Big Block Regrets
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,029
Likes: 63
Holy c..p ! That is one sick canoe 
Any of them dudes still alive?
I've only just bought my 454 Vette but I cannot imagine why I would regret it. Its only gas after all and at $6 per gallon its not that expensive
Any of them dudes still alive?I've only just bought my 454 Vette but I cannot imagine why I would regret it. Its only gas after all and at $6 per gallon its not that expensive
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
I have a BB and a SB. They're sort of different cars. Lack of engine compartment room makes the BB's hard to work on. Also, I think they make the nose of the car too heavy. To best enjoy driving a BB, my opinion is to at least install aluminum heads on it to reduce front end weight. You can get good gas mileage and still have tremendous acceleration with a BB if you have and a five speed transmission. In other words what negatives you inherit with a stock BB can be negated with some simple mods.
My 70 right now is in need of some assembly (!). However I have an all aluminum block (keith Black) and aluminum Brodix heads sitting on the frame.
My 70 right now is in need of some assembly (!). However I have an all aluminum block (keith Black) and aluminum Brodix heads sitting on the frame.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
IMHO the weight thing is a bit overemphasized by many, as the difference between an iron SB w/alum intake and an iron BB w/alum intake is apparently ~160#. Install aluminum heads on the latter and we're only talking about ~95#, which is barely enough to perceptively change my front ride height, given my spring rates. ...and BB torque can easily more than make up for 95#. Think of it this way; just how would you expect a bantam weight boxer to do in the ring against an equally talented and conditioned heavy weight?
Had my C4 been easier to work on, I would probably have BB'ed it too.
Had my C4 been easier to work on, I would probably have BB'ed it too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,885
Likes: 1
That depends. If your BB is your daily driver and gas prices are $5+ then having SB might save few $$. That's why I originally bought a SB, trying to save $$ on gas since I had far drive to work everyday. Now that mine's not a DD anymore it would be nice to have more power under my fanny.
My Gawd, that boat is something else! I wonder if any water skiers hanging on a rope behind it have any regrets.
My Gawd, that boat is something else! I wonder if any water skiers hanging on a rope behind it have any regrets.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
I know I'll get bashed for this post, but I'm just being honest.
Last edited by 71 Green 454; May 8, 2009 at 08:48 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 1
From: Clarksville Indiana
I just got my first vette project and first big block a few months ago.. its not even in my car yet but I know theres not gonna be a regret.. I could not stand waiting till it was in the car so it starts and runs right in the floor every couple days! lol
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Well, you could at least elaborate as to why... ...and, how much it actually has to do with the engine.
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Apr 9, 2009 at 08:54 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
i had the choice of either a 68 327 or my 72 BB.
both were in about the same condition with same number of miles.
when i asked opinions i was told
"dude its a big block, your a guy, whats the problem"
both were in about the same condition with same number of miles.
when i asked opinions i was told
"dude its a big block, your a guy, whats the problem"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 901
From: Warminster PA
I'm sure there are many that feel the same way about small blocks, but for me it's gotta be a big block.
We used to rent a garage years ago where we built our cars. Next to us there was a guy who put together a real nice 57 chevy with a very expensive small block in it. I took it out for a spin one day and when I came back he asked me for my opinion, I just simply said "It needs a big block". He replied, "I knew you'd say that"
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
IMHO the weight thing is a bit overemphasized by many, as the difference between an iron SB w/alum intake and an iron BB w/alum intake is apparently ~160#. Install aluminum heads on the latter and we're only talking about ~95#, which is barely enough to perceptively change my front ride height, given my spring rates. ...and BB torque can easily more than make up for 95#. Think of it this way; just how would you expect a bantam weight boxer to do in the ring against an equally talented and conditioned heavy weight?
Back in the day when these cars were new the WEIGHT and they RUN HOT was the justification for not owning one. It made the people who didn't have a big block feel better I guess.
As I remember nothing sounded like a big block Corvette with side exhausts and there wasn't too many cars that pushed you into the seat like one either.
(of course we know today that those side pipes really were holding the car back but they sure didn't sound like they were 
).