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SBC 454 vs BBC 454

39K views 20 replies 20 participants last post by  71malibu406 
#1 ·
Looking to up grade my race motor, I currently have a sbc 383. I want you guys opinion about what is better a sbc 454 or bbc 454? What are the advantages and disadvantages on performance. Can I make the same power from a sbc 454 as bbc 454 can? Thanks Andy
 
#2 ·
I would look at heads. Can the small block heads feed a 454 small block or would a good set of larger castings build around the bigblock work better? If you are boring and stroking a small block that much why not just do the same to a bigblock and get way more then 454? How about a easy build 540???

Is the stroked small block just a mimitation big block, a phone trying to act like it's big brother??? Is the beef in the small block around the crank sufficient to handle the power???
If you want bigblock cubes and power why not just build a bigblock??
I did
 
#3 ·
you have to think about weight too, you may not make the same power but you will have like 300 lbs off the frontend. Personally I would run with the big block. Even if you don't stroke it. If you have a good comp ratio, good heads, cam, tranny and gears. You will have more fun that you will with a small block
 
#4 ·
That's a huge question.

Since you're already running a small block, the accessories when changing to a big block will cost you, staying with a small block will cost less (not considering a header upgrade, etc) and will keep added weight off the front end. I think the bbc/sbc weight difference is closer to 150# given both engines use aluminum heads and intake.

If you're specifically looking at 454 cu in, then the big block is going to make more power than the small block for the same money, since you can use a core 454 longblock and build 600 HP with a lot of the stock components whereas the small block will require everything to be aftermarket. The World 454 comes to mind, but that is a risky race engine. I feel the safe limit for the aftermarket block is a 434 (4x4.155) and to build a 454 you should be looking at a tall deck small block. Once you go down that alley, as much as I'm a hardcore small block guy, I feel you're much better off building a 565 big block where the potential is infinitely greater with stronger components. 900 HP with a well built 565 big block using all shelf stock components (aftermarket cam/pistons/cnc heads/etc) is reasonably easy and relatively inexpensive compared to what it takes to build a tall deck small block since it is a far more common build.

I would look at building a 427/434 small block if your goals aren't that lofty to keep the weight balance the same in your car, but big goals require big cubes.:D

What is your current ET/MPH, and where do you want to be? BTW, that cam is seriously huge for a 383, I had that in my 407 (14.5:1) and swapped to a custom roller roughly 10 degrees smaller and picked up a tenth or better at the track.
 
#5 ·
Andy,

What are your ET/MPH or HP goals? What is your cars raceweight?

I'm a fairly diehard SBC guy.

Why the limit to a 454 BBC? As was mentioned, a 454 SBC shortblock is going to cost the same as a 565 BBC shortblock.

On the BBC you can make 900+ HP with conventional BBC heads that are readily available. For the SBC to make 800+ you are going to have to spend a significant amount on the heads/cam/intake to get there. A REAL, REAL good 18 deg. head at a minimum.

Here's my big cube SBC junk:

http://members.aol.com/jgchevelle/engine.html

If you are talking stock blocks for both the SBC and BBC..........I'd probably build a 496 BBC.
 
#7 ·
I hate answering these questions since I like small blocks,,,So a 454 BB or SB, here is my answer the Big Block is going to make more power just because the BB heads outflow the SB heads by alot. I bet a stock set of BB heads like the 781's will outflow alot of aftermarket 23' heads. I have a 427 small block in my Chevelle still haven't crossed that line yet to put a BB in my car yet.

Dave
Launch Pic

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p87/Dave427/IMG_00751.jpg
 
#13 ·
Hmmm Lets see.
454 Small Block nice sleeper, looks like a 307 Top of the line parts.

572 Big Block Better sleeper, looks like a 396 Middle of the road parts. Tiebreaker..... WOW Factor for Big Block.

Ask any die hard big block gearhead. They will tell you which is better. :hurray: Throw in an aluminum water pump and aluminum radiator and Mini starter to keep weight down to small block Lbs. Alumuinum Heads are a given.
 
#21 ·
you can't have it both ways. do you like the wow factor of the big block or do you like the sleeper factor of the small block? my 406 runs better than many of the 454 combos i see on here, but ultimately in a max effort for max power, the bbc is going to be the smarter deal in the long run. if 9's are the goal and it's a mostly dragstrip car then it can be done with a small block as well as a big block, but probably easier and cheaper with a big block. but once you put that fat block in there it had better run or guys like me will be laughing at the stunned look on your face when you see a small block sitting between the fenders just after we've dusted your doors off :)
 
#14 ·
I'd say it doesn't matter - you will eventually go to the big block for the same reason you're migrating from the 383 to a 454. The 454 will become a 496, then a 540, etc etc. Might as well just get the BB now. :D
 
#15 ·
If max power is the objective, big block, 540 minimum.
If streetability is a big concern, check out what's being done with the LS engines. One of my buddies at Scoggin-Dickey has had a customer build two 427's (4.07 bore x 4.1 stroke). With a 230/238 hydraulic roller and out of the box L92 heads, they made 602hp at 6200 and barely had a hint of lope at idle. I watched a LSX454 dyno at 750hp, again with a hydraulic roller cam. Dollar for dollar, these things are tough to beat, and if you stick with an aluminum block, handling and overall weight are both improved.
 
#18 ·
1st Question: (I want you guys opinion about what is better a sbc 454 or bbc 454?) The BBC Chev has much heavier components, crank, rods, good heads etc... For years SBC guys used to use BBC rods...

2nd Question: ( What are the advantages and disadvantages on performance.) Same answer as 1st. question...lol

3rd Question: ( Can I make the same power from a sbc 454 as bbc 454 can?) With todays heads? I would have to say dame close.

It turns into a real money game at this level.
You seam to be a guy that has been around. I can tell by your sig info.
So you must have seen the ads
.
427ci Motown "World Class" Street Engines (SBC)
*
SB-Chevy 427ci World Class Engine
* 520 HP, 495 ft/lbs TQ
* Aluminum heads..... $9,999.99.... Jegs..
$19.23 per horse

Edelbrock Pat Musi 555ci /650HP Engine (BBC)
* Displacement: 555ci
* 650HP, 650TQ ..... $12,799.99.... Jegs..
$19.69 per horse

You decide..:cool:
 
#19 ·
Andy - You said on the Camaro board that your ride is 3000# and your goal is to run 9s. You don't need a 454 (bbc or sbc) to do that! You didn't post the current performance of your ride, but if getting into the 9s is a big jump, then I would question whether your heads are doing the job. And, if they aren't doing the job on your 383, they definitely won't be adequate to feed a 454!

FWIW, your TH400 is sucking up about 40 hp more then our stick, but our 383" sbc runs 9s in a 3362# Malibu.

Mike (Big Red) mentioned the Motown 427" sbc (520 hp @ $19.23/hp) and the Musi 555" bbc (650 hp @ $19.69/hp). If you want a proven combination, I'll be glad to put our 383 on the dyno and sell it to you for $10.00/hp.
 
#20 ·
Andy - You said on the Camaro board that your ride is 3000# and your goal is to run 9s. You don't need a 454 (bbc or sbc) to do that! You didn't post the current performance of your ride, but if getting into the 9s is a big jump, then I would question whether your heads are doing the job. And, if they aren't doing the job on your 383, they definitely won't be adequate to feed a 454!

FWIW, your TH400 is sucking up about 40 hp more then our stick, but our 383" sbc runs 9s in a 3362# Malibu.

Mike (Big Red) mentioned the Motown 427" sbc (520 hp @ $19.23/hp) and the Musi 555" bbc (650 hp @ $19.69/hp). If you want a proven combination, I'll be glad to put our 383 on the dyno and sell it to you for $10.00/hp.
$10.00 isn't bad..
$11.00 to $14.00 from 300hp to 575hp in a small block is about average from a builder. After 575hp it gets real nuts...
 
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