Rat or Mouse?
Thread Starter
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
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From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Rat or Mouse?
assume for a minute that I want a target HP/torque target of 350-400 each. obviously, it will take a more radical build for the mouse, as opposed to the Rat, correct? my question is, which would provide the better overall ride and MPG, the milder Rat or the radical Mouse?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
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From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Markm10431)
Better ride and MPG would most likely be mouse. But the best substitue for cubic inches, is MORE cubic inches ;)
The rat has more raw power potential and is easy to get horsepower out of...if you can afford the parts for it. Plus the SOUND of those monstrous valves thumping away is hard to match.
The rat has more raw power potential and is easy to get horsepower out of...if you can afford the parts for it. Plus the SOUND of those monstrous valves thumping away is hard to match.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Markm10431)
My rebuilt which I am picking up Monday is 350hp and 380 torque at 5500 rpm.
I do not know very much about rodents, but think the differences in the question you pose are quite small. There are so many variables in a rebuilt that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what the final power will be.
Please take in to stong consideration that I have never earn a nickle as a mechanic. So, just my opinion. :)
I do not know very much about rodents, but think the differences in the question you pose are quite small. There are so many variables in a rebuilt that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what the final power will be.
Please take in to stong consideration that I have never earn a nickle as a mechanic. So, just my opinion. :)
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Rat or Mouse? (OHSIXX)
Even at 2500 rpm a moderately built rat will put out 400ftlb of torque and increase from there. The torque curve is a flatter on a BB. A hi-po SB may reach 400ftlb but that'll be it's "peak".
The stock spec on the '87 BB I'm rebuilding now was 387ftlb! :eek: And that's on a smogged, low cammed, iron headed, dished pistoned engine. :crazy:
The stock spec on the '87 BB I'm rebuilding now was 387ftlb! :eek: And that's on a smogged, low cammed, iron headed, dished pistoned engine. :crazy:
Thread Starter
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
Likes: 289
From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Markm10431)
ok.. I may not have been clear.. if I were to build a 350 and a 427.. BOTH to hit the exact same HP/torque, in aprox the 375-400 range, would the 350 be more economical? it would require a much more radical cam profile than the 427.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
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From: Canada
Re: Rat or Mouse? (1970 Stingray)
My stroker was built to put out @ 490hp with a more aggressive cam in the low - mid 500's. That being said my power comes on in the high rpm's. I do however average 18 - 20 mpg, but bottom line, ain't nuttin' like a bb, with it's stump pulling torque. Just can't beat cubic inches. :yesnod:
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
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From: Fountain Hills AZ
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Markm10431)
ok.. I may not have been clear.. if I were to build a 350 and a 427.. BOTH to hit the exact same HP/torque, in aprox the 375-400 range, would the 350 be more economical? it would require a much more radical cam profile than the 427.
Thread Starter
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
Likes: 289
From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Vetterodder)
well, it's a case of having my cake and eat it too. I want decent power, but to get the figures I want, a mouse may very well need a fairly radical cam. I am trying to get the optimum balance of power, drivability and economy I can get
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,286
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From: San Jose California
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Markm10431)
If you are on the fence, I would say you will be happiest keeping the small block. Much less to change, less hassle, and still great power. I am very impressed with the hydraulic roller cam in my ZO6. It will hold its own against most BB's even considering torque and still get great mileage. Certainly it has better heads than a standard small block; but, you could still get very close with high flow aftermarket heads, good carb, and free flow exhaust system.
Chuck
Chuck
Le Mans Master
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From: B'Ville NY
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Rat or Mouse? (Chuck Harmon)
IMHO 375/400 torque & hp isn't that radical anymore for a sbc. The parts and knowledge have come a long way since the early 70's high compression LT1's. Look at Edelbrock's RPM package putting out 400+HP with 9.0:1 compression on pump gas.
When switching to a BB, keep in mind you'll also have to switch the exhaust, pulleys & brackets for the assesories(sp?) and possibly update the cooling system and front suspension for the added weight.
If cost isn't a concern, a BB between a C3's front fendors is an AWESOME site. But for what your goal is a sbc should suffice :yesnod: . :)
When switching to a BB, keep in mind you'll also have to switch the exhaust, pulleys & brackets for the assesories(sp?) and possibly update the cooling system and front suspension for the added weight.
If cost isn't a concern, a BB between a C3's front fendors is an AWESOME site. But for what your goal is a sbc should suffice :yesnod: . :)
Thread Starter
Parrothead
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 48,231
Likes: 289
From: Margaritaville Embassy
St. Jude Donor '08-'09,'13, '14
Re: Rat or Mouse? (SmokedTires)
If cost isn't a concern, a BB between a C3's front fendors is an AWESOME site. But for what your goal is a sbc should suffice :yesnod: . :)