454 small block
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer MI
454 small block
I've been into cars for years and I know how most things work. I'm deployed right now but when I get back I plan to finish my restoration. There are only 3 things I won't touch. I don't know jack about paint, transmissions look to complicated for me, and engines. While I'm away I plan to read up on engine building and build an engine for my Vette. I'm patiently awaiting two books on the subject. I just found out recently Motown has come out with 454 ci (steel) and 427 ci (aluminum) small blocks. I'm told the 427 block only weighs 100 lbs I don't know how long these have been on the market as I am sort of out of the loop here.
What are your opinions about these blocks? Do you think the head gaskets will actually hold up for a great length of time? How about in racing applications? I think I'd be difficult for those gaskets to hold if one really boosts the compression.
One last question because I'm new to engine. I keep hearing about rat engines. Someone please explain to me what these are? Thanks.
What are your opinions about these blocks? Do you think the head gaskets will actually hold up for a great length of time? How about in racing applications? I think I'd be difficult for those gaskets to hold if one really boosts the compression.
One last question because I'm new to engine. I keep hearing about rat engines. Someone please explain to me what these are? Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
#1:
A buddy raced a 421/427 SBC for a few years, and head gaskets weren't his problem...
#2:
A 'Rat'-engine is simply a big-block Chevy (Mark IV-style & up), based-on the 396/427/454 versions...
"Godzilla"-style motors (500"+) are also 'Rats'...
A buddy raced a 421/427 SBC for a few years, and head gaskets weren't his problem...
#2:
A 'Rat'-engine is simply a big-block Chevy (Mark IV-style & up), based-on the 396/427/454 versions...
"Godzilla"-style motors (500"+) are also 'Rats'...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
I wouldn't want a 454 small block. A small block is just what the name implies, a small block. It is not beefy where it needs to be beefy. The small block heads were never ment to breath with that much cubic inch so finding descent heads will be a problem. The difference between small and big block weight is not that much.
Also building a 454 small block has got to cost big bucks. Look at the create 502's from the factory. They are 500 horse and totally reliable plus they are built from the start for this.
I am just not a fan of a small block trying to imitate the big blocks. If you want a big block start with one.
Also building a 454 small block has got to cost big bucks. Look at the create 502's from the factory. They are 500 horse and totally reliable plus they are built from the start for this.
I am just not a fan of a small block trying to imitate the big blocks. If you want a big block start with one.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
A SB 454 is cool without a doubt but it's also a disposable motor. They take the block and bore it to the maximum and add a 4.25 stroke. All is well until you drop a piston and have to bore it out. Since it was bored to the max from the get you you know have a $8,000 paper weight.
If you MUST have a SB I'd go w'a 427ci.
If you MUST have a SB I'd go w'a 427ci.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,508
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I'm not at all a fan of big blocks. Far too heavy to be useful. You may say that the weight difference isn't that much, but the weight is where you don't want it, on the front. The 454 small block is neat, but not really worth it. There is also a 472 small block for probably a similiar price as the 454. If you can afford an aluminum block, get one. Less weight is always better. I've never had a problem getting small block heads to flow for big power. You only really need to 9s on the street anyways.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Do I smell another small block / big block shootout ? Anyway the way I see it is you can build a pretty powerfull 406ci using relatively inexpensive parts when you start getting into the strokers it becomes much more expensive and the dollar per horse starts to climb, stick with a 406ci. 
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,453
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From: Republic of Texas
Originally Posted by MotorHead
Do I smell another small block / big block shootout ?
I think both SB and BB's have their place but for someone to say they are "Far too heavy to be useful." is an ignorant statement that's all.
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
You gotta ask yourself " Why do I want a 454 small block?"
Cause it's cool? ( only you will know it's a 454, looks like a 350 to everyone else )
Cause it's lighter than a big block? ( not that much )
Cause you have too much $$ ( That will solve that problem)
Build a good strong 406 and you will be much happier...
Cause it's cool? ( only you will know it's a 454, looks like a 350 to everyone else )
Cause it's lighter than a big block? ( not that much )
Cause you have too much $$ ( That will solve that problem)
Build a good strong 406 and you will be much happier...
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 62,198
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From: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
You gotta ask yourself :
1.) How much do I want to spend?
2.) How fast do I want to go?
3.) what am I willing to break/replace?
4.) do I want to replace the front suspension and get all new exhaust?
If I were to build a big block I would start with the Gen 6 block. the forged GM 3.76 stroke crank, some AFR heads, nice solid/solid roller cam. and make a modern L88 type engine with all kinds of crazy power. Hmmmmm.......
1.) How much do I want to spend?
2.) How fast do I want to go?
3.) what am I willing to break/replace?
4.) do I want to replace the front suspension and get all new exhaust?
If I were to build a big block I would start with the Gen 6 block. the forged GM 3.76 stroke crank, some AFR heads, nice solid/solid roller cam. and make a modern L88 type engine with all kinds of crazy power. Hmmmmm.......
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
I'm running the Bill Mitchell Racing...."Motown 427 c.i. Small Block. My friend is running a 454 c.i. big block.
I blow his doors in on every run. He has no room in there for A/C and accessories. Had to cut hole in hood to get a good flowing filter on it.
Drives him nuts as I blow his doors in with the A/C on... windows rolled up. I still have more meat in this block to expand bores.
I was going to purchase the 454 c.i. small block...however they talked me out of it.
I'm drooling over the new 472 c.i. small block made by Scott Shafiroff Racing Engines.
I'm on the fence between Motown 427 c.i. Aluminum Small Block or the Shafiroff 472 c.i. steel. 700 HP in a streetable small block Is nothing to sneeze at.
Oh BTW....I'm a small block fanatic.....However I can appreciate what you guys are saying about Big Blocks.....Peace
I blow his doors in on every run. He has no room in there for A/C and accessories. Had to cut hole in hood to get a good flowing filter on it.
Drives him nuts as I blow his doors in with the A/C on... windows rolled up. I still have more meat in this block to expand bores.
I was going to purchase the 454 c.i. small block...however they talked me out of it.
I'm drooling over the new 472 c.i. small block made by Scott Shafiroff Racing Engines.
I'm on the fence between Motown 427 c.i. Aluminum Small Block or the Shafiroff 472 c.i. steel. 700 HP in a streetable small block Is nothing to sneeze at.
Oh BTW....I'm a small block fanatic.....However I can appreciate what you guys are saying about Big Blocks.....Peace
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,809
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I would like a sb 427 just so I could argue with people at the cars show and our hot rod club.
i can just think the conversation would start like; him "what engine is that?"
me "a 427", him "no it a small block", me "the guy that sold it to me said it was a 427" him "bla bla", me "bla bla bla" 
i can just think the conversation would start like; him "what engine is that?"
me "a 427", him "no it a small block", me "the guy that sold it to me said it was a 427" him "bla bla", me "bla bla bla"
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Originally Posted by Tominator
I would like a sb 427 just so I could argue with people at the cars show and our hot rod club.
i can just think the conversation would start like; him "what engine is that?" me "a 427", him "no it a small block", me "the guy that sold it to me said it was a 427" him "bla bla", me "bla bla bla"
i can just think the conversation would start like; him "what engine is that?"
me "a 427", him "no it a small block", me "the guy that sold it to me said it was a 427" him "bla bla", me "bla bla bla" 
Some even snicker then insist there's no such thing as a small block 427 c.i.
