When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I was wanting a 434 for years and almost pulled that trigger. I was after 700hp which that’s what they advertise. But that power level is putting things on the edge with an sbc and it runs on fuel very aggressive cam and spring rates. I just wanted big east power and really the only way to do that NA is big cubes.
I agree my 434 makes 650 on skips dyno 1.6 rocker ratio 10.7 flat top pistons and runs great and has vacuum to run my head lights and wipers and I have ac to boot very street friendly .
Physically it is a little bigger all around, but designed to fit in a C3.
The biggest issue is the intake. the bottom of a BBC intake sits roughly 1-1/2" higher than a SBC. A LT-1 has a nice 1-1/2" to 2" high-rise intake that clears the hood. A BBC needs a virtually flat intake to put the carb at the exact same height, with the same clearance.
And a good really high HP BBC chevy intake can get REALLY tall. Like 3-4-5-6 "
A huge hood scoop could be required.
Just something to keep in mind.
I would check with Blueprint and see how tall theirs is.
As far as weight an aluminum head BBC is 100 lbs heaveir than an aluminum head SBC. Most weight comparisons use the much heavier iron BB heads.
Here are my weights:, both with AL intakes, heads and WP, std Holley, AL distrib, & oil.
SBC 450# BBC 554#
Physically it is a little bigger all around, but designed to fit in a C3.
The biggest issue is the intake. the bottom of a BBC intake sits roughly 1-1/2" higher than a SBC. A LT-1 has a nice 1-1/2" to 2" high-rise intake that clears the hood. A BBC needs a virtually flat intake to put the carb at the exact same height, with the same clearance.
And a good really high HP BBC chevy intake can get REALLY tall. Like 3-4-5-6 "
A huge hood scoop could be required.
Just something to keep in mind.
I would check with Blueprint and see how tall theirs is.
As far as weight an aluminum head BBC is 100 lbs heaveir than an aluminum head SBC. Most weight comparisons use the much heavier iron BB heads.
Here are my weights:, both with AL intakes, heads and WP, std Holley, AL distrib, & oil.
SBC 450# BBC 554#
Thanks for the info, this engine runs the Weiand Track Warrior intake which is about 6” tall. I have an L-88 hood so I should not have any clearance issues. They did offer a taller intake that made another 15-20hp but being much taller and having to use a 4500 carb flange I didn’t see the need in a street car.
OK just so you are aware you lose a couple inches of possible manifold height.
Here are my manifold measurement notes I collected.
Looks like with an L88 hood you can run up to a 5.25" high intake.
There are many taller ones for a BBC that will not even fit under that hood.
AJRotham has a strong 10.50sec BB and runs a taller version of a L88 hood. Maybe a 4" rise vs 2.5" rise?
And I think you mentioned more HP than he has. You should look up his threads.
Good luck in your conversion, and enjoy your newfound torque & power!
The main problem I have found with the L88 hood is that the intake needs the slope from back to front. The stock L88 hood doesn’t really give much clearance for taller intakes because they run out of room at the front. This is where the 5 degree slope helps. That’s why the 300-5 Holley Strip Dominator fits perfectly, whereas the Victor Junior doesn’t despite the rear being about the same height. I finally just modified my hood as the dyno really liked a 4 inch tall air cleaner over a 3 inch on my engine. I raised the front part of the L88 scoop, while leaving the windshield side at stock height. The one thing I didn’t like about the taller L88 hood is visibility. So my mod gave me more clearance where it is needed in front, but without the added height at the windshield. I am still running the Holley manifold though.
Bill
Last edited by 69ttop502; Nov 10, 2022 at 09:34 AM.
OK just so you are aware you lose a couple inches of possible manifold height.
Here are my manifold measurement notes I collected.
Looks like with an L88 hood you can run up to a 5.25" high intake.
There are many taller ones for a BBC that will not even fit under that hood.
AJRotham has a strong 10.50sec BB and runs a taller version of a L88 hood. Maybe a 4" rise vs 2.5" rise?
And I think you mentioned more HP than he has. You should look up his threads.
Good luck in your conversion, and enjoy your newfound torque & power!
good info thanks you, I was running a Victor J on my sbc…. Looks like I may have some issues. I should clearing, I don’t have a stock L-88 just stock appearing I guess. It goes all the way to the windshield, I’m not sure if it’s taller than a stock one or not as I’ve never had one side by side.
The main problem I have found with the L88 hood is that the intake needs the slope from back to front. The stock L88 hood doesn’t really give much clearance for taller intakes because they run out of room at the front. This is where the 5 degree slope helps. That’s why the 300-5 Holley Strip Dominator fits perfectly, whereas the Victor Junior doesn’t despite the rear being about the same height. I finally just modified my hood as the dyno really liked a 4 inch tall air cleaner over a 3 inch on my engine. I raised the front part of the L88 scoop, while leaving the windshield side at stock height. The one thing I didn’t like about the taller L88 hood is visibility. So my mod gave me more clearance where it is needed in front, but without the added height at the windshield. I am still running the Holley manifold though.
Bill
interesting, I’d like to see a pic of that! I have looked at the much taller hoods and you are right, visibility looks limited. However raising the front part of the hood sounds like some challenging fiberglass work. I’ve done plenty of glass work but making that look right sounds tough.
Here is my hood. I decided that instead of bonding the L88 airbox to the hood, I riveted the carb base to the airbox and am using it as a old air box. Works perfectly and that is a 4 inch tall air cleaner with the Holley Strip Dominator intake. Fits perfectly and is totally sealed to any air other than coming from the rear hood opening. The dyno loved the taller air cleaner. I think the reason is because of the L88 air cleaner base has a 2 inch drop, so the 4 inch clears some space above the carb throat.
Here is my hood. I decided that instead of bonding the L88 airbox to the hood, I riveted the carb base to the airbox and am using it as a old air box. Works perfectly and that is a 4 inch tall air cleaner with the Holley Strip Dominator intake. Fits perfectly and is totally sealed to any air other than coming from the rear hood opening. The dyno loved the taller air cleaner. I think the reason is because of the L88 air cleaner base has a 2 inch drop, so the 4 inch clears some space above the carb throat.
thats a sweet setup! What did you see power increase from the 3” to 4”? I currently run a 3” and the K&N lid on my small block.
I run Skips 434 ( 652 HP) And crank out 10.82 @ 130.8 mph on an airport runway .. I loaded it up with a LS style coil on plug sequential fuel injection system. Car runs and drives like a street car should. And I also use the 4L80e trans with a triple disk lock up clutch from PTC.. I considered a BB but my year vette did not offer one so I felt keeping to its origins I would stay SBC. I also have a Fab 9 4 link out back ..
I run Skips 434 ( 652 HP) And crank out 10.82 @ 130.8 mph on an airport runway .. I loaded it up with a LS style coil on plug sequential fuel injection system. Car runs and drives like a street car should. And I also use the 4L80e trans with a triple disk lock up clutch from PTC.. I considered a BB but my year vette did not offer one so I felt keeping to its origins I would stay SBC. I also have a Fab 9 4 link out back ..
That’s stout and man I struggled going to a BB, I’m kind of a die hard sbc guy but the power of this thing on pump gas makes it very appealing. I’m very jacked and can’t wait. I just spoke to them today, engine is built and going on the dyno Monday. Should have it in a week or so
I run Skips 434 ( 652 HP) And crank out 10.82 @ 130.8 mph on an airport runway .. I loaded it up with a LS style coil on plug sequential fuel injection system. Car runs and drives like a street car should. And I also use the 4L80e trans with a triple disk lock up clutch from PTC.. I considered a BB but my year vette did not offer one so I felt keeping to its origins I would stay SBC. I also have a Fab 9 4 link out back ..
I 100 percent agree with you about the runs and drives like a street car I am running a short team 3 intake with a 4 inch air cleaner and have vacuum to run head lights and wiper door and my ac and runs nice and cool .
yes
