corvettecris

Sorry, I know this was a recent thread, but I couldnt find it in the search...

I have always had small blocks, and still do, currently, but I know someone offering a good deal on a 454 big block, very nice. I know that the original engine available in my 68 was a 427, and they seem to be very much more sought after than 454's, but is there and disadvantages to the 454? It obviously won't be emissions applicable, so that is not a concern. I'm looking for power, and...well, coolness.

LS-Five

The reason that the 427's are much more sought after is just because people are looking to pick one up to throw in a Camaro for their Yenko clone so they can turn around and cash out BIG. Just my two cents.

corvettecris

Sounds good. So I wont get lynched if I stuff a 454 in a 68?

copter

I think the reason the 427 is more sought after besides what LS-five said is because the 427 kind of had the best of both worlds.They had the high RPM of a small block and the grunt of a big block.

corvettecris

what is the difference as far as the block? any changes?

Also, if going from a sb to a bb in a vette, it fits right into place without any changes to the frame mounts, right?

Jughead

It's all in what you want. Nowadays, the 427 & 454's are the runts of the BB litter. With 496's, 502's 572's and 632's leading the pack. Mine is actually a 468.

If you want a NOM '68-69 get a 427. If you don't care about era-specific get a 454 or larger.

JC6372 from the forum here is putting a crate 454 into his '63!

Jughead

The 454 had a longer stroke 4.00 and a 4.251 bore vs the 427's 4.25bore and 3.76 stroke.

Yes.

If you stay with a BB prior to 1990, I think that was the changeover year, everything should work.

corvettecris

Yea, been looking at the 572! Out of my $ range though. Heck, I dont even need a big block, why a big big block?! Maybe I should quit thinking 'big'...nahhh

nato

I would get teh 427 I have a friend with a all stock 68 327 big block 390hp and he claims it is a 13 something second car, that is moving for a freaking 68!

Glensgages

corvettecris:

not-sure what your " $-range " is, but why not consider the ZZ502 crate-motor?

Pump-gas, 500+ HP, and 567 ft/lb of TQ, and a GM warranty sounds good to me.....

corvettecris

I have been looking into that. I guess the good price on the 454 kind of pulled the wool over my eyes. If you're going to go non-original, may as well go big. I think a 502 will be much more desireable in my vette, if in the future I decide to go BB. What do you think this will do tho the value of the car? It is currently a non-orig 350, built slightly. It seems like it would attract more buyers, just because of the words 'big block'?

Glensgages

From what I have read about your C3, it isn't a numbers-matching piece anyway, worthy of Norm's (LOTAHP) NCRS-status


I'd assume you are either consumed with keeping the car all-stock, or are more interested in driving, enjoying, and the performance of your C3:
I truly can't see doing both with a Corvette.

I've seen and spoken to an owner of a mid-'70s Corvette with a ZZ502 that goes 12-flat at 112 MPH (on slicks) that is street driven to hot-rod shows and cruises....

corvettecris

Yes sir! You are exactly right. It could probably eventually end up being the flagship vette of LOTAHP's NCRS.

Glensgages

Well, GO for the hammer that is "too-big-for NHRA-Pro-Stock":
it might-not be THE fastest Corvette around, but the sheer size of it will impress some people who don't know better, and will provide a solid foundation for a future large-displacement build-up

Jughead

As when buying a house. Buy the largest you can afford.

The_Dude

I went to my builder to have him build me a 427. He told me it would be the same price as a 427 to build a 496. I'm getting the 496.

Ironcross

Get new, a Ram Jet 502 with the injection. All you need to add is to throw the hydraulic cam away and insert a good flat tappet.

corvettecris

Thanks for the input, guys. I always wondered...!

68/70Vette

I biggest advantage of the 427 was that is naturally internally balanced. The 454 requires counterweights on the flywheel (and damper too?). Anyhow, external balance weights aren't as effective as internal balance----the internal crank throws are the best place to provide the lowest stress balance. However, if you're building up a 454, you can have heavy metal inserts placed into the throws and achieve internal balance. It's not all that expensive. This way you can buy flywheels and dampers without the counterweights. I think with an internally balanced 454, you could get the 427 rpm range advantage. Also, no one would be able to tell that your "427" was really a 454.

I have a Keith Black all aluminum big block, Brodix heads, and a Keith Black 454 crank that I have thoughts of putting in my 454 BB 1970. When I told a speed shop technician of my plans he just gave me a funny stare. He said that with that kind of an engine base, I should really think about 500 cubic inches. He thought a 454 was just a waste in the Keith Black. His opinion made an impression, if I'm really going to the trouble and expense of a BB in today's world maybe I should go for 500 or so. Ok so it won't be internally balanced, but I'll only blip it into high rpm's occasionally. Another justification was that you could get a lot of HP with today's pump gas.

stingr69

Chris,
I would have to say that if you are starting from scratch, build a big one.

If you can get a good deal on a 454, you should buy it. The performance will be "substantial" and you can save money. I would not pass up a good deal because I wanted a few extra cubes. JMO

-Mark.