Fork in the road, BBC or Bags?

[JVictor75]

Originally Posted by 70blackfish

if money is tight, big blocks are not wallet friendly....go with the bags..

Amen to that!

I'm in the process of (finally) getting my truck into a rolling chassis with the running gear installed.

The single most expensive thing (per weight) has been a basic clean-up/re-ring of the 396.

Or at least that's how it started. Just a basic re-ring of the .030 block with new bearings, rings, and gaskets, along with swapping to a mild hydraulic roller cam (with lifters - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HRS-CL120245-12) and full roller stamped steel rockers (http://www.prwonlinestore.com/zdstai...kerarms36.aspx) to go with an Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap is going to be well into the 2K range by the time all is said and done (carb, ignition, valve covers, accessory drive system, etc etc etc.) That's with FREE machine work, mind you.

Every day I think about doing an LS swap, but now I'm too far into the engine build to start over with something else.

If you're even thinking about an engine build, save yourself time frustration and wads of cash and look for an LS motor. A basic 5.3l LS motor mildly warmed up can make oodles more power than a BBC for comparible amount of money and be way more streetable and efficient at the same time.

I also agree with N2TRUX. If your plan is to swap a "hot" motor into a tired suspension and old brakes, let's just be polite and say that your priorities are a bit out of whack.

I spent a little over $4K on a 3.5/5 static drop, F/R upgraded sways, springs, shocks, shock relocators, a bolt in No Limit rack and pinion, all the front suspension stuff you need and a F/R cross drilled and slotted 6 lug disc brake conversion. The brake system came with all the hard and flex lines needed, new calipers (D56 GM - the rears have the parking brake setup), cross drilled and slotted rotors, and a new Booster/Master Cylinder/Prop valve.

I did all of this because I don't want to have to worry about it later on. Do it right the first time, do the research, ask the questions, spend the money. You'll be glad you did (even if it takes a lot more money and time than you initially thought.)

Bags are nice, bags are awesome. I don't have the time or wallet size capable of doing bags the right way.