Big block vs Small block questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CAMAROSS · 03-12-2008, 05:08 AM

I have a 1987 SWB Silverado that the fuel injected 350 is tired in.
I am debating on getting a mild big block built and installed vs rebuilding the factory 350. This truck will be a toy but I want it to be reliable. Not going to race it but want it to have some pep and the feeling of having a big block under the hood feels great. What would you guys do? Also, if I go the 454, will my 700R4 hook right up and go? Thnaks in advance.

03-12-2008, 05:42 AM

You can build a real bad 383 or 391 even a 355 small block for not alot of money, buying a 454 (427 and 396's are even more expensive) then rebuilding it is going to be alot more cash. Small blocks are reliable even stroked are reliable. just my .02

retselgerg · 03-12-2008, 05:57 AM

i'd build the SBC....

87Lowrider · 03-12-2008, 06:00 AM

I'm doing the very same conversion right now..

I've taken a cheap stock 454 and thrown money at it in the form of parts. Desktop dyno says 450 HP / 498 ft lbs at 5500rpm. Maybe that's accurate, maybe it's not, but, like u said. Justing knowing the BBC is out front, demands a bit of respect, huh?

Yes, the 700R4 will connect, just use a BBC flexplate, not the small block one. Motor mounts are the same too.

Check out this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=279281

Kenny

C-10volvo · 03-12-2008, 06:09 AM

Yes a 700r4 will bolt up with the correct big block parts, however if it is in OEM trim, it wont last long behind that rat.

Hit up 700r4.com. They have been good to me and provide everything you could need.

87Lowrider · 03-12-2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-10volvo

Yes a 700r4 will bolt up with the correct big block parts, however if it is in OEM trim, it wont last long behind that rat.

Hit up 700r4.com. They have been good to me and provide everything you could need.

Will do... thanks!

andresco50 · 03-12-2008, 08:14 AM

You can rebuild your 350 but with some toys like a new carb, new intake manifold, or a camshaft i love SB

69BBsuburban · 03-13-2008, 02:58 AM

If you KNOW what you're doing or where to look, a big block really doesn't cost any more than a small block.....except maybe at the gas pump....

And big blocks fill up the spacious engine bay of '73-'87's SO nicely....

CAMAROSS · 03-13-2008, 06:36 AM

O.K. half and half so far. I have my eye on a 1979 454 still in the truck with all accesories. Go for it or rebuild the 350? Man what a dillema.

1980GMC · 03-13-2008, 06:52 AM

1 vote for the big block.

I love em

MylilBowTie · 03-13-2008, 07:22 AM

I say big block or big inch small block.

lurch115 · 03-13-2008, 07:59 AM

i'd say build the small block, because i doubt you are gonna pull too much with the truck and thats generally what big blocks are for...they generally max out at 5,500rpms....where as with a few changes while rebuilding a small block you can turn it up to 8,000hp if you want too and still get the torque of a big block. thats just my opinion though

87Lowrider · 03-13-2008, 08:17 AM

Big Block!

03-13-2008, 10:36 PM

I say it all depends on your cash and your intentions for the engine, if your on a budget id say small block, seeing as how you already have one. if cash is no problem then hell buy a big block, but check the casting numbers on the block and heads, becasue a 250 horse big block is still just a 250hp engine, not alot of fun there.

03-12-2008, 05:08 AM	#1
CAMAROSS Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sulphur Springs, Tx Posts: 100	Big block vs Small block questions I have a 1987 SWB Silverado that the fuel injected 350 is tired in. I am debating on getting a mild big block built and installed vs rebuilding the factory 350. This truck will be a toy but I want it to be reliable. Not going to race it but want it to have some pep and the feeling of having a big block under the hood feels great. What would you guys do? Also, if I go the 454, will my 700R4 hook right up and go? Thnaks in advance.

03-12-2008, 05:42 AM	#2
TH53 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Big block vs Small block questions You can build a real bad 383 or 391 even a 355 small block for not alot of money, buying a 454 (427 and 396's are even more expensive) then rebuilding it is going to be alot more cash. Small blocks are reliable even stroked are reliable. just my .02

03-12-2008, 05:57 AM	#3
retselgerg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Grundy Virginia Posts: 385	Re: Big block vs Small block questions i'd build the SBC.... __________________ "OLE BLUE" Goodwrench 350, 5speed, Tilt, PS, PB, "some guys got into cars for money or girls but i got into cars because of the cars" -Jay Leno

03-12-2008, 06:00 AM	#4
87Lowrider Navy Radioman Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 1,350	Re: Big block vs Small block questions I'm doing the very same conversion right now.. I've taken a cheap stock 454 and thrown money at it in the form of parts. Desktop dyno says 450 HP / 498 ft lbs at 5500rpm. Maybe that's accurate, maybe it's not, but, like u said. Justing knowing the BBC is out front, demands a bit of respect, huh? Yes, the 700R4 will connect, just use a BBC flexplate, not the small block one. Motor mounts are the same too. Check out this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=279281 Kenny __________________ 1987 Chevrolet R10 Silverado BBC Build thread - SOLD 1986 GMC Sierra Classic - SOLD 1957 Chevy Step Side - At the Body Shop Daily Driver; 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Z71 Stepside

03-12-2008, 06:09 AM	#5
C-10volvo Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon Posts: 1,028	Re: Big block vs Small block questions Yes a 700r4 will bolt up with the correct big block parts, however if it is in OEM trim, it wont last long behind that rat. Hit up 700r4.com. They have been good to me and provide everything you could need. __________________ Ken Morgan For fun: 1964 Volvo 122 For slow: 1984 Chevrolet C-10 For everything else: 1997 BMW M3

03-12-2008, 08:14 AM	#7
andresco50 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeworth, Fl Posts: 633	Re: Big block vs Small block questions You can rebuild your 350 but with some toys like a new carb, new intake manifold, or a camshaft i love SB __________________ 2001 silverado 2wd 2003 silverado 4wd 1975 scottsdale c10 (project)

03-13-2008, 02:58 AM	#8
69BBsuburban Right in front of you. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roy, Wa Posts: 584	Re: Big block vs Small block questions If you KNOW what you're doing or where to look, a big block really doesn't cost any more than a small block.....except maybe at the gas pump.... And big blocks fill up the spacious engine bay of '73-'87's SO nicely.... __________________ Pinstriping by Josh '78 Chevy Silverado SWB (lowered, 454) '90 Chevy Sport Truck '68 Dodge Charger R/T 1930 Ford Model A

03-13-2008, 06:36 AM	#9
CAMAROSS Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sulphur Springs, Tx Posts: 100	Re: Big block vs Small block questions O.K. half and half so far. I have my eye on a 1979 454 still in the truck with all accesories. Go for it or rebuild the 350? Man what a dillema.

03-13-2008, 06:52 AM	#10
1980GMC Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 117	Re: Big block vs Small block questions 1 vote for the big block. I love em __________________ Wes 1980 GMC Sierra SCSB-2WD 1986 Chevrolet C10 SCSB-2WD

03-13-2008, 07:22 AM	#11
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: Big block vs Small block questions I say big block or big inch small block.

03-13-2008, 07:59 AM	#12
lurch115 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: iowa Posts: 722	Re: Big block vs Small block questions i'd say build the small block, because i doubt you are gonna pull too much with the truck and thats generally what big blocks are for...they generally max out at 5,500rpms....where as with a few changes while rebuilding a small block you can turn it up to 8,000hp if you want too and still get the torque of a big block. thats just my opinion though __________________ "Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall, torque is how far you carry the wall with you." '84 chevy half ton short box 2wd, 67,000 actual miles '03 chevy 1500 HD crew cab 4x4 standard box, 6.0L

03-13-2008, 08:17 AM	#13
87Lowrider Navy Radioman Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 1,350	Re: Big block vs Small block questions Big Block! __________________ 1987 Chevrolet R10 Silverado BBC Build thread - SOLD 1986 GMC Sierra Classic - SOLD 1957 Chevy Step Side - At the Body Shop Daily Driver; 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Z71 Stepside

03-13-2008, 10:36 PM	#14
TH53 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Big block vs Small block questions I say it all depends on your cash and your intentions for the engine, if your on a budget id say small block, seeing as how you already have one. if cash is no problem then hell buy a big block, but check the casting numbers on the block and heads, becasue a 250 horse big block is still just a 250hp engine, not alot of fun there.



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