383 or Big Block it?

[bk2life]

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

383 is built to 500 HP-280 duration .55 lift-vortec Heads-Holly 750

cam swap, maybe carb/intake swap.

but you already have this running motor, swap a couple parts and drive on.

if you dont have an already running bbc, thats going to cost alot more than a sbc cam/intake..

and the ls, engine/trans/wiring/time/labor

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by big_al_71

If you are going to drive it daily I would sell eveything and install an ls3...

I'll third or fourth that. If you go big block, it's not just the engine. You have to buy mounts, pulleys, brackets, manifolds/headers, and all that little stuff adds up. An LS swap is reasonable and you can have the power and economy too.

[prostreetC-10]

As you can see.....it's easy for us to spend your money. There is usually no clear answer on threads like this. Might has well of asked if you should run a Holley or Edelbrock.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by tobytuttle

crate 454..(or a 509 merlin)

If you're gonna go big why take little half-steps?

[69GWC]

Maybe because the little-half step is half the money..lol j/k. that big badass motor you have there is alot of coin.
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[Longhorn 70]

OK let's look at this from a different angle.

BB = in³ x $³ = FUN

383 = in³x$³ = FUN

So that gives us BB > 383

If this is going to be a daily driver that may be a reason to go 383. If it will be a weekend/show driver that's another.

If you want to have fun just do it for fun and do the BB.

If you want economy, go injected small block like an LS or LT4 in 383.

[i82much]

Ok help me out here. On one hand, you are concerned your small block isn't going to get good gas mileage as a daily driver. So, on the other hand, you are considering ... a big block? Hmm.

Reading your build specs (and not being up on the latest and greatest Chevy stuff), I think the intake is probably the biggest issue. Get something with vacuum secondaries and try it with the cam you have. Of course this all goes back to gear ratio and converter, too, and exactly what kind of commute you have. Driving at 3500 rpm on the freeway for 45 miles can get old pretty quick, but running steep gears just to drive 5 miles in town isn't so bad.

[prostreetC-10]

Originally Posted by Fitz

If you're gonna go big why take little half-steps?

Those headers look like 2". What brand are they? Thanks!

[99-LS1-SS]

I was confronted with this dilemma when I started my Blazer build. I roughly used Longhorn 70's strategy when deciding. Since my Blazer is a toy and not a mandatory daily driver I opted for the big block. I'm not sure if that helps you or now but that's what I did.

[HotRod C/10]

Originally Posted by i82much

Ok help me out here. On one hand, you are concerned your small block isn't going to get good gas mileage as a daily driver. So, on the other hand, you are considering ... a big block? Hmm.

Reading your build specs (and not being up on the latest and greatest Chevy stuff), I think the intake is probably the biggest issue. Get something with vacuum secondaries and try it with the cam you have. Of course this all goes back to gear ratio and converter, too, and exactly what kind of commute you have. Driving at 3500 rpm on the freeway for 45 miles can get old pretty quick, but running steep gears just to drive 5 miles in town isn't so bad.

Original post says nothing about fuel mileage...... Practicality being streetable....
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[i82much]

Originally Posted by HotRod C/10

Original post says nothing about fuel mileage...... Practicality being streetable....
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In that case ... only you know what you're willing to put up with.