Big Block Regrets
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
my BB runs just to the left of 210 in the san antonio summer. so overheating is not an issue.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
One picture can answer a couple of your concerns. BIG BLOCK with headers, side pipes, hydroboost, Dewitt radiator, electric fans, electric water pump, electric fuel pump. Not nose heavy, stops on a knats ***, never been near an overheating dilema, plugs are a breeze to change, increases blood flow to all "VITAL" organs every time it lights the tires!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa AL
One picture can answer a couple of your concerns. BIG BLOCK with headers, side pipes, hydroboost, Dewitt radiator, electric fans, electric water pump, electric fuel pump. Not nose heavy, stops on a knats ***, never been near an overheating dilema, plugs are a breeze to change, increases blood flow to all "VITAL" organs every time it lights the tires!
Fantastic information and absolutely beautiful to look at! How about posting a picture of the car, too. I bet it is awesome.
I appreciate the input. I have been bitten by the big block bug.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 6
From: Chesterfield Virginia
Thanks for the kind words. Car is presently in the midst of a major resurrection so to speak, very long story. Here is another shot of more serious work. Lots of custom made parts.
Thanks,
Norm
Thanks,
Norm
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
There once was a time I was of similar opinions about those BB suckers that they weighed a lot. Well they did but also had gobs of power to spare. I was planning to use two small blocks in my 18 foot drag boat. That was before I found out about L88`s with there lightweight aluminum heads. Once shown that I figured that there wouldn`t have been much difference of weight between them because of the heads. The horsepower of the 88`s were a bonus and was way ahead of those little chevys. And I didn`t have room for 3 little ones....needed that many or more just to come close to the two 88`s power...So I used a pair of L88`s instead....
no regrets with that boat either
no regrets with that boat either
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
Regrets... I had a few.. and then again, a few to mention. 
But my friends I'll say it clear... I Bought a BIG BLOCK and did it MY Way! LOL
Regrets.. Are you kidding? Naaa... Just aslong as it keeps cool under the hood.. it's all good.
But my friends I'll say it clear... I Bought a BIG BLOCK and did it MY Way! LOL
Regrets.. Are you kidding? Naaa... Just aslong as it keeps cool under the hood.. it's all good.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 6
From: Wilmington NC
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Woodbury MN
I've got a 71 SB 4 speed coupe. Trade ya??
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 3
From: Desert Hills Arizona
No regrets - If you're looking for a keeper - get a Big Block
take a look at my album for a close up under the hood - my only regret is that it's a little dirty in the picture.
I'm in Doha too, but my Vette is in Arizona.
take a look at my album for a close up under the hood - my only regret is that it's a little dirty in the picture.
I'm in Doha too, but my Vette is in Arizona.
Last edited by BigBlock 72; Apr 15, 2009 at 02:23 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 3
From: Desert Hills Arizona
figured out the picture posting....
it just looks and feels right. Don't get me wrong, a good 350 in a Vette make a nice car too, I have a 74 with a 350, but it's not the same animal.
it just looks and feels right. Don't get me wrong, a good 350 in a Vette make a nice car too, I have a 74 with a 350, but it's not the same animal.
Last edited by BigBlock 72; Apr 15, 2009 at 02:52 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 23,419
Likes: 22
From: In limbo
St. Jude Donor '13-'15, '17 thru '22
My first one was a SB, I loved that car and was sad to see it go. The one I have now is a BB, and so far, no regrets. It had an overtemp issue when I bought it, but I just took it step by step and got the system right. I have not seen the coolant temp go over 180 in 6 months or so. Of course, those are the cooler 6 months of the year. I don't notice a handling difference when cornering, but I admit I haven't driven this car as hard yet as I sometimes did with my old car. I am a little nervous when getting on the brakes hard, but I think that is just paranoia as I have not yet had the rear break loose at all under braking. I had problems with hot starts, another common BB complaint, but I spent the appropriate number of hours in the garage and got that system right, now it cranks fast hot or cold, but again, in the cooler half of the year. Ask me again in September, I'm hoping I have the systems right and I will still be saying no regrets!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,404
Likes: 791
From: Redondo Beach, California
As for some of the above comments.
My 69 427 3X2 ran hot and caused a cabin heating problem. Replaced the engine with a piece part built L88 and installed hooker headers....no more heating problems. Go figure!
Changing the passengers side spark plugs in a BB car is a pain if you've got factory air.
If you're going to build up a BB today, I think you have to try to go to a 502. It uses the 454 crank but a bigger bore (1/4 inch bigger??). With the availability of 427 SB's you can use those 75 extra cubes to keep ahead of the 427 SB's. No one will have to know it's a 502. You can keep the 427 or 454 numbers on the hood if you want. 502 numbers for the hood can be bought from Trim Parts (?).
I think the aluminum heads are important to reduce weight off the front. Helps the suspension and also alleviates a potential problem of road shocks causing the spring towers from starting to bend inward.
If you're going for roller lifters and a stud girdle, you should get a hydroboost for PB's.
5 speed is a great mod for either SB or BB.
Building your BB is expensive. Not only does engine stuff cost more, but your going to have to start thinking about beefing up the rear. The cash register can start going Ka-*****, Ka-***** real fast.
My 69 427 3X2 ran hot and caused a cabin heating problem. Replaced the engine with a piece part built L88 and installed hooker headers....no more heating problems. Go figure!
Changing the passengers side spark plugs in a BB car is a pain if you've got factory air.
If you're going to build up a BB today, I think you have to try to go to a 502. It uses the 454 crank but a bigger bore (1/4 inch bigger??). With the availability of 427 SB's you can use those 75 extra cubes to keep ahead of the 427 SB's. No one will have to know it's a 502. You can keep the 427 or 454 numbers on the hood if you want. 502 numbers for the hood can be bought from Trim Parts (?).
I think the aluminum heads are important to reduce weight off the front. Helps the suspension and also alleviates a potential problem of road shocks causing the spring towers from starting to bend inward.
If you're going for roller lifters and a stud girdle, you should get a hydroboost for PB's.
5 speed is a great mod for either SB or BB.
Building your BB is expensive. Not only does engine stuff cost more, but your going to have to start thinking about beefing up the rear. The cash register can start going Ka-*****, Ka-***** real fast.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
