DomL64

Hi all !
I am in the middle of re-doing my 64. I say, "re-doing" because it hasn't had the correct engine for at least 40 years. It has a 396 in it now and I'm not sure about either going with a 400 SBC or a 496 BBC.
I'm sure some have already gone this route and would like some
info before making the final decision on which way to go. The 400 would be lighter, but the BBC will have a lot more torque.
BBC wise, I'm shooting for 500 hp/torque. 400 wise, I'm not sure.
Any and all help/info is most appreciated !
Thank you,
Dom

Steve439

If the 396 is a big block and the car is set up for it I'd stick with one.
A lot of guys have spent a fair amount of money on the pulleys and stuff to swap in a big block.

new vette 62

I changed from an iron small block to a big block with aluminum heads. The big block with the aluminum heads only weighs 25 pounds more than the small block, so not much of a weight difference. It's about 500hp with 500 ft lbs of torque.

DomL64

Yes, this 396 is a true big block. And,. I forgot about all the little things like pulleys and stuff that I will have to buy to swap it back.
Makes a better case for keeping the big block and going bigger.
Which is what I really want to do in the first place. There's nothing like
big cubes !
Thanks,
Dom

DomL64

And THAT's the way I really wanted to go. But, I was pondering because the small block weighed a lot less. With the Aluminum heads, I'm ahead ( no pun intended. lol )
Thank you !
Dom

Steve439

Think about just the cost and hassle to change the exhaust for a SB and you'll be even happier!

DomL64

LOL. Thanks !
I've been leaning toward another big block and that how I'm going.
I can stop reading Vizards book for small blocks now and go back to the one for big blocks.

Rayfry

How do I tell if I have small block or big block side pipes? I Bought a 63 and the side pipes came with it off the car. I have a bb 454 in the car now and wonder if I can use these side pipes. Is there a measurement I can use to tell the difference? I know the front end that connects to the manifolds will have to be modified as they dont line up.

Rayfry

Sorry I placed this in the wrong thread. Should have started a new one.

DomL64

You certainly did ! Get out of my thread. lolol
Seriously, not a problem. But, you'd get more attention with a new thread with the right title instead of mine.
The only thing I can say is that 63's were all small blocks.
Best of luck !
Dom