Big Block v. Small Block - Weight Diff
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound Texas
Big Block v. Small Block - Weight Diff
I'm swapping my 400 sb out for a 540 bb in a couple of weeks. The 400 ci has cast heads, and the 540 has AFR aluminum heads. Any SWAG's on the weights of these two? What I'm trying to figure out is if I need to change out anything on my suspension e.g. springs?
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,953
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Chevy small block V8 ---- 575 (generic for '60s-'70s motors)
Chevy small block V8 ---- 535 (1) ('59 Corvette 283 w/alum. intake)
Chevy LT-5 DOHC 5.7 --- 600 (122)
Chevy L98 5.7 V8 --- 600 (122)
Chevy V8 348/409 ---- 620 (1)
Chevy V8 348/408 ---- 655 (83)
Chevy big block V8 ---- 685 Mark IV
Chevy big block V8 --- Mark V
Chevy 454 ---- 675 (10)
Chevy 427 ZL-1 ---- 550 (35) all-aluminum, "20# lighter than SB"
From HERE!
Chevy small block V8 ---- 535 (1) ('59 Corvette 283 w/alum. intake)
Chevy LT-5 DOHC 5.7 --- 600 (122)
Chevy L98 5.7 V8 --- 600 (122)
Chevy V8 348/409 ---- 620 (1)
Chevy V8 348/408 ---- 655 (83)
Chevy big block V8 ---- 685 Mark IV
Chevy big block V8 --- Mark V
Chevy 454 ---- 675 (10)
Chevy 427 ZL-1 ---- 550 (35) all-aluminum, "20# lighter than SB"
From HERE!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound Texas
Good info. Thanks. I'm also replacing the the stock radiator with a DeWitt aluminum, and replacing the fan/fan clutch/ shroud assembly with dual Spals. This, combined with the weight differences on the heads has me leaning to not doing any suspension work. Probably I'll install the new engine, check it out, and make a decision then...
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,953
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by Razorhorn
Good info. Thanks. I'm also replacing the the stock radiator with a DeWitt aluminum, and replacing the fan/fan clutch/ shroud assembly with dual Spals. This, combined with the weight differences on the heads has me leaning to not doing any suspension work. Probably I'll install the new engine, check it out, and make a decision then...
With aluminum heads, aluminum rad and intake, we're in the same park as an iron headed SB.
I still have my SB front springs in and really can't feel any difference handling. The front may be a little more "bouncy"---Maybe.
