10-11 second quater
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,226
Likes: 2
From: Lake Wylie SC
Obvioulsy you have a good running motor and every right to be very proud of it and your driving 
To build a new "big" small block that approaches or passes the size of a factory BB is just another BB albeit will be more expensive because it comes in a small exterior package.
On the other hand there are 454's stroked to 496 with forged everything, fully blueprinted making 675 HP for about $8500 in a turn key pump gas package ...... and that includes intake and a dominator carb
4 bolt 454's are not hard to come by nor are they expensive but a small block taken to the size and with the required goodies to make the 550 plus needed HP just to keep the 496 in sight will cost more money to build than the 496 will..... I have had both and if I was going to build a road racer I would spend the money for a small block that put out BB numbers but for just a strong street car with some strip time planned...... my nod is going to the BB.......
Doug
To build a new "big" small block that approaches or passes the size of a factory BB is just another BB albeit will be more expensive because it comes in a small exterior package.
On the other hand there are 454's stroked to 496 with forged everything, fully blueprinted making 675 HP for about $8500 in a turn key pump gas package ...... and that includes intake and a dominator carb
4 bolt 454's are not hard to come by nor are they expensive but a small block taken to the size and with the required goodies to make the 550 plus needed HP just to keep the 496 in sight will cost more money to build than the 496 will..... I have had both and if I was going to build a road racer I would spend the money for a small block that put out BB numbers but for just a strong street car with some strip time planned...... my nod is going to the BB.......
Doug
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I like a nice Small Block do not get me wrong I wrung them out for years but things have changed. Then you could get 104 + Octane at the pump but that is gone and not to return. So you could bump up the Compression of the small block and rev them to the moon to make power. And thus to make up for these things along comes increased displacement. Yes you can build a stroker Small block that will run well but again at what cost.
So this is why I am going with a little tiny Big Block of 468CI and I know not huge but over 550HP and about the same TQ is not bad on pump gas that you can live with on the street and still cost $3500.oo or less to build. The only other real draw back to this in our Corvettes is the pulleys needed but are available through such people as Paragon Reproductions and cooling.
But as they say step up to the plate and spend your dough to make you happy as what others say matters not.
So this is why I am going with a little tiny Big Block of 468CI and I know not huge but over 550HP and about the same TQ is not bad on pump gas that you can live with on the street and still cost $3500.oo or less to build. The only other real draw back to this in our Corvettes is the pulleys needed but are available through such people as Paragon Reproductions and cooling.
But as they say step up to the plate and spend your dough to make you happy as what others say matters not.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 7
From: Longwood Florida
step into the future...
GET THE LS2 crate motor.
Hell. I run 12.2@112
with a stock 3.36 gear
a stock LS1 with comp 224 cam
3000 stall TH350
and ...get this...
get this...
factory exhaust manifolds.
LS motors are lighter than SBC.
my car a 1977 on the scales no driver 3150lbs...
I get the WOW effect ...
or the what the hell is that look...
or my favorite "is that a 305?"
Better on gas...than my old L48 350...and I am running a carb. LOL still get get gas mileage
currently I am 16-4 win loss record.
I LOVE IT... cant wait for my AFR heads...
and 150 shot.
GET THE LS2 crate motor.
Hell. I run 12.2@112
with a stock 3.36 gear
a stock LS1 with comp 224 cam
3000 stall TH350
and ...get this...
get this...
factory exhaust manifolds.
LS motors are lighter than SBC.
my car a 1977 on the scales no driver 3150lbs...
I get the WOW effect ...
or the what the hell is that look...
or my favorite "is that a 305?"
Better on gas...than my old L48 350...and I am running a carb. LOL still get get gas mileage
currently I am 16-4 win loss record.
I LOVE IT... cant wait for my AFR heads...
and 150 shot.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
To tell the truth I have been thinking about maybe a 383 stroker or something along those lines. I'm just completely torn right now! All of you are making good points; I guess I have time still, but man this is turning out to be a harder decision than I thought it would be!
Right now I'm looking at this engine builder about 3 hrs away from me. Here's the two engines I'm thinking about:
383 Stroker -> Scroll down to "Super Street 383/385 SBC"
454 BB -> Scroll down to "Super Street 454/7.4 BB Chevy"
Thoughts on those two engines???
Right now I'm looking at this engine builder about 3 hrs away from me. Here's the two engines I'm thinking about:
383 Stroker -> Scroll down to "Super Street 383/385 SBC"
454 BB -> Scroll down to "Super Street 454/7.4 BB Chevy"
Thoughts on those two engines???
Last edited by FlyViper; May 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 389
Likes: 7
From: Cliffwood Beach NJ
Wow, what a dilema! Is money a factor? I would still lean towards the top end small block with the airflows. If I am reading that right it's pushing 500hp. Do you need more than that? I would use the difference saved from the top small block to the top big block roughly $1500 to upgrade other parts of the car to handle the power.
You will let us know what you decide right?
You will let us know what you decide right?
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
To tell the truth I have been thinking about maybe a 383 stroker or something along those lines. I'm just completely torn right now! All of you are making good points; I guess I have time still, but man this is turning out to be a harder decision than I thought it would be!
Right now I'm looking at this engine builder about 3 hrs away from me. Here's the two engines I'm thinking about:
383 Stroker -> Scroll down to "Super Street 383/385 SBC"
454 BB -> Scroll down to "Super Street 454/7.4 BB Chevy"
Thoughts on those two engines???
Right now I'm looking at this engine builder about 3 hrs away from me. Here's the two engines I'm thinking about:
383 Stroker -> Scroll down to "Super Street 383/385 SBC"
454 BB -> Scroll down to "Super Street 454/7.4 BB Chevy"
Thoughts on those two engines???
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Wow, what a dilema! Is money a factor? I would still lean towards the top end small block with the airflows. If I am reading that right it's pushing 500hp. Do you need more than that? I would use the difference saved from the top small block to the top big block roughly $1500 to upgrade other parts of the car to handle the power.
You will let us know what you decide right?
You will let us know what you decide right?
Seems pretty high for the parts your getting. Check Year One and the GMPP crate 383. I wouldn't use KB hypers in my motor.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I'm looking for 450-500HP,
That link I posted above has a turn key 383 for roughly the same amount as the average price of the GMPP crate engine (just a bit more). So are you saying it's that way b/c that engine builder uses cheaper parts? I'm willing to pay more for quality, but I'd still like to have 450-500HP, and the GM 383 only has 425. Why would you not use KB hypers? What other parts on their list do you see a problem with? I really don't want to get an engine w/ parts that are cheaper and will break a lot sooner. Thanks a ton for the advice everyone!
That link I posted above has a turn key 383 for roughly the same amount as the average price of the GMPP crate engine (just a bit more). So are you saying it's that way b/c that engine builder uses cheaper parts? I'm willing to pay more for quality, but I'd still like to have 450-500HP, and the GM 383 only has 425. Why would you not use KB hypers? What other parts on their list do you see a problem with? I really don't want to get an engine w/ parts that are cheaper and will break a lot sooner. Thanks a ton for the advice everyone!
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
I 406 would be my choice or a 383.
Not a big fan of big blocks unless you want to run in the 9's or better.
I built a 434 small block way back in the last century 1999 or so and spent well over 8k. so some of those crate motors look pretty cheap!
Not a big fan of big blocks unless you want to run in the 9's or better.
I built a 434 small block way back in the last century 1999 or so and spent well over 8k. so some of those crate motors look pretty cheap!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
63mako - I've found many 383 crate engines from various engine builders in the 450-500 HP range. Most are right around the 10:1 range. Are engines in this "range" just too much power for what the parts can handle? I've also seen some 383 strokers in the 600HP range, which makes me wonder based on what you said. If I'm looking for something in that power range, do I need to look higher than a 383 stroker?
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville TN
Why go to the reseller?!?
Why not go to the source of where this kit is made instead of a reseller? Look Here. http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/
Why not go to the source of where this kit is made instead of a reseller? Look Here. http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/
We offer 24 hour a day tech support, even on holidays, weekends and in the middle of the night on Saturday when many of you will actually be working on your cars.
We own Corvettes with these systems installed and have over 3000 TKO systems sold to our credit.
We have a great relationship with Classic Motorsports Group (Classic Chevy 5-Speed) and they support us in our business so we do not
charge higher prices for these kits.
We offer alternative support parts such as clutches, flywheels, pedals, etc...
We need your business and are willing to earn it!
No matter if you buy from CMG or The Driven Man you will get a great kit for your Corvette. Happy hunting.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
63mako - I've found many 383 crate engines from various engine builders in the 450-500 HP range. Most are right around the 10:1 range. Are engines in this "range" just too much power for what the parts can handle? I've also seen some 383 strokers in the 600HP range, which makes me wonder based on what you said. If I'm looking for something in that power range, do I need to look higher than a 383 stroker?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
Well exactly for the reasons you mentioned, I don't think i want anything north of 500. I really think 450-500 max is what I want. I'm just wondering if I should just go w/ a BB or get a lighter, possibly cheaper, 383 stroker that produces the same power. I would think a BB w/ the same power as a stroker would be a bit slower just based on weight. I know getting more power is "easier" out of the BB, but I'm not ever going to start messing w/ the engine trying to get 600HP out of it, so is there really a point in the BB?
Also, considering the car is a SB right now, how much extra work will it take to convert to a BB? I know a new hood (engine clearance), springs and engine mounts are necessary; anything else?
Also, considering the car is a SB right now, how much extra work will it take to convert to a BB? I know a new hood (engine clearance), springs and engine mounts are necessary; anything else?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
You can build a 600HP make that 650HP++ small block and make it easy to drive on the street, I am going to prove it in about a month..hopefully 
You need a 400ci block AFR 227 Eliminator heads and one of these in a 4 inch stroke to get 427ci :
http://www.callies.com/crankshafts/d...s/sbc_drag.htm
Oh almost forgot, it starts to get real expensive
You need a 400ci block AFR 227 Eliminator heads and one of these in a 4 inch stroke to get 427ci :
http://www.callies.com/crankshafts/d...s/sbc_drag.htm
Oh almost forgot, it starts to get real expensive
Last edited by MotorHead; May 28, 2008 at 11:46 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
You can build a 600HP make that 650HP++ small block and make it easy to drive on the street, I am going to prove it in about a month..hopefully
You need a 400ci block AFR 227 Eliminator heads and one of these in a 4 inch stroke to get 427ci :
http://www.callies.com/crankshafts/d...s/sbc_drag.htm
Oh almost forgot, it starts to get real expensive
You need a 400ci block AFR 227 Eliminator heads and one of these in a 4 inch stroke to get 427ci :
http://www.callies.com/crankshafts/d...s/sbc_drag.htm
Oh almost forgot, it starts to get real expensive
The motor is expensive when you get to that power level but the other driveline costs are what really drives the price up not to mention the maintainance and longevity of the entire engine driveline combination. When you get that beast running setup an in car video and drive around in some traffic. Would really be interesting.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
From: League City TX
If you want a good price on a big block. look at this. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/454-4...QQcmdZViewItem
The builder has posted some over on the Team Chevelle website and appears to be legit. His user name is mike1231.
Getting 571 hp for $4700 seems like a screaming good deal and is enough power to put you easily in the 11s if you dont break anything.
The builder has posted some over on the Team Chevelle website and appears to be legit. His user name is mike1231.
Getting 571 hp for $4700 seems like a screaming good deal and is enough power to put you easily in the 11s if you dont break anything.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
The builder has posted some over on the Team Chevelle website and appears to be legit. His user name is mike1231.
Getting 571 hp for $4700 seems like a screaming good deal and is enough power to put you easily in the 11s if you dont break anything.
Getting 571 hp for $4700 seems like a screaming good deal and is enough power to put you easily in the 11s if you dont break anything.