C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

BBOlds vs SBC

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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:21 PM
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Default BBOlds vs SBC

No, not a race, I'm just wondering.
Soundwise, a 350 Olds Rocket engine seems to be a little more "relaxed" at idle. I can't quite describe it. Although we're talking about the same idle speed, what could account for this difference? The Olds is carbureted. I'm not even sure if the Olds is a big block :bb
Anybody want to explain this phenomenon away?
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 09:51 PM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (Vett-eight-nine)

A difference in cam and a difference in compression ratio would make
an engine sound different at idle. But the amount of ignition timing advance
at idle can make a big difference too. With only 6 or 8 degrees of advance
at idle speeds, and engine can sound like it's "hitting hard", even though
it's not under load, especially if it has a higher compression ratio and/or
bigger cam. Take that same engine and crank the advance at idle up
to 30 degrees, and the engine smooths out, the exhaust note gets alot
quieter, and it sounds like, well, that it's just "idling".

Dan
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 10:05 PM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (Vett-eight-nine)

The olds was tuned for ease and quiet... the block was also a strange mid-block... not a small block, but not a big block, either.

That motor can be bored out and stroked up to 455 cubes! I think the deck height is different at that size, tho...

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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 10:17 PM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (bogus)

The original 350 Olds Rocket was made using a longer stroke and a smaller bore. It allowed the engine to rev slower, produce its torque a little higher up and to be able to cruise at higher speeds and lower rpms using the same tranny as the Chevy (TurboHydramatic 350).

It was developed to pull a 4000+ lb car around at 75-85mph all day long.


[Modified by 96LT1, 10:41 PM 4/27/2004]
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 10:47 PM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (bogus)

Compression ratio is 8.5:1.
The stock cam was changed to an Edelbrock Performer with the matching intake. the carb was re-jetted.
What a difference.
I can't wait to get a g-tech on there to test it out. :D
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 12:13 AM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (Vett-eight-nine)

I'm not even sure if the Olds is a big block :bb
Anybody want to explain this phenomenon away?
350's are small blocks by designation. The Olds block is the same for small block and big block with a few exceptions. Deck heigth, crank journals, and head bolt diameter to name a few. The mid 60's to early 70's Olds BB's were torque monsters. Some had compression ratio's of 10.75 to one. Some have up to 450 HP at the flywheel. Check out The Olds FAQ and make your own decision. If you want high performance parts, Mondello is the only name you need.

By the way, I have a 67 Toronado 425 in my 70 chevy pickup. It is in front of a 700R4 built tranny. It has no problem turning over 33x12.5x15 mud and snow tires until they boil. I guess I am kind of an Olds fan.


[Modified by VAHROOM, 10:34 PM 4/27/2004]
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 10:52 AM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (VAHROOM)

The 455's are a physically bigger engine. The manifold width is 2 inches wider than a 307-350-403 Olds. I can attest to this having owned a 72 442 with a 455. I still have a blown up piston from that engine. If you want to read more go to: ( Hit refresh after you first click it. seems when you first go there, the page doesn't appear. )
http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofeng.htm

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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 12:41 PM
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Default Re: BBOlds vs SBC (sinc93)

It's kind of a weird thing. The BB's are wider due to the raised deck heigth. The heads from a SB will bolt to a BB and vice-versa. The intakes have to be a little wider due to the raised deck also.
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