Big Block Regrets
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
As for overheating, I took a moderately hot rodded BB Vette out for a cruise (which included some cross-town traffic) on the hottest day ever recorded here in Memphis without issue; and it wasn't "dry heat" either. It's all about having a sufficient cooling system for the engine in question. And, IMHO they aren't that difficult to work on.
GM Cert Corvette Tech
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,559
Likes: 585
From: Anaheim Hills California
I might refer you to my previous post on the weight "issue"
FWIW, if you've got the budget, an all aluminum BB weighs a bit less than an iron SB. In any event, to think that a BB Vette can't be properly balanced for excellent handling is a fundamental mistake.
As for overheating, I took a moderately hot rodded BB Vette out for a cruise (which included some cross-town traffic) on the hottest day ever recorded here in Memphis without issue; and it wasn't "dry heat" either. It's all about having a sufficient cooling system for the engine in question. And, IMHO they aren't that difficult to work on.
FWIW, if you've got the budget, an all aluminum BB weighs a bit less than an iron SB. In any event, to think that a BB Vette can't be properly balanced for excellent handling is a fundamental mistake.
As for overheating, I took a moderately hot rodded BB Vette out for a cruise (which included some cross-town traffic) on the hottest day ever recorded here in Memphis without issue; and it wasn't "dry heat" either. It's all about having a sufficient cooling system for the engine in question. And, IMHO they aren't that difficult to work on.
I've had my 68BB out in 100 degree weather here in SoCal and granted she got hotter than normal,but never overheated.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
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.
As far as taking up too much space in the engine compartment, have you looked at a C5 or C6?
With respect to the overheating issue, I've only had my 72 for 2.5 years but I do drive it and drive it hard regardless of the outside temperature. It has not overheated yet and summer in Kansas can be pretty brutal. We get strings of days where the temperature gets over 100 and it's 90 at night.
One of the first things I did when I got my car was change the plugs. Did not have to raise the engine and did them all from the top. Some plugs are easier to get from the bottom or through the wheel well control arm opening especially if you have A/C.
No different than changing plugs on the 85, 93 and 96 Trans Ams I used to own.
Keep in mind also that with a small block Corvette you have all that ignition shielding to deal with. I watched a friend replace plugs in a 60 and there were several blind wing bolts he had to remove just to get to the plugs.
cc
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Flanders NJ
When I bought my 69 coupe I was actually looking for a small block, but this big block came along and was too good a deal to pass up. If I had gotten the small block, I probably would have been happy, but having this car (L-36) now I would trade it for any small block ever...ever...ever! Its just personal preference, but the BB offers me more of what I really wanted after all. ENJOY IT-DRIVE IT-LOVE IT-FIX IT (not necessarily in that order).
OBTW: On my car, some of the plugs are easier reached through the fender wells/suspension, but never had to riase the motor. My air-conditioning is what makes that necessary...
OBTW: On my car, some of the plugs are easier reached through the fender wells/suspension, but never had to riase the motor. My air-conditioning is what makes that necessary...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,482
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From: Common courtesy and common sense are not common.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,780
Likes: 1,935
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
NEVER EVER EVER OVERHEATED .........
My only regret is not having had enough money to afford one sooner, you guys have no idea what your missing.........
TOTALLY AWESOME PERIOD !
My only regret is not having had enough money to afford one sooner, you guys have no idea what your missing.........
TOTALLY AWESOME PERIOD !
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: greencastle pa.
Now that were on the subject, I have been thinking about putting a BB in my numbers matching 72 SB,I don`t plan on selling it but if I did would I lose alot if kept the SB engine to go with it ?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 2
From: Kearneysville West Virginia
My only regret is not being able to keep at least one of the two 1970 BB's I once owned! But, I just picked up a 68 BB conv. with no engine. Anybody got a BB engine they don't need!?!?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 1
From: North Bellmore Ny
St. Jude Donor '09
Yes I regret every time I think about it that It's a BB...... Wait a second who the hell could say they regret such a thing. Its like asking do you regret you won the lottery? I love my BB car whthout any regrets.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
People here love to see any classic car/muscle car and they do appreciate them very much. And its no problem to register a classic car here, you even get a more forgiving limits regarding pollution test if your car is more 35 years old.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC
My only regret is that I sold my new 70 BB when I got married and raised a family. I have the Serial Number (they did not have VIN numbers back then) and have tried on a few occasions to see if I could find it but I have not been successful.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa AL
So I must admit, this thread has got me re-thinking the whole thing. In light of the fact that money will keep me from doing anything real soon anyway, i have time to do more "homework." Can y'all address a few more things relative to Big Blocks? What about side-pipes? Are aftermarket side-pipes and headers available for big blocks or are they only for the small blocks? What about hydro-boost brakes and rack and pinion steering; any clearance issues with these if you go big block? What about the Tremec 5 spd conversions? Are the big blocks dimensionally longer; is there anything about a big block vs small block that would prevent the 5 spd conversion? Please excuse my questions if they appear basic. I have done about a dozen small block projects but never a big block and frankly if I can justify it, I would love to finally have one.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
So I must admit, this thread has got me re-thinking the whole thing. In light of the fact that money will keep me from doing anything real soon anyway, i have time to do more "homework." Can y'all address a few more things relative to Big Blocks? What about side-pipes? Are aftermarket side-pipes and headers available for big blocks or are they only for the small blocks? What about hydro-boost brakes and rack and pinion steering; any clearance issues with these if you go big block? What about the Tremec 5 spd conversions? Are the big blocks dimensionally longer; is there anything about a big block vs small block that would prevent the 5 spd conversion? Please excuse my questions if they appear basic. I have done about a dozen small block projects but never a big block and frankly if I can justify it, I would love to finally have one.
No as for the remaining things, I saw at least one big block that has all these mods, so basically yes, you can have them in a BB.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
For anyone that fears the over-heating nature of a big block, just think of my car as a sample : a BBC engine with 9:1 comp. and A/C , in the harsh summer in the middle east. In my case, the summer of Texas or Florida is like a spring here!