Small block or Big Block

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

If you really want something different and don't mind spending a bit more $, go with a Caddy 472/500. They make loads of torque and are all high nickel content so they don't require much block machining. Usually just a hone and go. They also tend to get slightly better MPG than a BBC with a similar cam profile.

Not a bad option either.

If you did a 100% stock restoration by the build sheet, I think it would be fitting to have the original numbers matching engine rebuilt. I would venture to say that this would make it the most "rare" as anyone can swap in a crate SBC or even a BBC. Not everyone can have their original, numbers matching engine.

In short, build what you have or build a BBC. Cost will be a little more for the BBC and either will cost more than a crate SBC - but you didn't cheap out on your restoration, did you? Why would you cheap out on your engine then?