Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios...
I am planning on building either a 540 or a 632 this winter. In reading about the two configurations the 632 has around a 1.35 rod/stroke ratio while the 540 has only a 1.50 ratio. My question is would the 632 ratio be too low for longevitiy purposes as a street rod and not worth the extra torque & HP potential? And my second question is would I be better off to look to other alternatives to achieve high power numbers such as nitrous or a blower?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,892
Likes: 13
From: Pettis Performance 565 with two stages of Nitrous Supply nitrous 1.082, 4.61 at 155, 7.17 at 192
Re: Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios... (BlackRocket)
It really depends on what you are trying to do. A small block twin turbo 350 can make 800 HP plus with a set up that can be very streetable and a very good rod to stroke ratio. I like big blocks for a variety of reasons. A 632 makes a lot of torque but really wants a lot of money in heads and supporting parts to make it worth while. You will probably have more issues with valve trane life than rod to stroke ratio problems if you are going to try and make some seriuos power. How much power do you want to make? How often do you want to drive it? How much money do you want to spend ?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 442
From: Southwest MI
Re: Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios... (BlackRocket)
What RPM range are you going to build for ? (where do you want to make power/be most effcient?) What is your HP/Torque goal ?
[Modified by 66427-450, 3:44 PM 10/19/2002]
[Modified by 66427-450, 3:44 PM 10/19/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 159
Likes: 21
From: McKinney Tx
Re: Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios... (66427-450)
The horsepower and how often you use it will be the single most important ingredient on how long your engine lasts on the street or the track no matter what size it is. The 632 is a lot more expensive I think than the 540 however it would make power easier and down lower if you're talking BIG power. I just saw a 632 with big chiefs on it make 1150 HP at only 6900!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,606
Likes: 14
From: Vacaville, CA
Re: Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios... (BlackRocket)
To save $$$, time, and to keep things simple I was planning on purchasing a completed Bill Mitchell Hardcore Racing 540 or 632 short block. These blocks are built from a Merlin foundation and have all the good parts at a resonable cost. I would then just have to bolt on a set of heads, valve train, intake system and be done with it. Has anyone used one of their kits before???
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
Re: Big Block Rod / Stroke Ratios... (BlackRocket)
To save $$$, time, and to keep things simple...
I'm hoping that GM will address this when they release their new tall deck 572 later this year.
