Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons
03-17-2004, 08:50 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons
Will be checking out a 69 427 coupe, 4spd. I have owned two small block C3's and I need to know major differences in maintainence, overall drivablility, parts cost, etc. If I buy this one, it could very well be my last Vette purchase for a long time. I have always wanted to see those 427 emblems on a car I owned. :cool: :D :chevy
03-17-2004, 09:27 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
Pros? More smiles per mile.
Cons? Less mpg per mile.
I've been purchasing parts lately for a big block (in a boat) and haven't found anything that is outrageously priced. Gaskets, fuel pump, starter, alternator all seem about the same (if not a few $$$ more). The motor was last rebuilt in 1990 and when I checked the compression last week, all cylinders read exactly 160. Very sturdy, very reliable.
Do it!
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
Cons? Less mpg per mile.
I've been purchasing parts lately for a big block (in a boat) and haven't found anything that is outrageously priced. Gaskets, fuel pump, starter, alternator all seem about the same (if not a few $$$ more). The motor was last rebuilt in 1990 and when I checked the compression last week, all cylinders read exactly 160. Very sturdy, very reliable.
Do it!
D. Ocean
Miami, FLA
03-17-2004, 09:43 PM
#3
Pro
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
I've only owned a '69 with a 427, so I really can't compare it to a small block. All I can say is that this car is scary fun to drive. There's nothing like the sound of those horses trying to bust loose when you stomp on the pedal. I never grow tired of the feeling.
:steering:
:steering:
03-17-2004, 09:52 PM
#5
Team Owner
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Tominator)
The engine compartment in the C3 is very well suited to the BB, plenty of room to work on it. Most parts are more expensive, (look at SB vs. BB aftermarket heads). Car feels a little nose heavy but can be remedied with heavier springs and shocks or going with aluminum engine parts. Realistically, a built stroker motor is just as much fun to drive as a BB.
03-17-2004, 09:55 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
I have owned two small block C3's... I have always wanted to see those 427 emblems on a car I owned.
That says it all. :D
Don't see to many posts on how to install a SBC in a BB vette, do we?
Go for it. How can you go wrong?
Terry
[Modified by trw, 7:28 PM 3/17/2004]
That says it all. :D
Don't see to many posts on how to install a SBC in a BB vette, do we?
Go for it. How can you go wrong?
Terry
[Modified by trw, 7:28 PM 3/17/2004]
03-17-2004, 09:56 PM
#7
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Tominator)
Let's see,,,,,PRO's..
Small blocks are OK if your mommy won't let you play with big blocks!
They use small blocks to START real motors!
Any motor worth having has at least 400 cubes!
How come all the small block guys are always wanting to buy stroker cranks?
Bigger IS better!
Ever hear of anyone really WANTING to put a small block in a big block car? Even during the 70's gas crunch, it was actually very rare for some sicko to think that was a good idea!
Ever hear of every small block owner really wishing he had a big block?
No need to wind it up....it's always ready anytime you are!
You can snarl at lesser cars, knowing ain't no one around likely to be faster!
No need for boost, N20 or anything else. But if you add those things...LOOK OUT!
CONS...
Hmmmnnn gotta ponder that some.
OK, mileage sucks. But so do many small blocks when you finally get them to run well!
Hmmmmnn..well that's about it.......
Did I mention how much FUN it is to drop the hammer on one????
JIM
Small blocks are OK if your mommy won't let you play with big blocks!
They use small blocks to START real motors!
Any motor worth having has at least 400 cubes!
How come all the small block guys are always wanting to buy stroker cranks?
Bigger IS better!
Ever hear of anyone really WANTING to put a small block in a big block car? Even during the 70's gas crunch, it was actually very rare for some sicko to think that was a good idea!
Ever hear of every small block owner really wishing he had a big block?
No need to wind it up....it's always ready anytime you are!
You can snarl at lesser cars, knowing ain't no one around likely to be faster!
No need for boost, N20 or anything else. But if you add those things...LOOK OUT!
CONS...
Hmmmnnn gotta ponder that some.
OK, mileage sucks. But so do many small blocks when you finally get them to run well!
Hmmmmnn..well that's about it.......
Did I mention how much FUN it is to drop the hammer on one????
JIM
03-17-2004, 10:46 PM
#8
Race Director
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (427Hotrod)
Small blocks are by far the superior motor :D
03-17-2004, 10:53 PM
#9
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (MotorHead)
Small blocks are by far the superior motor :D
03-17-2004, 11:55 PM
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (trw)
Don't see to many posts on how to install a SBC in a BB vette, do we?
Terry
[Modified by trw, 7:28 PM 3/17/2004]
Terry
[Modified by trw, 7:28 PM 3/17/2004]
[Modified by Nowhere Man, 11:55 PM 3/17/2004]
03-18-2004, 12:34 AM
#13
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
.........I think all of us 350 owners know we've made the wrong decision.... :) .....
........I really suggest you buy a BB Vert, though.........that's the DREAM Vette :yesnod:
........I really suggest you buy a BB Vert, though.........that's the DREAM Vette :yesnod:
03-18-2004, 02:15 AM
#15
Race Director
Thread Starter
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Fastguy)
The engine compartment in the C3 is very well suited to the BB, plenty of room to work on it. I've heard it is pretty tight, especially when changing plugs, wires, starter. Most parts are more expensive, (look at SB vs. BB aftermarket heads). Car feels a little nose heavy but can be remedied with heavier springs and shocks or going with aluminum engine parts. Since it is original drivetrain, the only thing I would do is a suspension upgrade.
03-18-2004, 03:52 AM
#16
Melting Slicks
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
Pro's for Small Block. Lighter and will handle better. Can build to respectable HP and make lighter as well with lighter heads and so forth.
Con's But when done the SB will still use some fuel and you will have to wind it up higher and have lower gears to use it.
Pro's For Big Block Chevy you have the WOW factor :). And have torque for days at the lower RPM's that you will use on the street. Sorry there is nothing that pulls like a Big Block. :)
Con's it will not handle quit as well as the SB but with lighter heads intake and other components it will be close especially if you go to a performance Plus system by VB . And dang let me see oh yes it is harder to change plugs lol. :)
Con's But when done the SB will still use some fuel and you will have to wind it up higher and have lower gears to use it.
Pro's For Big Block Chevy you have the WOW factor :). And have torque for days at the lower RPM's that you will use on the street. Sorry there is nothing that pulls like a Big Block. :)
Con's it will not handle quit as well as the SB but with lighter heads intake and other components it will be close especially if you go to a performance Plus system by VB . And dang let me see oh yes it is harder to change plugs lol. :)
03-18-2004, 04:21 AM
#17
Senior Member since 1492
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (SHAKERATTLEROLL)
All factors being equal, an effective substitute for cubic inches has yet to be found. Plus with a BB you can get these huge, cool, orange valve covers. :lol:
03-18-2004, 04:36 AM
#18
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (69_BigBlock)
There is no replacement for displacement :hurray: :hurray:
03-18-2004, 08:09 AM
#19
Le Mans Master
Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (Double Aught)
Big blocks have tons of torque
Small blocks are cheaper for parts and maintainance
big blocks have tons of torque.
small blocks get better milage
big blocks have tons of torque
Small block aftermarket parts ar everywhere
big blocks have tons of torque
small block can be with a little help faster than big blocks
Big blocks have tons of torque
Small blocks run cooler
the guys at auto zone assume you have a small block.
Big blocks have tons of torque.
small blocks put you to sleep.... Grandma has one in her 75 Impala. Grandpa has one in his ol' pick'em up truck
Big block belong in Corvettes.
Big blocks set off car alarms in a parking garage. Did I mention that big blocks have tons of torque?
[Modified by bluevetteman, 8:16 AM 3/18/2004]
Small blocks are cheaper for parts and maintainance
big blocks have tons of torque.
small blocks get better milage
big blocks have tons of torque
Small block aftermarket parts ar everywhere
big blocks have tons of torque
small block can be with a little help faster than big blocks
Big blocks have tons of torque
Small blocks run cooler
the guys at auto zone assume you have a small block.
Big blocks have tons of torque.
small blocks put you to sleep.... Grandma has one in her 75 Impala. Grandpa has one in his ol' pick'em up truck
Big block belong in Corvettes.
Big blocks set off car alarms in a parking garage. Did I mention that big blocks have tons of torque?
[Modified by bluevetteman, 8:16 AM 3/18/2004]
03-18-2004, 08:37 AM
#20
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Re: Big Block v Small Block-List the pros and cons (bluevetteman)
Big blocks have tons of torque
small block can be with a little help faster than big blocks
not quite, small blocks need the help just to stay with the big blocks....big blocks wil the same help, run away from small blocks...:lolg: :lolg: :lolg:
Small blocks run cooler
the guys at auto zone assume you have a small block.
small blocks put you to sleep.... Grandma has one in her 75 Impala. Grandpa has one in his ol' pick'em up truck
Big block belong in Corvettes.
Big blocks set off car alarms in a parking garage. Did I mention that big blocks have tons of torque?
Big block belong in Corvettes.
Big blocks set off car alarms in a parking garage. Did I mention that big blocks have tons of torque?