smallblock vs. bigblocks

[sb 350]

I would like to hear what you think>>Iam a smallblock man all the way how bout u?    ???

[General Lee 01]

First of all, Welcome to GM-TC.  :thumb:

 

 

This thread will get better responses in the engine area, so I'm going to send this thread over there.

[Guest Friz]

Depends on what you're looking for. I've owned quite a few of big and small blocks and it just depends on what you want to do with it.

Big blocks make gobs of torque, but don't like high rpm for very long. Too much weight to throw around inside.

Small blocks make decent torque and are easy to rev to the moon.

If you want to get slip times for your 1/2 ton 2x4, go small block.

If you want to tow a 35' fifth wheel across the great divide, get a rat motor.

My 1 ton, CC 4x4 has a 350 and at least twice a week I wish that it had a 454 in it.

[BDBWTE]

Both are good motors....That's what GM does gas motors...I won't consider any other gas truck due to GM's superior build quality in gas motors...but the big block for pulling, and the small block for everything else..imo

[CMNTMXR81]

Boy o boy!!!

 

Both have their plusses and minusses.

 

Small blocks offer excellent power (both HP and torque) and the ability to rev in a more compact and lighter package and at the same time returns pretty good economy.  A 383 stroker is the perfect blend of Big Block grunt and small block revving power.

 

Big Blocks offer ungodly amounts of torque at virtually anywhere in it's RPM spectrum, bulletproof reliability (say what you will about oil consumption) and actually Big Blocks DO like to rev too.  Just have to have the right heads.  Most people relate Big Blocks as torque monster, low revving truck motors.  In which case, "It doesn't like to be revved" argument is true.  But go to any drag strip.  The big 3 stage nitrous mills with big Weiand blowers sit atop 6,000 - 7,000rpm Big Blocks that make power in the 1,000+ Hp range.  Go check out GM Performance Parts new 572 cube motor (the 12:1 compression) motor.  It cranks out 720hp and redlines at 6,750rpm.  Then we can start getting into the Keith Black's and Reher Morrison motors like the 613 cube behemoths that don't rev like truck motors.  

 

Conversely, Big Block motors tend to weigh a lot more and of course suffer from terrible fuel economy.

 

It really comes down to what you're putting it in.  If you're only concerned about covering a straight 1,320ft, a small block will do the job, but a Big Block will do the job even better.  If you're looking at something a little more balanced and want to keep nimble handling, great braking, great economy and great power, the Small Block may be your better choice.

 

With that said, I have one of each.  

[Black02Silverado]

This is a toss up.  Nothing like the torque in a big block. My 65 Impala SS 407 (396 bored .060 over) just puts along at idle in 4th gear, of course I'm not pushing it but its fun to drive. It isn't an RPM friend either, sounds like it is going to blow at 5k but wow what power when the clutch is let out.

 

Oh as for gas mileage, does 8mpg sound about right?

 

Then there is the small block. You can push it all day and it never quits.

 

Either way they are both fun fun fun till the police come your way.

:thumb:

 

 

[sb 350]

unless your on a trail and then you can say fu#@ the the police!!!