Crate engine dilema
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Well, you know the old saying, "there is no replacement for displacement". For generally comparable hp levels, the BB will usually give you a wider more enjoyable powerband. In other words more grunt everywhere. Unless you are a hardcore road racer, I doubt the extra weight would be that big a deal either. I know there are those who wouldn't agree, but to me, a small block guy is just another person who wishes he had a big block. When I'm at a race, cruise-in or car show, I'll just pass right on by "another" mouse motor, but I'll always stop to check out a Rat motor. If you are going to go to all the trouble, step up to the big block while you are at. Better performance and more visual appeal, which are the main things our hobby is all about, so what's not to like? I say BB all the way, or you'll kick yourself 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 5
From: ingleside illinois
The only thing i see that needs to be changed from smallblock to bb is the front springs.I had a 468 in mine for 15 yrs blew it up-put in a 383 for 1 week and took it our and put it in an s-10-that had a 6 in it.Now i have a 540 pump gas engine and will never go lower.(YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH POWER).[IMG]
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 291
Likes: 15
From: Virginia Beach VA
Since were discussing opinions here... I figured I'd chime in.
Personally I prefer the tricked out small block- 350 maybe even over a 383. There is nothing better than pulling up to a light and crushing a guy with his stock BB- and then at the next light to have him ask you "what you have in there"... and you get to respond "oh just a 350"...
I also think its easier to trick out a small block... more space in the engine compartment, easier tuneups, cheaper parts etc etc...
Then again, I can totally see myself getting another Vette one day and putting a big block in it... But probably only when I have the time and money to trick it out enough to make sure that no small block could beat it...
just .02 from a small block guy....
Personally I prefer the tricked out small block- 350 maybe even over a 383. There is nothing better than pulling up to a light and crushing a guy with his stock BB- and then at the next light to have him ask you "what you have in there"... and you get to respond "oh just a 350"...
I also think its easier to trick out a small block... more space in the engine compartment, easier tuneups, cheaper parts etc etc...
Then again, I can totally see myself getting another Vette one day and putting a big block in it... But probably only when I have the time and money to trick it out enough to make sure that no small block could beat it...
just .02 from a small block guy....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
There's two types of Vette owners...
There's those guys who cruise in their vettes,
and
there's those guys (BB) who leave them in the shed.
(due to running costs)
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: PA
Sooo how much more does a 454 W/alum heads) weight then a 383 ???
all my suspension is out now any how..so is rear and trans...
I was going 383 but i think you Bb guys talked me into join the club.... see if my wallet agrees...lol
r
all my suspension is out now any how..so is rear and trans...
I was going 383 but i think you Bb guys talked me into join the club.... see if my wallet agrees...lol
r
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 254
Likes: 5
From: ingleside illinois
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[/IMG]I am not positive on the exact weight i would guess 2-300 lbs with aluminium heads.Just get big block spring for the front thats all you really need.Let me no if i can help its a pretty simple swap.I have tons of parts laying around also.The carb and intake in the pic is brand new and ill let it go cheap.
[/IMG]I am not positive on the exact weight i would guess 2-300 lbs with aluminium heads.Just get big block spring for the front thats all you really need.Let me no if i can help its a pretty simple swap.I have tons of parts laying around also.The carb and intake in the pic is brand new and ill let it go cheap.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 1
I tend to side with the Zora Duntov school of a highwinding, lightweight small block for a Corvette.
I don't drag race, and I personally don't get an ego-rush by squashing a 19 year old kids Ricer with my BB. Bench racing & stoplight to stop light isn't my bag. Quite frankly, I could care less
In my OPINION, I like the versatility and manueverability of a small block for a Corvette. I autoX and go to the occasional road coarse day. Small block for me for what I use the car for...
Now, if it were a Chevelle or a Nova then... well, all bets are off... I would have a big fat Rat in there asap!
