Big Block vs. Small Block
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Big Block vs. Small Block
Looking at buying a 70-72 corvette.
What are the differences between the big blocks and the small blocks?
I know the obvious....more horsepower, nicer hood, lower production numbers, and higher cost for the BB.
More cars available at a lower cost for the SB.
Are there any other factors to consider in the purchase?
What made some of you decide one way or another?
If this is a stupid question forgive me...I am a newbie
What are the differences between the big blocks and the small blocks?
I know the obvious....more horsepower, nicer hood, lower production numbers, and higher cost for the BB.
More cars available at a lower cost for the SB.
Are there any other factors to consider in the purchase?
What made some of you decide one way or another?
If this is a stupid question forgive me...I am a newbie
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 139
From: Vail AZ
I think your "obvious list" just about covers it. I have a BB. It's fun to drive, gets horrible mileage and gives me hot feet. I think smallblock cars are more "practical" but mine's an occasional driver.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
The hot feet factor was something I hadn't thought of.Since I want to use the car as my daily driver to work in the summertime, maybe small block is the way to go.
Or a big block with a/c,anyway
Or a big block with a/c,anyway
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I would think the small block would be a better daily driver than the big block.
I have both in my garage. My 72 SB is a more drivable car. Its easy to handle and manuever, and gets a whole lot better gas mileage.
My 73 is a BB, and is more for nostalgia, and when I want to show off. Its a nice country side cruiser, but I dont know if I would want it as a daily driver.
Others will differ, but each person has their own unique opinions.
kdf
I have both in my garage. My 72 SB is a more drivable car. Its easy to handle and manuever, and gets a whole lot better gas mileage.
My 73 is a BB, and is more for nostalgia, and when I want to show off. Its a nice country side cruiser, but I dont know if I would want it as a daily driver.
Others will differ, but each person has their own unique opinions.
kdf
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
Likes: 477
From: NM
The question shouldn't be small block or big block. It should be why do you want a vette? Once you answer that, you choice will be easy.
Driver or Show.
If show, local car shows or NCRS/Bloomington Gold type.
If driver, daily or weekend.
Race use? Street or track.
To look good or because you like how it drives.
Convertible or Coupe
Restored or original or modified.
and on, and on, and on .......
Then make your decesion.
Driver or Show.
If show, local car shows or NCRS/Bloomington Gold type.
If driver, daily or weekend.
Race use? Street or track.
To look good or because you like how it drives.
Convertible or Coupe
Restored or original or modified.
and on, and on, and on .......
Then make your decesion.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
I can answer your questions easily....but it still doesn't help me decide which way to go..lol
I have previously owned a new 1980, then in 1990 I had a 65 vette convertible, then in 2000 I had a 1980 again.
Right now I am driving a 69 cutlass convertible (mostly original) as my daily driver.It has the rocket 350 motor and is fairly quick.
In the garage I have a 78 Trans Am gold special edition,completely original with 35000 miles.It only gets driven occassionaly to car shows.
So....what I am looking for is something to replace the cutlass...a daily driver. I prefer originality and really hate modifications.
The white 72 from kaamacat looks like a beauty but the price of getting it here to Toronto will probably eliminate it.
Also, I wonder if a small block 72 Vette will be more powerful than my 69 cutlass. I want to increase the power or at least stay the same, not decrease it.
Anyway, there you have it....lots to think about.
Eventually I will find something that is "it"
I have previously owned a new 1980, then in 1990 I had a 65 vette convertible, then in 2000 I had a 1980 again.
Right now I am driving a 69 cutlass convertible (mostly original) as my daily driver.It has the rocket 350 motor and is fairly quick.
In the garage I have a 78 Trans Am gold special edition,completely original with 35000 miles.It only gets driven occassionaly to car shows.
So....what I am looking for is something to replace the cutlass...a daily driver. I prefer originality and really hate modifications.
The white 72 from kaamacat looks like a beauty but the price of getting it here to Toronto will probably eliminate it.
Also, I wonder if a small block 72 Vette will be more powerful than my 69 cutlass. I want to increase the power or at least stay the same, not decrease it.
Anyway, there you have it....lots to think about.
Eventually I will find something that is "it"
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,133
Likes: 477
From: NM
Okay, for a daily driver, go with the small block. Can be configured to a very good performance level.
If you wanted a show/collector car, then the big block. The BBC adds a good 25% to the value. But for a driver the SBC can give you fairly equal performance at a lower price and be easier to live with.
tom...
If you wanted a show/collector car, then the big block. The BBC adds a good 25% to the value. But for a driver the SBC can give you fairly equal performance at a lower price and be easier to live with.
tom...
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Originally Posted by Tom73
Okay, for a daily driver, go with the small block. Can be configured to a very good performance level.
If you wanted a show/collector car, then the big block. The BBC adds a good 25% to the value. But for a driver the SBC can give you fairly equal performance at a lower price and be easier to live with.
tom...
If you wanted a show/collector car, then the big block. The BBC adds a good 25% to the value. But for a driver the SBC can give you fairly equal performance at a lower price and be easier to live with.
tom...
I've built a lot of cars. Camaros, Chevelles, even a '70 Riviera...
Corvettes are a unique car- their relative sophistication, compared to other cars of the same vintage, made them perform at a higher threshold. Yet.... that same sophistication also makes them more prone to repairs when you're looking at a driver. My '74 has 140K original miles. And when it hits the road in about two weeks, the only pieces left relatively "stock" will be the body and frame itself. Everything else- electrical, vacuum system, front and rear suspensions, etc... Were SO shot that my two-year project has taken four years...
Look for a low-mileage car, small-block. If you're looking for a little more grunt, throw some headers and a dual exhaust at it, a mild RV cam, and a good dual-plane intake and carb setup... You'll have all the reliability you want, good power, and have a lot of fun...
If you're a glutton for punishment (like I am) get a high-mileage, thrashed Vette, and bring it back from Death's door...
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
Originally Posted by hzz
......The white 72 from kaamacat looks like a beauty but the price of getting it here to Toronto will probably eliminate it.
Also, I wonder if a small block 72 Vette will be more powerful than my 69 cutlass. I want to increase the power or at least stay the same, not decrease it......
Also, I wonder if a small block 72 Vette will be more powerful than my 69 cutlass. I want to increase the power or at least stay the same, not decrease it......
If you want an SB Vette to be more powerful than your Cutlass, then you'll have to compare the drivetrains of each.....they're both 350's and their performance is affected by the modifications made to engine, trans and diff....so you need to do the homework on your Cutlass and compare that to the Vette your looking at buying.......
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 3
From: Cruising somewhere in St. Louis, Missouri
Ok here's your answer.... I have both... see my avatar.
My cars are very much a like in every way.... the difference is in the feel of the car it self and the attitude it gives. I loved my big block 71 454 4 speed so much that I had to upgrade the my small block 4 speed with a blower... yes the blower car is a kick but there is no replacement for displacement. Big block cars are the way to go if you have a choice.
My small block gets a lot of attention because the hood is off right now and I have a lot of chrome sticking out but when i get a chance o drive my Big Block car my whole attitude changes like i have nothing to prove.
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
My cars are very much a like in every way.... the difference is in the feel of the car it self and the attitude it gives. I loved my big block 71 454 4 speed so much that I had to upgrade the my small block 4 speed with a blower... yes the blower car is a kick but there is no replacement for displacement. Big block cars are the way to go if you have a choice.
My small block gets a lot of attention because the hood is off right now and I have a lot of chrome sticking out but when i get a chance o drive my Big Block car my whole attitude changes like i have nothing to prove.
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
Last edited by luerja; Jul 21, 2006 at 03:25 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Interesting thoughts.
Big problem we have here in Toronto is the limited number of cars available for sale.
That tends to lead me to search in the USA, but then there is the exchange on the dollar, which is pretty good right now, and the cost of shipping.
I think I am leaning toward a small block for a daily driver. I will just have to live with the standard hood. Not too shabby
Big problem we have here in Toronto is the limited number of cars available for sale.
That tends to lead me to search in the USA, but then there is the exchange on the dollar, which is pretty good right now, and the cost of shipping.
I think I am leaning toward a small block for a daily driver. I will just have to live with the standard hood. Not too shabby
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
hzz,
I think you should look for a 1970 L46 'vette if you're leaning toward a small block driver, and one that will keep up with your oldsmobile as well.
I've had two 1972 ZQ3 Corvette coupes, and I don't think you will be happy with the performance, and since you're not a fan of modifications, the 1970 L46 Corvette should fill your request very nicely.
That would be my suggestion to you.
I think you should look for a 1970 L46 'vette if you're leaning toward a small block driver, and one that will keep up with your oldsmobile as well.
I've had two 1972 ZQ3 Corvette coupes, and I don't think you will be happy with the performance, and since you're not a fan of modifications, the 1970 L46 Corvette should fill your request very nicely.
That would be my suggestion to you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 1
From: Pineville Kentucky
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454
I'm more of a straight-line guy who likes enough torque to displace internal organs,..so BB's are my dope.
Good one!! I agree, I have small blocks and big blocks but there is just SOMETHING about those BB's. The low end torque and feel is nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I would keep the Cutless for a DD personally. I love my 71' SB but to be honest with you, these things are hot boxes, 90% of them leak(T-tops) and are moving targets for soccer moms and thieves. AC systems usually don't work THAT well and you can't carry sh*t in them. Also the wiper systems and headlight systems are temperamental and can crap out at ANY given time. Wipers more commonly. Just be prepared to work on em.
As far as reliability etc, SB and BB are the same, you will have to work on any of them but I am sure the BB puts off more heat and sucks way more gas, not to mention its harder to work on. I would also think a BB is more prone to overheat in heavy traffic.
It would be fun to drive one everyday but...little fender benders and parking lot crunches do WAY more damage on a vette then anything else. $$
As far as reliability etc, SB and BB are the same, you will have to work on any of them but I am sure the BB puts off more heat and sucks way more gas, not to mention its harder to work on. I would also think a BB is more prone to overheat in heavy traffic.
It would be fun to drive one everyday but...little fender benders and parking lot crunches do WAY more damage on a vette then anything else. $$
Last edited by ajrothm; Jul 21, 2006 at 03:49 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by ajrothm
I love my 71' SB but to be honest with you, these things are hot boxes, 90% of them leak(T-tops) and are moving targets for soccer moms and thieves. AC systems usually don't work THAT well and you can't carry sh*t in them. Also the wiper systems and headlight systems are temperamental and can crap out at ANY given time. Wipers more commonly. Just be prepared to work on em.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: spring branch texas
I had a 70 SB and that sucker was hot as hell inside. I always thought that it was the T400 giving off all the heat and that a 4 spd wouldn't generate as much heat as the auto but I could be wrong.
Also the car was black on black and I live in a pressure cooker called Texas I haven't got to drive my 71 BB 4spd yet so I can't confirm the tranny tunnel therory yet
Also the car was black on black and I live in a pressure cooker called Texas
I haven't got to drive my 71 BB 4spd yet so I can't confirm the tranny tunnel therory yet
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 16
From: Fl
Gotta Love them Big Blocks !!
But you have to hate the fuel they consume and the HEAT they create.
Like tpiini said - they cook your feet (1st hand knowledge here).
I think - in retrospect - that I may have gone the 70 L-46 or 70-72 LT1 route if I had a chance to do it over again. The small block cars handle so much better, the BB cars tend to over-steer because of the heavy front end. They are kinda sloppy exiting turns.
Now ...
The BB Chevy sounds really nice, and an original car will fetch better $$$ than the small block cars, probably the exceptions being the 69 350/350 cars and the LT1 cars.
So as many have said above --
It is really a matter of personal preference and in my opinion - why you want the car (as stated above).
Either one I'm sure you will love..
They are great cars and so much fun to drive.
The C3 community on this forum has always been so helpfull to
me when I had issue.
Good luck - happy driving.
Bill
But you have to hate the fuel they consume and the HEAT they create.
Like tpiini said - they cook your feet (1st hand knowledge here).
I think - in retrospect - that I may have gone the 70 L-46 or 70-72 LT1 route if I had a chance to do it over again. The small block cars handle so much better, the BB cars tend to over-steer because of the heavy front end. They are kinda sloppy exiting turns.
Now ...
The BB Chevy sounds really nice, and an original car will fetch better $$$ than the small block cars, probably the exceptions being the 69 350/350 cars and the LT1 cars.
So as many have said above --
It is really a matter of personal preference and in my opinion - why you want the car (as stated above).
Either one I'm sure you will love..
They are great cars and so much fun to drive.
The C3 community on this forum has always been so helpfull to
me when I had issue.
Good luck - happy driving.
Bill