Big Block vs. Small Block
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: New York
Big block cars are the way to go if you have a choice.
Example:
Small block.... Hey you want some some this... I didn't think so.
Big Block.... Hi, Hows your mom.... cup of tea
Jim
More pics... http://www.jimluer.com[/QUOTE]
Example:
Small block.... Hey you want some some this... I didn't think so.
Big Block.... Hi, Hows your mom.... cup of tea
Jim
More pics... http://www.jimluer.com[/QUOTE]
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Poquoson VA
St. Jude Donor '05-'09-'10
Big Block
I have a '73 Vert.. love it except for the gas mileage.. I get 6-10, but it's not a daily driver. I have eliminated most of the heat in the cabin area, with insulation in the floor and transmission tunnel area. I also have the A/C working pretty good... Prior to that it would cook your feet. I am near 60 years old, not heavy on the gas or into road racing... If I was I would buy one of dem foreign jobs or a Z06... just like to cruise around in a classic with "454" on the hood. Of course you could get a SB and put the big numbers on it and a raised hood... who will know if you leave the hood shut.. My 2 pennies
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
It is definately all personal preference, but I think more people go from sm block to big blocks then the reverse. Don't get in a hurry, think about what you really want, then start shopping. Big block parts are more expensive, but how often do you plan on redoing the motor? A 400 hp bb is more reliable then many 400 hp sb's.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Talking about gas mileage. Last night my dad and I both took our vettes across town. we both filled up at the same time and once we got back, he had 1/8 tank left, I had almost a 1/4 left. We drove 60mph. His is a cammed BB/4spd/3.70s, mine is a basically stock SB/auto/3.08s. We both only went 130 miles on that amount of fuel above. I figure mine to be around 12mpgs and his to be around 10mpgs. Not that much difference really. Especially considering his has a healthy cam and much steeper gears and we were 90% highway on this cruise.
Build what you want and don't sweat the gas mileage cause they all suck freakin gas like crazy.
Unlike my 400rwhp 99 LS1 TA that still gets 15-16mpgs with 4.10s and AC on. LOL
Technology is a wonderful thing.
Build what you want and don't sweat the gas mileage cause they all suck freakin gas like crazy.
Unlike my 400rwhp 99 LS1 TA that still gets 15-16mpgs with 4.10s and AC on. LOL
Technology is a wonderful thing.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by luv2sail21
just like to cruise around in a classic with "454" on the hood. Of course you could get a SB and put the big numbers on it and a raised hood... who will know if you leave the hood shut.. My 2 pennies
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by harrin
I,ve had a 70 LT-1 and now a 71 454, I'd pick the 71 BB for giving the most fun and enjoyment, however neither were DD.
thanks for the info with the 454 you also have the choice between auto/manual with air conditioning. LT-1 stick only and no Air. cond.
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Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by gator79
a small block will never sound like a big block, any car guy would know the difference, and if you want gas mileage get a C5 or a C6 they get close to 30 mpg on the highway. thats my plan. my big block for fun and short cruises and a C5 for longer trips
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by ajrothm
Talking about gas mileage. Last night my dad and I both took our vettes across town. we both filled up at the same time and once we got back, he had 1/8 tank left, I had almost a 1/4 left. We drove 60mph. His is a cammed BB/4spd/3.70s, mine is a basically stock SB/auto/3.08s. We both only went 130 miles on that amount of fuel above. I figure mine to be around 12mpgs and his to be around 10mpgs. Not that much difference really. Especially considering his has a healthy cam and much steeper gears and we were 90% highway on this cruise.
Build what you want and don't sweat the gas mileage cause they all suck freakin gas like crazy.
Unlike my 400rwhp 99 LS1 TA that still gets 15-16mpgs with 4.10s and AC on. LOL
Technology is a wonderful thing.
Build what you want and don't sweat the gas mileage cause they all suck freakin gas like crazy.
Unlike my 400rwhp 99 LS1 TA that still gets 15-16mpgs with 4.10s and AC on. LOL
Technology is a wonderful thing.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by copter
I've never had a 70 LT1 Vette but I've had two 70 Z/28 4 speeds.One I bought brand new for $40064.(yes I'm that old)Both of them were very quick so I'd really like to see a 70 LT1 Vette and a 70 Z/28 road test just to compare.Maybe someone on here has been there and chime in.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by LS WON
Have C-6 only get 22 mpg with 4 spd. auto and 3:15 gears and I drive conservative at 55 MPH
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Originally Posted by LS WON
I bet your 99 LS-1 T/A will kill all of those big block 427's and 454's.
I don't know...My dad's BB has a MEAN 4th gear hit at 60mph or around 3000rpms. I think from the hit he would pull out on my TA JUST for a bit until the LS1 gets wound up, then I would come around him pretty fast...the faster we go, the faster I would pull away I am guessing.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,529
Likes: 1
From: Sherwood Park Alberta
Originally Posted by ajrothm
Talking about gas mileage. Last night my dad and I both took our vettes across town. we both filled up at the same time and once we got back, he had 1/8 tank left, I had almost a 1/4 left. We drove 60mph. His is a cammed BB/4spd/3.70s, mine is a basically stock SB/auto/3.08s. We both only went 130 miles on that amount of fuel above.
I have an L82 4 spd with a 3:55 axle ratio and gas mileage sucks. I think it's worst than my 455 Olds 442 with a 3:42 posi. As for technology, my 1976 442 will eat my 1976 Corvette and most 73 - 90 Vettes in a straight line quarter mile. However my friends 2003 Vette will eat my 442 in the quarter, on curves, in the mountains, etc. ...... Sure he paid almost 10 times more for his car than I did, but I have more displacement and HP. He, however has technology on his side.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
Speaking of Technology,...
Does anybody out there have any experience with GM's crate engine ZZ383? My understanding is that it's a modern SBC stroker that would have held its own against the 454 back in the early 70's. Am I dreaming, working with bad information, hopeful to a fault, etc.?
I've had a good mechanic recommend it for street muscle and durability, but I've never read anything from anybody talking about it. Rebuild the L48 350 to LT-1 specs is certainly an option but not what I'm interested in. There's the old adage "torque is king at low RPM" and I'm hoping I can catch the ear of the savvy small block vs. big block crowd for comments. Thanks.
I've had a good mechanic recommend it for street muscle and durability, but I've never read anything from anybody talking about it. Rebuild the L48 350 to LT-1 specs is certainly an option but not what I'm interested in. There's the old adage "torque is king at low RPM" and I'm hoping I can catch the ear of the savvy small block vs. big block crowd for comments. Thanks.
Last edited by Carl Granquist; Jul 25, 2006 at 01:33 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 6
From: Lake Arrowhead - Georgia > 72 Base Coupe & 74 BB Roadster
I am fortunate to have one of each....a 72 SB COUPE with AC for when the wife wants to go with me and a 74 BB Vert - no air....the wife likes the BB > 
Whenever she runs into town...she always takes the 74 BB Vert. For a daily driver....neither is a good choice.....the SB makes more sense I suppose and is more user friendly....the BB is just an overpowered antique....sorta like the space shuttle.
Whenever she runs into town...she always takes the 74 BB Vert. For a daily driver....neither is a good choice.....the SB makes more sense I suppose and is more user friendly....the BB is just an overpowered antique....sorta like the space shuttle.
Last edited by fotyfobravo; Jul 25, 2006 at 08:02 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by ajrothm
I don't know...My dad's BB has a MEAN 4th gear hit at 60mph or around 3000rpms. I think from the hit he would pull out on my TA JUST for a bit until the LS1 gets wound up, then I would come around him pretty fast...the faster we go, the faster I would pull away I am guessing.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
It's not stock 
but I have both a big block and a small block in the same engine.
434 cubic inches
Small block
Aluminum heads, intake, waterpump
So it puts out big block power (500+ ft/lbs) and weighs less than a small block
Of course it does get big block gas mileage...
but I have both a big block and a small block in the same engine.434 cubic inches
Small block
Aluminum heads, intake, waterpump
So it puts out big block power (500+ ft/lbs) and weighs less than a small block
Of course it does get big block gas mileage...
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by 427V8
It's not stock but I have both a big block and a small block in the same engine.
434 cubic inches
Small block
Aluminum heads, intake, waterpump
So it puts out big block power (500+ ft/lbs) and weighs less than a small block
Of course it does get big block gas mileage...
but I have both a big block and a small block in the same engine.434 cubic inches
Small block
Aluminum heads, intake, waterpump
So it puts out big block power (500+ ft/lbs) and weighs less than a small block
Of course it does get big block gas mileage...
That is like the new Z-06 a small block 427
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Originally Posted by luv2sail21
Of course you could get a SB and put the big numbers on it and a raised hood... who will know if you leave the hood shut.. My 2 pennies
I would know, and thats why I would never do it!
Grimlock