I keep reading here about small block engines that are built to extraordinary levels of torque and horsepower. I can see wanting to keep a car numbers matching, but a lot of these small blocks are Crates. What are the pros/cons of super-built small blocks vs. mildly-modified big blocks when both have comparable power? Is one more reliable than the other? More or less money per horsepower (per pounds of torque)? Easier to build? Parts availability?

Thanks for any insights.

Mild big block will be more street friendly than a radical smallblock. Big HP requires a big cam and some compression which usually means higher stall converter required. If you use a hyd roller in a SB you can get a bigger cam and keep some streetability.

SB is cheaper to build, no doubt, assuming we're talking in terms of quality new parts.

Well, there's a heck of a question!

Mild-SB are most definitely cheaper to build than mild-BBC's!

You will reach a point however where they cross-over. Say (I'm pulling a number out of my ars) ... 500HP. At some point, you can still build that with a mild BBC and common parts, because they're just beefier ... where you must start using more exotic parts on the SBC.

More cubic inches will always have better street manners, than a smaller engine at the same power level.

As far as parts ... any BBC or SBC has an enormous supply of parts! Until you get into something exotic, I can find just about any replacement part at AutoZone if nothing else ... or a quick delivery from any mail-order.

For street power levels (<400hp) ... a SBC is cheaper, by a lot! I picked up a BBC simply because it fills the engine compartment better. I know my car could run the same on a SB for far less money.

Thanks, Neal

658chevy, you got to keep in mind some of these SB build ups you see on TV or magazines are based on the special after market blocks, such as the motown/ world products. these blocks raise the cam placement up around 3/4 of an inch so they can run custom cranks for large cubic inch displacement. furthermore, these blocks have larger 4.25" bores. that basically makes the smallblock a big block in a small light weight package. if you have $3500-$4000 for a bare block, you can have the best of both worlds. the next best choice, IMO, is a 383, near BB torque with the weight/ cost savings a SB.