Worth it to go big block?

[Yellow72C10]

I have a 72 k10, with a weak 350, mated to a th350. The trans is fine as far as I know, but idling up and Down the driveway doesn't account for much. Thinking very seriously about a crate motor swap, and I can't decide if its really worth it to go to big block. I'd like to make plenty of power, just like the next guy, but is it worth it in the long run? Any help and experience is greatly appreciated
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[DaddyO]

What sort of horsepower are you looking for? Chances are you can do it with a fresh motor like an LS 3 with a 4L60E transmission.

[Yellow72C10]

400 would be nice. I have a limited budget though...I'd like to stay old school too. Nothing to new or fancy
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[Rufton]

I'd just get favorite crate unless driving too many miles per year to afford gas.

[bobs409]

I built a 454 for my 69 stepside and noticed ever since, I hardly drive it!

Paying for premium gets old VERY fast at todays prices! When it had the junkyard 350 in it, I drove the wheels off of it. (I do have a 71 Cheyenne20 that I daily drive so no big deal in my case)

I guess it depends on how you intend on driving it. If only occasionally, a big block could work but if on a regular basis, I'd go small block.

[Bryantcm]

You can easily achieve 400hp/400tq with a small block and for a lot less than a BB.
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[Tillik]

In my 71 4X4 Daily Driver, I upgraded to a low hp stock crate motor(Tight Budget-Great Deal). Compared to the original motor it ran so nice. It was sooooooo gutless. My buddy upgraded to a crate motor at the same time but he got the 300hp one. It had plenty of power.

Eventually my gearhead buddy convinced me to upgrade to a big block. It was a bit of work to convert it. Radiator upgrade, supports-clamps, motor mounts, different shroud, new headers, bigger carb, difference flex plate, blah blah blah blah. The HEI was shoved right into my firewall. After tweaking and tuning I finally dialed it in. Had more power then I knew what to do with. It was so different then any SB's i've ever owned. I can totally see why Big Block guys are biased.

It's a supreme gas guzzling beast, but it's mean for sure. If I could go back in time, I would have just saved a few more dollars and picked up a higher HP 350. Would have been a lot less trouble and still would have been happy. Since it was my daily driver, it would have just made more sense.

If your not depending on getting to work with your truck, having a 454 def has the cool factor. They are night and day difference. Big Block VS Small Block... What do you need and what do you really want?

[truckster]

Having owned both, the sound and the torque of the big block are something else. Disclaimer - my big block was an Olds 455 (I can still hear the idle in my mind).

Building my current Blazer, I decided to go with a Vortec motor (carbed/HEI) because I intend to drive it whenever I want. Fuel mileage may not seem like a big deal as visions of burnouts dance in your head, but once the reality of 6-7 MPG hits (that's what mine got), it starts to impact your driving fun.

If it's an occasional driver and you want to be able to roast the tires, the big block might be what you want.

[HSRACER]

I have 2 trucks with 350 engines and 2 with 383 stroker motors. The 383 engines are fantastic. They have strong torque and still get good mileage but will roast the tires at will. This is the best compromise because you get all you need and dont have to reconfigure your engine bay, exhaust, radiator and all your accessoery brackets!

[MARKDTN]

Stay small block. If you have a BB keep it, but it is not worth it to swap. There are a lot of parts needed besides the crate engine (intake, pulleys, brackets, radiator, exhaust, etc.)

[CLW]

Everyone here is dead on. A sound small block in these trucks can be fun and efficient! But if you place more priority on the "fun" factor, a big block is your choice! It's not an easy bolt in, as others have noted, but WOW, there cool. I did a mild 454 bored .030 over backed by a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6 speed and it is awesome fun to drive! If you enjoy the build as much as the drive (time with sons for me), then do the big block swap!

Either way, you can't go wrong with these trucks!
Enjoy!
CW
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[cdowns]

OPEC wants u to go bigblock

[BurnoutNova]

I like Big blocks alot, but it doesnt make sense to build one anymore. They are heavy, headers don't fit that good, the firewall is tight in these trucks and the motor mounts are hard to find.

You can make just as much power for less money and easier with a small block.

[CC69Rat]

Ever watch Passtime? How many Big Blocks to you see?

Different reasons for each scenario, not everyone drives their trucks for the same reason. It just depends on what you want to do with it IMO.

OPEC wouldn't mind if you towed your boat with an under powered SMOG rated SBC either.. just sayin. It's all about efficiency and what you plan to do with the truck

[Vintage Windmills]

Be different and go 6 cylinders! Turbocharged offenhaused 292 and run like a bat out of h***

[chevy72blu]

While the BB swap isnt difficult, parts and pieces will add up. There is nothing like a BB, but I actually pulled a pretty hot 496 for an LS1 and in doing so, fell in love with the truck all over again

If you are against an LSX, I would go 383. 400 hp isnt too difficult to achieve and it will be a fun motor. Depends on your budget and needs

[slow-1]

I am no expert but I do have some recent experience.

You can get the base GM crate motor and swap in the cam of your choice to make it have plenty of power, theres lots of info on this all over the internet...apparently the base model crate motor is the same as some of the higher HP motors with the only difference being the cam.
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[outback 1970]

i had a sbc in mine once i went to bbc ill never go back !

[Tx Firefighter]

For all the folks encouraging big block swaps, keep in mind, this guy has a 4 wheel drive.

It's not a slam dunk swap like it is on a 2wd truck.
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[1972RedNeck]

It's too bad a 700R4 won't take it. it would make the swap a cake walk.

Originally Posted by cdowns

OPEC wants u to go bigblock

^I just stole that for my sig.

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

Be different and go 6 cylinders! Turbocharged offenhaused 292 and run like a bat out of h***

Best idea yet.

If you want a sh** ton of of power and then some with good economy, there is only one way to go.

[BossHogg69]

Just build a Dart block 427 or 434 small block - big block torque and gas mileage, small block size!

[ItsRandy]

it's always worth it to go big block!

[Z10]

This is going in my 72 in a couple of weeks. 350/355hp in front of a 700R4, should do the trick.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

For all the folks encouraging big block swaps, keep in mind, this guy has a 4 wheel drive.

It's not a slam dunk swap like it is on a 2wd truck.
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Good point

[69vetteside]

I don't know what your budget is but a 427 shaffirof for $9500 is plenty of engine and lite as a small block and runs on 91 gas.
I was going to go BB in my 87 vette but got the 427 ultra street. straight away it was a 10.6 car compared to the 12.3 i was getting from my mild built 350.
I was going to go BB in my 69 truck but am so impressed with the 427SB that i have ordered on for the truck in all aluminum.565HP/lighter than a BB and runs on 91,cant beat that