

I have had plenty of small blocks. I am just getting my bbc 57 swb w/t400 on the street. Front end is stock.

[mr48chev]

my best friend in Waco, Texas put a big block and four speed in his 41 Chev pickup about the same time that I Put the small block in my 48 and he had less problems with the steering clearing than I did.

Cooling just means that you buy a radiator that is up to the task which might mean a few more $$ than one for a small block but that and the right fan and you have it.

Although a small block is probably the easiest engine for a first timer to build from the block up simply because there is so much good information available I don't see any issues with building a big block as a first engine. If you aren't building the engine the only difference is how a few things fit up. You may run into firewall clearance around the valve covers and the exhaust fits up a bit different. No biggie. Maybe they just don't want your truck to be faster than theirs. The biggest problem with a big block is the BIGGER dollars you spend on the engine it's self. Almost everything is going to cost more for the big block from rod bearings to custom valve covers.

[OrrieG]

Also, weight is not a significant issue, those old sixes are heavy and the bellhousings, transmissions, etc. were all cast iron or steel, no aluminum. I have only had one BB, in a 69 Nova years ago to race; for the street I have gotten all the HP I needed out of SBC. Build and maintenance costs are less than a BB.

[Lextech]

Either one will work and work well. You need to decide if fuel mileage is an issue. A warmed up smallblock with an overdrive trans can be a lot of fun and still get decent mileage.

Jeff

[1959 Apache 3600]

Thanks for all the advice!
I've already got a mid-70's Chevy 454 BB in my garage along with the TH400. I'll stick with the original plans and use that setup in my truck.

I figured you guys are the pro's, thanks again for your input!

[87Lowrider]

I was going to suggest to get it out of your system. But, it sounds like you already done that.. you probably know you can build good torque and hp fairly easy with a BBC (depending on the block / head combo).

I got the BBC bug bite in 2007 with my '87 SWB and love it!

But, for my '57 stepper, I'm going with a mostly stock 350 and overdrive. The '57 will be a touring vehicle. Comfortable seats will be a major decision.

Good luck!

[BigBlocksRule]

Big block, period. You can use factory heads (post your casting numbers), crank, rods, etc. and make great power. Save your nickels and dimes and go with a hydraulic roller, big blocks really like 'em. It doesn't take a big, lumpy cam to make big torque with a 454 and it'll have good street manners as well.

[la hi]

Low Rider, let us know, when and where, you find your comfortable seats.

[azsnow]

In highschool I had a friend with a Cameo (thats where I fell in love and had to have one) with a 454. The only issue he had was firewall clearance...a hammer fixed that!

[1959 Apache 3600]

You guys are VERY encouraging!
Don't know about building up the big block, may just stick it in there and drive 'er for awhile first....

[C.shows]

I'm for the Big block, yeah sbc's are cheaper maybe a lil easier to deal with..
but not near as cool! I'm running 454/TH400 no problems so far.. GOODLUCK.

[1959 Apache 3600]

Originally Posted by C.shows

I'm for the Big block, yeah sbc's are cheaper maybe a lil easier to deal with..
but not near as cool! I'm running 454/TH400 no problems so far.. GOODLUCK.

Excellent!
Any issues a guy should be aware of? Are you stock suspension and such too?

[BigBlocksRule]

Big blocks are no harder to build than smallblocks.
Unless you count lifting those 75lbs heads onto the shortblock!
Machine work is pretty much the same.
The real beauty is the ability to use factory heads, crank, and rods to make 500hp and up!

[1959 Apache 3600]

....judging by your username, you might be just a tad bias?

Gottcha bro! Big Block it is!

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 1959 Apache 3600

You guys are VERY encouraging!
Don't know about building up the big block, may just stick it in there and drive 'er for awhile first....

I've ridden in a couple of early trucks with stock or mild big blocks and they go and haul butt with no hassles involved as far as maintenance or tuning.