Small block stroker or Big block
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 74
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From: Riverside CA
Small block stroker or Big block
Probably been covered before. $$ vs performance. I am looking at 3 choices of engine for my 71. 383 with perf heads and intake. A stroker (400+ ci) with perf heads and intake. Or a big block (maybe stroked). will the added weight hurt the driveability. It will only be a weekend driver. Is it too hard to maintain with the big block ( Less space,never had one)
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 7,562
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From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Depends on what you're after. Plenty of power can be had from a stout small block for a street car. For the wow factory, a big block under the hood will usually get a nod of approval from the older crowd that remembers the factory big block cars.
632ci BBC in a C2 Corvette
My SBC 388
Friend had an unrulely BBC 69 Camaro, went to this SBC destroked 400ci to 372ci with twin turbos, it was faster, not as loud, better driveability and improved mpg.
So again, what is your goal and how deep are your pockets.
632ci BBC in a C2 Corvette
My SBC 388
Friend had an unrulely BBC 69 Camaro, went to this SBC destroked 400ci to 372ci with twin turbos, it was faster, not as loud, better driveability and improved mpg.
So again, what is your goal and how deep are your pockets.
Last edited by SmokedTires; Oct 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
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From: charlotte north carolina
your post asked $$ vs. performance. what engine do you have now? how much performance do you want? do you want a yappy little dog or do want a mutt that blows your hair back when it barks? how's your bank account?
if you have a sb now, a set of heads, pistons, cam and exhaust will do you just fine and not break the bank. in order to stroke it to 383 (or bigger) will be much more costly, but still retain the old assessories, which compared to changing to a bb will save a lot of money. but if you don't have a usable engine now, a bb will (even with stock heads and intake) give you all the street-go that most people need. but, the internals for a bb cost more that a sb. bb stands for big-bucks.
so, it all boils down to the age old question-how fast is fast, how much is too much, and how many tickets can you afford?
i'd like some of the members that have the hp engines post some realistic numbers on the final costs involved. i'm not knocking these guys for their work-these engines are really nice, and i'm jealous- but i couldn't afford what i think these cost, and a finished slightly modified sb is better than a half finshed monster.
if you have a sb now, a set of heads, pistons, cam and exhaust will do you just fine and not break the bank. in order to stroke it to 383 (or bigger) will be much more costly, but still retain the old assessories, which compared to changing to a bb will save a lot of money. but if you don't have a usable engine now, a bb will (even with stock heads and intake) give you all the street-go that most people need. but, the internals for a bb cost more that a sb. bb stands for big-bucks.
so, it all boils down to the age old question-how fast is fast, how much is too much, and how many tickets can you afford?
i'd like some of the members that have the hp engines post some realistic numbers on the final costs involved. i'm not knocking these guys for their work-these engines are really nice, and i'm jealous- but i couldn't afford what i think these cost, and a finished slightly modified sb is better than a half finshed monster.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
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From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
You can buy (smaller) big block inches in a small block platform. Saves weight and potentially some $.
If you're going 383 or 400, you might look at getting a 427 small block and stroke or destroke that, 406 & 434 respectively if memory serves.
If you're going 383 or 400, you might look at getting a 427 small block and stroke or destroke that, 406 & 434 respectively if memory serves.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 6
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '12
Last edited by RobbSalzmann; Oct 29, 2011 at 12:06 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
Always remember, there's two types of C2/C3 owners. Those who have big blocks and those who wish they did! 
Having said that, on a cost per hp basis, the small block wins hands down and I do have a soft spot for 400 based sbc's.
And then there's the LS based engines with their 6-bolt blocks and heads that flow like a BBC. I'm going to do one of these in an f-body some day.
Decisions, decisions.
Having said that, on a cost per hp basis, the small block wins hands down and I do have a soft spot for 400 based sbc's.
And then there's the LS based engines with their 6-bolt blocks and heads that flow like a BBC. I'm going to do one of these in an f-body some day.
Decisions, decisions.
Melting Slicks
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Instructor
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The new Aluminum LS motors are the way to go. Big Block torque, small block mpg, and even lighter than the old small block. Put a carb on it to keep the look, and enjoy the best of both worlds. Car will handle great, not run hot, and you will have the wow factor and still beat those big blocks. My 2 cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
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From: N.Richland Hills Texas
Everyone goes through this at some point in time... I went with and am very happy with the ZZ383.... I looked hard at 454 ect, but kept getting wrapped around the axle about weight, workspace ect... I think if I were in the same position again (ie:working) I would really lean towards a 502 ... The WOW facotr alone would be worth it !!! I think.....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
Everyone goes through this at some point in time... I went with and am very happy with the ZZ383.... I looked hard at 454 ect, but kept getting wrapped around the axle about weight, workspace ect... I think if I were in the same position again (ie:working) I would really lean towards a 502 ... The WOW facotr alone would be worth it !!! I think.....
Le Mans Master
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From: League City Tx
www.vortecproperformance.com
Pump gas 496", hyd roller, 650+hp/670+TQ, Around $7800 SHIPPED...
Built with good parts as well.... Scat 4340 crank/rods, Mahle forged pistons, Isky billet core roller cam... 10 sec car power you can drive anywhere...
Best HP per $ value out there....
I do like big stroker small blocks as well but....they cost considerably more to build a 600hp small block...
Pump gas 496", hyd roller, 650+hp/670+TQ, Around $7800 SHIPPED...
Built with good parts as well.... Scat 4340 crank/rods, Mahle forged pistons, Isky billet core roller cam... 10 sec car power you can drive anywhere...
Best HP per $ value out there....
I do like big stroker small blocks as well but....they cost considerably more to build a 600hp small block...
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Drifting
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Gig Harbor WA
My bare bones numbers matching 72, small block, auto, low optioned T-top car, would never be worth too much, at least in my lifetime...but my 383, torquey, 500 horse powered, overdriven (23 mpg), air conditioned, power window'ed, T/T'd, repainted, sport suspension'd, resto mod, will bring me much more (to the right buyer), if I were to sell, than my vanilla original car...in my humble opinion..
Many here will argue...
I'm just sayin'....
