big block vs small block
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Stockton CA
Re: big block vs small block (road2xs)
I can only think of maybe one. Miles to the gallon is a little better for the SB. Parts are cheaper and usually a little easier to find for a small block. But from what I've heard, big blocks are the most fun :chevy
Racer
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
Re: big block vs small block (road2xs)
Small blocks are also much lighter than big blocks, which generally means a more balanced, better handling car. Small Blocks are also much easier to work on in the engine compartment. There are acceptions to this but, small blocks can be made to rev to higher rpms than big blocks.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
Re: big block vs small block (Zack Wenning)
you would have to be more specific. an aluminum BB is about the same weight as an iron small block. all i could think is that they are cheaper to build and parts are easy to find.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: big block vs small block ('79ProwlerOrange)
HEAT. The big blocks tend to hold heat in the compartment more than small blocks. I think it is because of the lesser amount of room with the big block. Why not go with a large small block say 427 ci in or so. Of course a 540 big block is pretty :cool: also
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 26
From: Clymer PA
Re: big block vs small block (Zack Wenning)
Zack:
For the most part you are correct. But I have had my 454 to 7200 RPMs before without missing a beat. With a correctly built big block you can still turn the RPMs. Heck a solidly built 427 can turn upwards of 8,000RPMs. But that's also the benefit of a big block, you don't need to rev them as high. :)
P.S. I still love small blocks, my buddy has a really nice 327 in his S10....it revs so smooth.
For the most part you are correct. But I have had my 454 to 7200 RPMs before without missing a beat. With a correctly built big block you can still turn the RPMs. Heck a solidly built 427 can turn upwards of 8,000RPMs. But that's also the benefit of a big block, you don't need to rev them as high. :)
P.S. I still love small blocks, my buddy has a really nice 327 in his S10....it revs so smooth.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
From: Bay City MI.
Re: big block vs small block (road2xs)
I would say if you have a strong heart, go with the Big Block! If on the other hand you are easily scared by things stick with the small block. My car was a small block last year and I made the switch to a BB this past winter. I am still in awe of the power and no matter what anyone says about their small blocks reving to 7000rpms, the way a rat motor runs will blow you away!! No offense to my small block friends because its still a great motor but............. No substitute for cubes!!! :chevy
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Stonewall N.C.
Re: big block vs small block (467-Ratman)
GO BIG BLOCK is all I can tell you! I"ve never owned a BB till just recentlly, wow is all I can say, and I"ve had some mean small blocks, and the combination of a 4 speed with the BB awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
