Hey guys, I have an old 355 that needs to be put together BUT, I have the urge for a rat. Which one is "better" and why? I will be running a 4 speed if all goes well. Nothing radical but some decent power is what I want.


Thanks guys graemlins/thumbsup.gif

BB

Pro's

High torque at low RPM 2000>5000
High torque/HP at low RPM :D
Easier to make big HP/TQ
Really looks good compared to a SB :eek:
More time between rebuilds because of the lower RPM needed for a given HP/TQ level

Con's
High cost to build 2500>10,000
High weight
Slow rev's compared to a SB

SB

Pro's

Low cost to build 1000>
Light weight
Rev's faster than most BB's
High HP/TQ but at a higher RPM

Con's

Big $$ to make big HP/TQ vs a BB
Peak HP/TQ at a higher RPM 4500>6500+
Just pewny lookin' :D

"slow revs as compared to a sbc"

Not for a short stroke, no way. Even had an LT-1 guy comment how quickly and high it revs.

The increased torque of a BBC is very controllable behind a auto tranny, but somewhat problematic behind a stick, espcially if its pushing 550 ft lbs, which many do.

However, having said all that, you can build a very reliable 454 for under $3000 ( ask mr.4 speed ). The 427 I use cost me $1800, and then another $2500 recently to freshen up after 10,000 hard miles.

IMHO, a rat just fills out the engine ebay so much nicer! But 355's can be made to run as quick as 396-427 rats with similar cams. I'd go 454, or even 482, with mild running gear. Running 12's through 3.08s is something most SBC's CANNOT do!

And with the torque of a big rat, cammed modestly, you dont need to pull off facny 4500 rpm clutch drops. Let the clutch up and roll on the throttle. Easy on parts that way.( one reason I chose a small-ish cam for mine was to avoid the big rpm drops, i.e. breakage.)_

You call yourself "YenkoChevelle69" and you have to ask THAT question!!!???

graemlins/thumbsup.gif TORQUE graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Reason for a big block is in my signature graemlins/thumbsup.gif

looks cool when you pop the hood - big block

Originally posted by YenkoChevelle69:
.... Which one is "better" and why? .... If you have to ask...go with the small block ;)

Those who wonder have never experienced the thunder.

Thomas

who was it that said "BIG BLOCKS ARE FOR BABIES" LOL

someone brimming with envy no doubt, since its nonsensical!

Bottles are...

Just use my simple solution...build one of each! :D

Build a nice 427 shortblock, send it to me, and Ill send you a 400+hp 383 longblock. Sound like a deal? :D

Big Block! for the Shock and Awe effect graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Could the weight difference be made up with fiberglass pieces parts?

Could the weight difference be made up with fiberglass pieces parts? Sure they can but fiberglass isn't good for the street ,it doensn't look good.

Fiber hood/fenders/bumper,take out the inner fenders,switch to an aluminum radiator,aluminum wheels with smaller tires hows that.

I was told recently that the 283 was the most powerful engine Chevrolet ever made! He had a '68 Chevelle SS post car with a 283 that made 650 horsepower at the rear wheels with two Holley 950 double pumpers! So definitely go with the small block! graemlins/clonk.gif :rolleyes: The smaller the better! It's a shame they didn't keep making the 265, those things could probably make 800 horsepower at the rear wheels with a pair of 1050 Dominators! graemlins/clonk.gif tongue.gif

Of course I told him that the '68 Chevelle SS-283 was a rare one all by itself. And the much sought-after "post" option with a 283 was so rare as to be almost legendary! graemlins/boring.gif

Yeah, by running the twin 1050's on a 265 you create the "Jet Ski" effect on 'em. Drop a couple of Predators on there, and you can expect at least a G at the tail pipe alone!! By massively flooding the engine with all that gas, it'll shoot it out the pipe(s) and you are GONE!!!!... graemlins/clonk.gif

CJLandry I had some guy "Talk engines" with me one time also.... he said the same thing best engine to mod out is a 283 lol... Dont forget to spray paint your gas tank Florecent Orange and Jack the car up 2 feet.

I think theres alota fun to be had with small blocks but it's easier to make a BB run good.

I myself am sticking to SB's but im gonna go for more cudes next winter with a 383.

hey Gene!!!!!!!!!!! WWwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! lol

I guess you've never rode in a hi performance big block car have you? Or even a low perf BB.

probably drove more than youve seen bud. just prefer a small. remember, diff'rent strokes !!

I'm staying outta this.... pdq67

I dont get what you just said BlownGasket. You like small blocks but you are building it to have more cubes. I can tell you your going in the right direction but why not take the ultimate leap. I personally will never build a sbc for anything other than a 67-69 z28 camaro. That is the 302, its what a SBC is supposed to be. A high reving, top end machine with super fast recovery. A long stroke SBC makes no point, why not have the longer rod, bigger bore of a BBC. I guess you dont want the better designed factory heads, a better rod ratio, larger bore, or the ability to pop the hood and see wall to wall engine. When GM starts making a 383SBC in a factory car ill make one but there must be some reason it isnt being made. I never saw an SS chevelle with a 383 did you? Once you go BB you never go back.

probably drove more than youve seen bud. just prefer a small. remember, diff'rent strokes !! I was talking to yenkochevelle69 BUD tongue.gif

No question a big block will make more power. There comes a point fairly easily with a big block where you can make more power than you can effectively put to the pavement without making some serious mods and effectively ruining the "streetability" or the collector value of your car. There is no point (that I can see)in building a 650 HP big block if you plan on running rally wheels and red stripe tires. My brother has a big block Nova that runs high 10's, no bottle, and it's street legal. It's essentially a race car with license plates, and he'll be the first to tell you that it sucks for street driving. This isn't to say all 10 second street cars are untractable. Consider what you want the car to do, consider your budget, and do some research. If you plan carefully and execute the plan well, you'll be happy either way.

Torque? I got torque. tongue.gif

I have always loved the iron mouse, the greatest gas engine of all time, if all you are after is h.p. run twin rats in a pickup and make the bed a huge fuel tank, and bring lots of cash.

I don't get no highway out of my BB, nor have i ever been to the track, but i'm gonna tell ya light to light is a blast. Check out my signature!! :D

You know there is"the combo's that work page"in here.

Originally posted by Monte-73:
...When GM starts making a 383SBC in a factory car ill make one but there must be some reason it isnt being made. I never saw an SS chevelle with a 383 did you?...GM never made a car with a 502 either but I can show you several Chevelle SS's that have one.

For a short time in the early 80's I owned a '64 Chevelle with a 433 cube BB, 2800 stall and 3.73s in a 12 bolt. It was a hoot! Then it was stolen.

Right now we drive this 81 Elky with a medium high revving SB. I find myself wanting a lower RPM torque motor. Now it might be a lot more fun with a 4 speed....

But for driving around the street, I would want at least a 383 torquer, May soon build a 406 torquer, or would want a BB. All with a nice 3.23, 3.08, or even a 2.73 rear!

Originally posted by BPOS:
No question a big block will make more power. There comes a point fairly easily with a big block where you can make more power than you can effectively put to the pavement without making some serious mods and effectively ruining the "streetability" or the collector value of your car. There is no point (that I can see)in building a 650 HP big block if you plan on running rally wheels and red stripe tires. Very good point.
Basically it comes down to how you like to drive. I'm a street runner 95 percent of the time. I was tired of having to shift all the time. So now I use automatics. I got tired of having to stand on the brakes just to stop, and fighting with the steering wheel. Now I have pb's and ps. Then I decided I liked being comfortable so I wanted a/c.
ANYWAY...All of the things I mentioned take away power and add weight. So I don't run as fast as some do, but I run respectably, and comfortably.

The point is that if you're a serious racer, then plan on having two cars.
If you want a little of both then plan well, and piece your ride together carefully. If you plan on power shifting a 3800lb car alot then go with the bb. But if you're a weekend warrior or an intermittent racer that needs creature comforts and want to hear the higher rpm's like I do, then a sb fits the bill. It is my belief the sb is easier to setup 'for the street' than the bb is. BB's when built break easier, and more often because of all that power. Let's face it slinging around larger parts at high rpm's...inertia will win.

Big Block = Big Torque

More Torque = More fun !!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by Danspeed1:
Big Block = Big Torque

More Torque = More fun !!!!!!!!! Absolutely graemlins/thumbsup.gif