Ok. I don't now how many of you have either. But i know you never get any respect unless you have a Big Block. I'd like to know how many of you have Small Blocks in your Chevelle; Yes I love the BB. But I didn't want the headaches that went with it. I remember they were always over heating. The Engine ran higher rpm's. So they were always breaking down. Now that was 40 yrs ago. But thats the reason I chose to go with a small block. :beers: :D

what are you talking about. i don't know anybody who doesn't respect a stout s.b. and it's s.b.'s that run higher r.p.m. although a few mods to a b.b. that can change, and yes with parts, they can run as cool as any other car. glad your s.b. does it for you, it does for a lot of people.

Just removed a great running SB...replacing it with a (hopefully) great running BB.
Looking for some "respect"... :D

I have both. The 70 has a pretty decent 454 in it that can hold it's own, but also...my 86 Cutlass has a pretty stout small block in it that would spank quite a few BB Chevelles I've seen run at random drag strips I've been too. I've never had a single engine issue with the 454 in the 70 though. It loves running over 3000 RPM's, never overheats unless it's 90+ degrees out and sitting idle in traffic. The 350 in the Cutlass runs about the same
Now my 69 Malibu still retains the original 307/powerglide drivetrain. This is the most dependable car I own...that's all that needs to be said about it :yes:

I have only had my big block get a bit warmer than I would like one time. That was coming into Memphis going to Andy's house. I had lost a rear brake line (broke right at the flare fitting) and was using my trans to slow me down through traffic. By the time I got to his place, I had coolant coming out of my overflow tank.

Other than that, my big block doesn't run hot in the warmest of weather. Doesn't run any higher RPM than any other engine I have ever had either. And usually it is my trans giving me problems, which is being taken care of now, I have a TKO600 sitting in the garage awaiting installation.

Jeff

I think that the sb is fun to play with and it is cheaper to fix, for sure. Paul (pdq) is a big fan of the small block, I like them as do many others. I am not ashamed to open the hood and if a guy snorts and say, 'small block', then I think he has issues being small elsewhere. (oops... can I say that? Sorry....)

Ok. I don't now how many of you have either. But i know you never get any respect unless you have a Big Block. I'd like to know how many of you have Small Blocks in your Chevelle; Yes I love the BB. But I didn't want the headaches that went with it. I remember they were always over heating. The Engine ran higher rpm's. So they were always breaking down. Now that was 40 yrs ago. But thats the reason I chose to go with a small block. :beers: :D

Listen old guy, you get out there on the road with that mouse motor and your gonna hold up traffic, maybe even get a trunk job.

That things outta there, you need to put some cubic inches under that hood.:yes::D

The torque of my daily driver's BB allows me to run a mellow highway gear and still have performance. You could get the same performance and drivability out of a built SB, but would probably have to use steeper gears and an overdrive transmission.

Have noticed no differences in engine temps between the two.

There NO replacement for Displacement:yes:

I have both. The 70 has a pretty decent 454 in it that can hold it's own, but also...my 86 Cutlass has a pretty stout small block in it that would spank quite a few BB Chevelles I've seen run at random drag strips I've been too. I've never had a single engine issue with the 454 in the 70 though. It loves running over 3000 RPM's, never overheats unless it's 90+ degrees out and sitting idle in traffic. The 350 in the Cutlass runs about the same
Now my 69 Malibu still retains the original 307/powerglide drivetrain. This is the most dependable car I own...that's all that needs to be said about it :yes:

Because that is all that CAN be said about it. :D

Does a small block Chev in a Buick count?:p

I'm not going to say that a small block is better than a big block.:noway:
If everything was equal except one motor has 100-200ci more than the other, I would expect the bigger motor to win.

That being said...
I just upgraded this weekend to a solid flat tappet cam and should have the numbers shown in my signature beat this Friday at our local T&T event.

To be fair, my best motor pass so far was 12.73 @ 104... the 11.97 run was with a 125 shot but with only 650lbs due to no heater and 45 degree weather. The heater goes on the bottle tomorrow.;) This is in a 3800lbs car with me in it.

We're expecting 12.40 -12.50 on motor, 11.50 on the 125 kit with proper pressure.

I drive this car 3,500-4000 miles a year on the street. I'm running 11:1 static but the cam is allowing me to run pump super (92).

Good luck with whatever you choose!:thumbsup:

none of my big blocks ever overheat or ran "higher rpms"

is that what they are supposed to do? :confused: ;)

What is this 'small block' you people speak of??????????

I perfer my SB to my BB actually. I like running that 302 into the stratoshpere!

Wow this is one of the funniest post I have read. I guess I better tell my friend with the naturally aspirated small block in his 55 bel air that runs high 9s and in 20 minutes can be legally drove home he should of built a big block. I guess all the dyno numbers from hot rod shoot outs didn't impress nobody. If you want to act like you have a big block just add some weight to your open motor bay. Big blocks are fun when the run. I had both. I went to some local drags and a sbc whipped up on every big block around this is all out no limit on motor race, he took first.

OK I GET IT!! LOL... Give an old man's memory a shake up. I guess I was wrong about the higher RPM"S. I had a 428 in a Fairlane. I remember it was running HOT at times. Yeah in traffic waiting for the light to change stuff like that. It ran high 12's best time back in the day. 1290's. Since you guys have jogged my memory. I remember this guy at work ( General Motors in Redford Michigan) Had a Mouse motor that gave me fits. He had a SB Nova I had the 428. Man off the line he would eat me up. I had to work at it the get him. I finally fig'd out the problem. I was giving it too much off the line with the street tires. After about the 4th time. I eased off line then nailed it. Thats when he saw fairlane tail lights. But then he built a Rat motor 396. In a Camero. We just never went at each other after that. We got into too much trouble just cruzin Telegraph Rd on the way into to work at night. But thanks for the spirited comments. Didn't do this to P anyone off. Just asking a question. Rob Like always Thanks for your comment. ha ha ha. I haven't held up any traffic as of yet.

I have a small block in my Chevelle and I love it. What I "want" is a big block, just to impress the fender wells. :)

Seriously, I had a 455 in my '74 Ventura and nothing sounded better than the FM exhaust and nothing felt better than my neck snapping and planting my passenger in the seat. My SB does that, but without all the violence that I want. :)

So, when the funds become available, a BB is going in the Chevelle.

I know that feeling. I had it once. But it took me almost two yrs to find this car. So right now its going to stay the way it is. Being retired. The funds are not as easy to put into it. I would also like a 4 speed. But I'm not going thru that hassle. Maybe the next one will have a Big Block & a 4 speed. Oh Happy days. Hell since i put on the headers a few weeks ago. I can't keep gas in it now?? LOL. Getting to love this car more and more every time I take her out.

I know that feeling. I had it once. But it took me almost two yrs to find this car. So right now its going to stay the way it is. Being retired. The funds are not as easy to put into it. I would also like a 4 speed. But I'm not going thru that hassle. Maybe the next one will have a Big Block & a 4 speed. Oh Happy days. Hell since i put on the headers a few weeks ago. I can't keep gas in it now?? LOL. Getting to love this car more and more every time I take her out.

AHHHH, music to my eyes. :)

Big blocks are cool, but unless you build it up to its full potential, I don't see its advantage over a small block. A small block can easily be built to exceed the HP/torque of an average big block with a fraction of the weight.

If the car is for street use why go with a heavy big block that will likely be built short of its full output potential. Why not go with the lighter stout small block?

I'd rather go with the lighter, lean, feisty motor than a larger, heavy, relatively lazy, under developed slouch

There are small blocks that can smash most street driven big blocks...Not to mention, they sound just as mean...maby even better on gas?

I read all your posts Rick, keepin an eye on ya.

Oh, I almost forgot, when or if I ever get this little gem done I'm going to put the big boy in there and I'll be coming up to Minnesota and put a whippin on that mouse motor.:yes:
:D

Big blocks are cool, but unless you build it up to its full potential, I don't see its advantage over a small block. A small block can easily be built to exceed the HP/torque of an average big block with a fraction of the weight.

If the car is for street use why go with a heavy big block that will likely be built short of its full output potential. Why not go with the lighter stout small block?

I'd rather go with the lighter, lean, feisty motor than a larger, heavy, relatively lazy, under developed slouch

There are small blocks that can smash most street driven big blocks...Not to mention, they sound just as mean...maby even better on gas?

What you failed to mention though is for that small block to have more power than the big block, you are going to have to build it up much further. You are going to have a much wilder, less street friendly small block to get the same power you would in a big block. This fact isn't even arguable, if you understand the internal compression engine at all, you will understand that one fact.

Myself I much prefer to have a car that will idle well, and have decent street manners to get the level of power I want over having to try to run on the ragged edge to get that power.

Jeff

I read all your posts Rick, keepin an eye on ya.

Oh, I almost forgot, when or if I ever get this little gem done I'm going to put the big boy in there and I'll be coming up to Minnesota and put a whippin on that mouse motor.:yes:
:D

Have you decide to start working on your car anytime in the last year again Rob? ;)

Honestly how far along is it, will we be seeing it out this year at all?

Jeff

What you failed to mention though is for that small block to have more power than the big block, you are going to have to build it up much further. You are going to have a much wilder, less street friendly small block to get the same power you would in a big block. This fact isn't even arguable, if you understand the internal compression engine at all, you will understand that one fact.

Myself I much prefer to have a car that will idle well, and have decent street manners to get the level of power I want over having to try to run on the ragged edge to get that power.

Jeff

So true it isn't even funny..........A mild BB will put out the same power as a hot sbc. Like stated earlier..............not even arguable.

ROB. Are you coming down for BACK TO THE 50'S ? OR Car Craft ? This year. It would be a great place to meet up. I'm doing both of them. Love the old Hot Rods. And the car craft cars. Both of them are back in our day.....Hee Hee. Nice to hear from you again. "Quikss posted a question for you on this page. Rick P.S. I f you come hunting Small Blocks. Let me know when. I bring a few. LOL

I'll be seeing you at Car Craft again this year Rick. Now I know, just look for the oldest guy there and say "Hey Rick" and it will be you :D

Jeff

I have no allegiance to either... I like bigblocks, I like smallblocks, I like LS-engines, I like W-engines, etc

They all have their advantages and disadvantages, ranging from cost, weight, complexity, RPM range, appearance (wow-factor), history/nostalgia, fuel mileage, and a million other reasons to choose the right one for you. I currently have 2 smallblocks, 2 LS engines, and 2 bigblocks that are either in-use, or will be soon.

SBs just don't get the attention at a car-show because they're so affordable, nearly everyone has them.

I'll be seeing you at Car Craft again this year Rick. Now I know, just look for the oldest guy there and say "Hey Rick" and it will be you :D

Jeff

Look for the old guy pushing a walker, and wearing a pink scarf... ;)

I was wondering when you were going to log in on this. Thanks too you & Brad. I never live it down. With the pink scarf thing. Just to let you guys know. Last winter I showed up in my wifes car. She needed my truck. So I took her car to a swap meet here in the twin cities. Now it was winter or cold enough. So she has this pink scarf around her pass seat. Out ex president see it and runs with this subject. I'll never lives this down now. so I might as well have fun with it. Derek I'll be send you some pic's soon!!! LOL. Oh by the way DEREK. You will pay old friend!!!!!!!!LOl

Have you decide to start working on your car anytime in the last year again Rob? ;)

Honestly how far along is it, will we be seeing it out this year at all?

Jeff

He will have his Chevelle on the road by the time I get my new Mustang. :)

I've had both but for right now it's a big block. I've seen plenty of SB's that could blow away alot of BB's. As far as reliability, it's all in how they're built and maintained. But I have to agree that a stock BB typically gets more respect than a stock SB.

Rob is most likely taken a nap. You know how those old fellers are !!! Hee Hee Oh Rob time to get up and play with your buddy's

Two identical cars show up at cruise night; color, interior, wheels....everything. The hoods are opened and one is a BB...........what are the bench-racers thinking now?

:bow:

Two identical cars show up at cruise night; color, interior, wheels....everything. The hoods are opened and one is a BB...........what are the bench-racers thinking now?

"Man, that car would be awesome if it only had an LSx motor!" :D

"Man, that car would be awesome if it only had an LSx motor!" :D
l:) I agree :thumbsup:

I went with both. Small block 427. There are too many theives around my area. So if i'm around a young crowd I play it off as a simple motor with a few modes. When I'm around people who really respect cars..... I get some real shocked expressions and plenty of respect when telling them what it really is.

I dont think respect comes with cubic inches,because you can have a big block that cant get out its own way,and you can have a small inch engine that is very stout.
the respect to me is put forth to what the rear wheels put down-and the engine combo.
but yea ,big blocks rule!!!!!!!!
rth

What you failed to mention though is for that small block to have more power than the big block, you are going to have to build it up much further. You are going to have a much wilder, less street friendly small block to get the same power you would in a big block. This fact isn't even arguable, if you understand the internal compression engine at all, you will understand that one fact.

Myself I much prefer to have a car that will idle well, and have decent street manners to get the level of power I want over having to try to run on the ragged edge to get that power.

Jeff

So what about a 70 LT1 sb, or a 64 L84 vs 66 chevelle L34/L35? Here we have two small block motors in stock form putting out equal or more hp than the heavier big block. I own a 70 RS/Z and its very street friendly. It is more nimble than any of my big block cars. The car idles well, great street manners. My big block Chevelles feel much heavier. Lets not talk about cornering...Just to keep the bb as level as a small block would take some sprucing up of the front end

So what about a 70 LT1 sb, or a 64 L84 vs 66 chevelle L34/L35? Here we have two small block motors in stock form putting out equal or more hp than the heavier big block. I own a 70 RS/Z and its very street friendly. It is more nimble than any of my big block cars. The car idles well, great street manners. My big block Chevelles feel much heavier. Lets not talk about cornering...Just to keep the bb as level as a small block would take some sprucing up of the front end

When you got the big boy with the horses under the hood, theres no problem turning those cars, that back end will come around.:yes:

So whats the lastest updates ? we need more pictures

So whats the lastest updates ? we need more pictures

I ain't talkin, its all top secret:yes:

So what about a 70 LT1 sb, or a 64 L84 vs 66 chevelle L34/L35? Here we have two small block motors in stock form putting out equal or more hp than the heavier big block. I own a 70 RS/Z and its very street friendly. It is more nimble than any of my big block cars. The car idles well, great street manners. My big block Chevelles feel much heavier. Lets not talk about cornering...Just to keep the bb as level as a small block would take some sprucing up of the front end


And using the same logic...:D...

There are a few big blocks that conservatively put out over 430HP stock (LS6, 427/435 to name but two). I can't recall any small blocks that were rated at anything higher than 360HP from the factory...but I could be wrong!

Rick, you should just pull the small block out and swap in an SD455 Pontiac...which was rated at 290HP...on unleaded ;)

Dare to be different I say!

Oh yeah...I'll race ya!;):D

And using the same logic...:D...

There are a few big blocks that conservatively put out over 430HP stock (LS6, 427/435 to name but two). I can't recall any small blocks that were rated at anything higher than 360HP from the factory...but I could be wrong!

Rick, you should just pull the small block out and swap in an SD455 Pontiac...which was rated at 290HP...on unleaded ;)

Dare to be different I say!

Oh yeah...I'll race ya!;):D

The L84 327 FI was rated at 375...Highest HP for a factory produced SB. I have an article comparing it to the 65 Vette 396/425. The BB beat the L84 on the 1/4 by 1/10 of a second.

If I remember the details correctly, the BB had a better launch and a better 60ft. time. The torque off the line was just too much for the SB The L84 quickly came-up to the BB though. The article states that had the track been longer, the L84 would have ran the BB down.

I have another article comparing the 66 L72 Vette to the 67 L71.
The 425 hp 66 L72 consistently out-ran the 67 L71.
Moral of the story...more carbs aren't alway better :beers:

convert to running alcohol :hurray:

Big Block ALL the way! :)

I want a ride in your car Dan!:thumbsup:

ive never had any issue with my big block