Best Overall Engine?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 845
Likes: 12
From: LAKE BARRINGTON IL
Best Overall Engine?
Hi guys,
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Hi guys,
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
348's were BB engines werent they? Did they evolve into the 396?
The stroked small block has become one of the premier engines for street. GM has made a factory 383 for many years now.
I would pick the BB 427 from your list to build a monter street engine, but they weigh so much, its harder to get superior results than for a stroked small block.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
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From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
you need to review and consider all the changes, moving into BB motor.
They add up quickly. 454 BB most bang for the buck, and the most reasonable parts cost.
They add up quickly. 454 BB most bang for the buck, and the most reasonable parts cost.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I would never build a BB 427, even a BB 454 is small by todays standards. A SB can be built in the 427 variety now with ease. A 502 is the minumum BB I would build. If you are looking to have a crate motor or something like that and stay wit ha Bb then a 502 is a nice motor. What kind of power levels are you looking for.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
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From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
I would never build a BB 427, even a BB 454 is small by todays standards. A SB can be built in the 427 variety now with ease. A 502 is the minumum BB I would build. If you are looking to have a crate motor or something like that and stay wit ha Bb then a 502 is a nice motor. What kind of power levels are you looking for.
Crate BB would be 502 or greater, SB I would go with an LSx because of the weight, performance, fuel economy due to you driving often....
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,698
Likes: 270
From: New York
Hi guys,
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
I have a replacement engine in my 69 convert. It is a 348 (yes, '59 348 W code...all complete), thus it is low HP, about 265HP.
I will be selling this engine when the weather breaks (if anyone interested), and will be looking for more power! I also drive it frequently. I want more power because I did have a 70 chevelle SS 396.
So, here is the question........What engine size/displacement provides the best overall (street/driving/roadcourse) performance?
427? 454? 489?
BTW, I do have a 454 BBC MK IV engine that can be built....
Thanks!
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
The question is a bit tough without a budget in mind 
Starting from scratch I'd note that the best all-around performer would be an LS-series swap. Pretty tough to beat across the board in terms of power/$.
Don't get me wrong - I love me a wild GEN I SBC and BBCs - but the LS delivers big power, big torque, driveability, light weight and all at a pretty darn reasonable price.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of the swap components!
Starting from scratch I'd note that the best all-around performer would be an LS-series swap. Pretty tough to beat across the board in terms of power/$.
Don't get me wrong - I love me a wild GEN I SBC and BBCs - but the LS delivers big power, big torque, driveability, light weight and all at a pretty darn reasonable price.
Don't forget to factor in the cost of the swap components!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
348's and 409's are the same block, and basically a truck motor from the 50's. You can easily identify these by the valve covers. Since you're asking for opinions, would at least go the largest cu in SB possible as 100 lbs less than a BB. Better still, an LS3, as 120 lbs less than an iron headed SB, and the L92 heads really flow.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
The Best IS below
$1200.00`bought you a L88 that was factory built with all the right stuff........600 horsepower right out of the box....hard to beat with excellent components and a simple transplant into any Vette . The ZL1 is the same except the aluminum block......never again will they be available as they were back in the late 60`s......
it was actually a racing engine........
it was actually a racing engine........
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Well, if you have the money, the LS swap is the way to go. However, if you already have a 454 laying around, a BBC with aluminum heads, intake, water pump, and a set of headers, is going to be quite a bit more powerful, AND quite a bit lighter than what you have now. LS motors are cool as hell, because they are technologically advanced, but there is still something about a BBC.......
Scott
Scott
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I'm chiming in because you mentioned roadcourse tracking could be in your future. A lot depends on your traction limitations and gearing as to how much and where you really need the power/torque located. For highly-spirited / RR type driving in the twisty bits you want to be able to get on the throttle good without necessarily having to be pointed in a straight line. In my case, a stout 427 fits the bill. Your results may vary.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
The mouse motor, because of its lighter weight, will out handle a heavy rat motored C3. And with all the aluminum components available these days you can build a large cube mouse that actually weighs less than it's OEM counterpart from the 60/70's. Rat motors are better for drag racing.