Big Block Regrets
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
I have a 68 L36 Roadster. I hate this car.
One real regret - I had a 70 coupe with a CRR engine.
That's a 70 LS6 Chevelle motor. The highest rated HP until recently.
Damn thing was worth more than the car.
With a rebuilt Turbo 400 that car was flat-out dangerous.
If I had it now I would sell it to someone who had a real LS6 Chevelle and needed the motor.
One more regret - Not buying that PERFECT 67 327 Plain-Jane blue roadster for $20K.
What a wonderful car...
One real regret - I had a 70 coupe with a CRR engine.
That's a 70 LS6 Chevelle motor. The highest rated HP until recently.
Damn thing was worth more than the car.
With a rebuilt Turbo 400 that car was flat-out dangerous.
If I had it now I would sell it to someone who had a real LS6 Chevelle and needed the motor.
One more regret - Not buying that PERFECT 67 327 Plain-Jane blue roadster for $20K.
What a wonderful car...
Last edited by Jeff_Keryk; Apr 9, 2009 at 10:18 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I can accept (tho it's hard to understand) that not everyone likes a BB Vette, but, again, if you're going to "hate" on them we deserve specifics as to why. It may or may not be the fault of your engine, which can't tell it's side of the story.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 709
Likes: 10
From: Carlsbad CA
My 71 small block is more balanced when going through the turns than my big block. the bb throws you back and makes you say sh&t! If I had to pick one.......I wouldn't, I would get rid of whatever was making me pick. 
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 709
Likes: 10
From: Carlsbad CA
My 71 small block is more balanced when going through the turns than my big block. The bb throws you back and makes you say sh&t! If I had to pick one.......I wouldn't, I would get rid of whatever was making me pick.
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 15
From: East Greenwich NJ
When I took the plunge, 427 was the number one requirement. Whenever I am frustrated that I do not have the time to drive it and think about letting it go, I just turn it over and listen. Friggin therapy!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Since I don't drive my '71 4 speed BB Convertible it doesn't really matter and I'm not into the Chrome Bumpers being better than Rubber Bumpers or BB's better than SB's thing. I'm more concerned about looks, condition, and enjoyment of the car, not HP or speed.
If my engine could tell its side of the story it would probably say....
"My owner doesn't drive me any more, he has babied me for over 33 years, he won't floor the pedal, he won't redline me, he takes the corners too easy."
Call me crazy, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
If I didn't love it, I would sell it and buy something else. 
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
The OP asked if any BB owners have regrets buying a BB and I'm probably the only one in the world that does. I don't hate it, I just preferred the performance and feel of my '69 350/350 4 speed Coupe.
Since I don't drive my '71 4 speed BB Convertible it doesn't really matter and I'm not into the Chrome Bumpers being better than Rubber Bumpers or BB's better than SB's thing. I'm more concerned about looks, condition, and enjoyment of the car, not HP or speed.
If my engine could tell its side of the story it would probably say....
"My owner doesn't drive me any more, he has babied me for over 33 years, he won't floor the pedal, he won't redline me, he takes the corners too easy."
Call me crazy, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Since I don't drive my '71 4 speed BB Convertible it doesn't really matter and I'm not into the Chrome Bumpers being better than Rubber Bumpers or BB's better than SB's thing. I'm more concerned about looks, condition, and enjoyment of the car, not HP or speed.
If my engine could tell its side of the story it would probably say....
"My owner doesn't drive me any more, he has babied me for over 33 years, he won't floor the pedal, he won't redline me, he takes the corners too easy."
Call me crazy, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
slk230red, if you like, my coupe needs a convertible to keep it company. I'll be happy to buy yours and give it the love it needs.
cc
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 24
From: Boston MA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,669
Likes: 3
From: Kingston Ontario
Care to share the reasons for your question?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa AL
I think this is an interesting question and should not be taken personally. Some day when this economy recovers and I actually have some cash, I will be looking at the same question: that is, 427 big block or 427 small block. I have had many, many small blocks but never a big block. What I have "heard" over the years is that the big block makes the Vette too nose-heavy, they overheat too easily, and they take up way too much space in the engine compartment. I even heard you have to raise the engine to change the spark plugs.
So.... How does the debate change with respect to big-inch small blocks vs. big blocks? What about the REAL weight differences? How about cost differences; cost to build, cost to maintain, cost per hp? Etc., etc. Can anyone address these questions unemotionally? I love the thought of having a big block, I just want to be logical about it when I am in a position to make the call.
So.... How does the debate change with respect to big-inch small blocks vs. big blocks? What about the REAL weight differences? How about cost differences; cost to build, cost to maintain, cost per hp? Etc., etc. Can anyone address these questions unemotionally? I love the thought of having a big block, I just want to be logical about it when I am in a position to make the call.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
I think this is an interesting question and should not be taken personally. Some day when this economy recovers and I actually have some cash, I will be looking at the same question: that is, 427 big block or 427 small block. I have had many, many small blocks but never a big block. What I have "heard" over the years is that the big block makes the Vette too nose-heavy, they overheat too easily, and they take up way too much space in the engine compartment. I even heard you have to raise the engine to change the spark plugs.
So.... How does the debate change with respect to big-inch small blocks vs. big blocks? What about the REAL weight differences? How about cost differences; cost to build, cost to maintain, cost per hp? Etc., etc. Can anyone address these questions unemotionally? I love the thought of having a big block, I just want to be logical about it when I am in a position to make the call.
So.... How does the debate change with respect to big-inch small blocks vs. big blocks? What about the REAL weight differences? How about cost differences; cost to build, cost to maintain, cost per hp? Etc., etc. Can anyone address these questions unemotionally? I love the thought of having a big block, I just want to be logical about it when I am in a position to make the call.
)shmoky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray