502or 383 stroker
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 767
Likes: 74
From: Blaine MN
Depending on Torque of the 502, you will be able to destroy the trans and rear end/axles if you use sticky tires. If you're happy with the 350, a stout 383 will cost a lot less, let you run sticky tires and probably not break things. (I have a 460 BB that puts down 481 to the wheels, not very impressive compared to most 500+ CI engines, and I wouldn't consider dumping the clutch with sticky tires)
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Id do a BB in a heartbeat given a chance. Current 383 screams but doesnt have that all too fun low end tq, doesnt need rpm to get there and that thundering exh note..the sb will never have that.
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Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,212
Likes: 9,352
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
What is your end goal, lots of burn outs or twisty road fun? 1/4 mile god or just "spirited" fun cruising?
Back in the 80's I had a Trans Am with a big block and a GTO with a big block. The GTO had sick amounts of torque and horse power. It was my first full engine rebuild and new suspension as well. It handled okay, but I think all that extra weight up front in a vette may screw with your handling if you dont upgrade the suspension. Hopefully some one that has a monster up front can tell you what else you will need to improve to get the handling back.
You could also look into a small block 427 or bigger. Or get an aluminum BBC or LS motor as well.
Back in the 80's I had a Trans Am with a big block and a GTO with a big block. The GTO had sick amounts of torque and horse power. It was my first full engine rebuild and new suspension as well. It handled okay, but I think all that extra weight up front in a vette may screw with your handling if you dont upgrade the suspension. Hopefully some one that has a monster up front can tell you what else you will need to improve to get the handling back.
You could also look into a small block 427 or bigger. Or get an aluminum BBC or LS motor as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 797
Likes: 156
From: England AR
the LS is a great performer no questioning that... but the sound/look of one... ><
imo, 427 SBC is one of the best options out there... they make massive, smooth torque and wont break the bank... also... less weight/size to deal with in the engine bay
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,097
Likes: 4,027
From: New Braunfels Texas
I second the big small block......406, 415 or 427........why? They are physically smaller in the engine compartment.
But there is nothing like a Big Block......nothing.
It is like Rocky vs. Ivan Drago......
Jebby
But there is nothing like a Big Block......nothing.
It is like Rocky vs. Ivan Drago......
Jebby
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 875
Likes: 289
From: LaFayette Georgia
C3 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '19
I’m voting small block, big blocks are super cool, but I prefer the small block in my C3. It’s totally subjective for me, weight, handling, space, and personal history. 
Eddy
Eddy
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
502's have no fuel pump boss. The accessory holes are bigger. You have a boss for the clutch Z-bar pivot, but no hole. The front of the heads looks different. I think easier to stay with a 454. Even a truck 454 with a moderate cam will break things in the drivetrain with enough enthusiasm.