Dr L-88

Well, I was gonna stay out of this.................................and I probably should.........................but here goes anyway. I have a matching number 67 coupe, 327-350 engine, 4 speed. I purchased the car in 2006 and enjoyed it for a couple years as a nice small block driver. I had always wanted a big block Corvette so in 2008 I decided to go all out and build an L-88 tribute car. I found a new ZL-1 aluminum block and all new GM components (heads, crank, rods, pistons) for about the same money, and probably a little less than what I would spend on the iron block and 67 aluminum heads.

Everything was a direct bolt in and I have the power of a big block with the weight of a small block. I kept every piece, every nut and bolt I removed in the conversion and it could easily be converted back to a 100% matching number car in a few days. Ten years later and I have no regrets in making the change and I don't feel it devalued my car in any way. I know some may disagree and I appreciate and respect your philosophy on this topic. I'm not getting any younger and I have enjoyed the car since I made the conversion. I'm not a "show circuit" kinda guy but I appreciate those who are. To each his own.

I guess my point is / was.................................it's your car. Enjoy it the best way you can.

Thanks,
Rex

Nowhere Man

Vettrocious

MikeM

No need for a poll. Post #30 says it all. You either have the Real McCoy or you have basic transportation.



PS. If you have no experience with owning/driving both types engine in a Corvette, you're not qualified to vote or express an opinion.

cv67

This!!! Theres plenty of orig cars out there anyways, put the big block in it there is almost noone who knows these cars that wouldnt get excited about the thought of that kind of power.
Not like anyone cares about mileage anyways if they are they are in the wrong hobby. I bet it doesnt affect value at all, either people love it or hate it there is not one kind of buyer.

Crunch527

I'm with Rex...its all bolt-in...store all the original parts and have fun! There are several builders who offer nice all aluminum big blocks.

Gavin65

everyone in favor of the small block makes very valid points, yes you can reach both the HP levels and Torque of a BB, But its not a BB, 40 years ago I owned a very nice numbers matching 67 427/400, I could never get enough of the way it sounded and the feeling of being pushed back into my seat, I sold that car when I got married ( regretted it every day going forward) it wasent until 1995 that I could afford to look for another, sadly Big Block 67's were way above my price range, what I did find was a 65 L76 that was mostly original but tired. after doing a ton of work to it I have a nicely sorted L76 that could put a hurting on just about any stock BB, But..........its not a BB, and to this day I still lust after having one, so having said all that my plan is shortly after I retire next year I will be installing a BB into my 65, and if all I ever get to do is raise the hood to look at it, I will be a very happy camper, so to me its not about de valuing the car, its not about making sense, I really could care less, its all about what I want, If the car is ever sold, all its original parts will be stored. but it wont be me selling it, it will be one of my kids. Do what pleases you, not what pleases everyone else.

Lotsacubes

Many comment how much nicer they drive with the SB. Many love the torque and fury of the BB. I spent ~$1200 on a set of Brodix Race Rite aluminum heads that match my stock L72 intake and exhausts. L72's about 665 lbs dry. L76's about 550 lbs dry (per Google). Now my L72 is within 10-15lbs of the SB with all the joys a BB brings (don't have or want PS/PB BTW). I won't call $1200 pocket change, but I considered that an inexpensive enhancement. The aluminum heads allowed a 10.5:1 CR to make my fuel selection simpler. And... it looks like an L88, revs to 6500+, weighs close to a SB. I did lots of other engine enhancements, some for hp, some for bottom end durability. Anyway... wanted a BB since 1973 after riding in a friends 427. Had to do it before the dirt nap. It's a hobby. Follow your heart. If a 10k hit either way affects your retirement you need different hobby. Cheers

cv67

agree with lotsacubes....a sbc will never match a BB power across the board. Peak they can sometimes come withint shouting distance but you wouldnt want to drive it.
My 383 makes damn good peak but bottom end tq? Compared to a BB forget it no contest. Do the big block...still want one sometimes

Some compression, a good set of heads, a healthy solid flat tappet is all you need to scare the chit out of you. Dont go nuts on teh seat timing it will last a long time.
Plenty of guys going 10s and 11s with a simple combo like that & drive them everywhere