'74 Engine...Better to have L82 or LS4

[Stallion]

I was just looking on the Model Center at the specifications for the 1974 Corvette and I saw that there were three engine options: L48, L82, and LS4. But, There's not too much information on the LS4 except that it's a 454 ci instead of the L48 and L82's 350.

So, the LS4 is clearly bigger. But, is it better? Why?

Thanks!
TR

 

[Stallion]

Arg!! Disregard the subject of the thread. I mean to put '74, not '75. Just a little typo. Sorry...

 

[Shark Chief]

 

[Stallion]

So what are the differences besides being a bigger engine? Is it preferable to have an LS4 in a '74? Thanks!

 

[Red73BB]

the obvious difference is the larger the engine the more HP it can generate. There is no subsitute for cubic inches. The second would be cost, usually the BB run more in initial car purchase but the resale value is higher . one reason is more 350's were producted.

Gary

 

[Stallion]

Okay, I understand. It'll be benefitial to go with a LS4, but more pricey and harder to find. Also, the L82 is a great engine, I understand, and I think I would be satisfied. Thanks!

 

[MaineShark]

When I asked a similar question a little while back, someone brought up another point: the big-block is heavier, which affects the handling of the car.

Joe

 

[Stallion]

That makes sense, but do you think it's worth it? Is it that much affected?

Thanks!

 

[Eric]

Arg!! Disregard the subject of the thread. I mean to put '74, not '75. Just a little typo. Sorry...

Typo fixed!

As for your question, you may also want to consider the plentiful nature of everything related to the Small Block Chevy. Big blocks are nice and there may be no replacement for displacement but the car will indeed dive into corners as well as your wallet a little faster and harder than a small block.

Also, if you look over the last few years of Corvette Fever price guides you will see that big block demand has taken a nose dive the last several years.

 

[Stallion]

Hmmm....it seems like it's a matter of weighing the pros and cons of a bigger block. Like I said, I would be more than satisfied with an L82, and then maybe with time, luck, and money I could pop in a 454 and work with that. Just a thought...

 

[Evolution1980]

Big Blocks ("BB") also have a different sound. Many times that sound is attempted to be duplicated by us small block guys (and usually to no avail :L) Becuase as said before, there's no replacement for displacement.

My personal pref is to go BB. They are more rare, but anything that's more rare is going to hit a bit harder in the ol' wallet. But it also makes it more collectible. On the other hand, you are correct that you can always add a BB crate engine later. If you're just starting out, the small block might be a better starting point. But on the other hand, you may regret later not getting an original 454 engine...
Does that help make things a bit more muddy for you??? :L

I gotta put in my joking 2¢ about the "big blocks market value dropping"... If that truly is the case, it's probably due to the price of gas now. But my reply to that is if you are driving a corvette, especially an older vette, and you are concerned about gas mileage...you probably shouldn't be driving an older vette! :L :L

 

[basilio]

LS4 vs L82

There is no question the big block is the one to have if you can afford it. The '74 was the last year for it and by all accounts there will never be another big block Corvette in the future. The 1974 Corvette big block was chosen as one of the best 10 collector cars to appreciate by Hemmings!

The sound and power of the big block is very different than the small blocks. This is why they are so in demand. When you open the hood of a big block people's jaw drop at the sight of the massive engine. The handling is only minimally affected by the increased weight-- the suspension was different on the big blocks to compensate for this.

I like my cars to be original. The cost of buying a small block and putting a big block may be prohibitive. Remember, that the big block consists of a package not just an engine.
I SAY BUY AN ORIGINAL BIG BLOCK 1974! There is no factory Corvette made after the 1974 big block with more power until the ZR-1 of 1990! THE BIG BLOCK ALL THE WAY!!!

 

[Stallion]

Well, of course I would definitely prefer a BB (), but I'm afraid to be too choosey when looking for a Vette. Like you said, they're rare. What I'm planning on doing is actually looking for a Vette at Carlisle, for the amazing selection and possibly and BB.

I see you have a BB '74. I'm jealous...

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

Take into account the overall condition of the engine and car itself.Even the L48 is a good chevy engine that can be modified.All things being equal I`d go with the big block 454 because their legendary.The BB Vettes had stiffer springs if front to help compensate for the extra weight of the engine.

 

[Stallion]

So, if you buy a Vette that has the L48, then you can't put in a 454 BB. I guess because the springs wouldn't handle it and because the hood won't be tall enough, right?

 

[Evolution1980]

So, if you buy a Vette that has the L48, then you can't put in a 454 BB. I guess because the springs wouldn't handle it and because the hood won't be tall enough, right?

Stallion,

No, like I said before, the engines are all interchangable. The BB did have a taller hood, but I don't believe that heavy duty ("HD") springs were always used. I could be wrong on that though. But you can put a BB in just about ANY year corvette. Usually all that needs modding is the hood. And sometimes, not even that, as you'd just go to a shorter air cleaner.

Also, know that BB engines don't necessarily mean faster. Especially if you are talking factory stock 454 versus a slightly modified 350 small block. The factory 454 from 1972-1974 all had under 300hp. You can get a 350 small block pumping out over 400hp with relative ease. It weighs less and developes more power faster.

Since the car is going to be new to you, and you won't know the real world handling differences of a 454 -vs- a 350, you'll get to know whatever you have and learn to drive it accordingly. You won't know the difference unless you loggeed substantial hours on both cars.

One thing you need to determine is what you want out of your car. Do you want collectibility/originality? Or just out and out fun in whatever capacity. No point in insisiting on an original 454 if you are just going to modify it, unless you want the 454 block to be the groundwork for your modificiations. Some people said I should keep all my parts and this and that. I don't care about keeping my car original. I want my car to be fun for me. I don't ever plan on selling it. And if I do, I'm sure someone will come along that likes what I've done and buy it for what it is, not what it could be or could have been. In the meantime, I sell my original parts to people looking for original parts and I put that money towards other goodies that I want. And in the end, everyone's happy!

 

[basilio]

big block vs. small block

There is more to a big block Corvette than just a taller hood. The springs on a big block are stiffer than a small block's. The big block comes with anti-roll bars front AND rear.

There is more. The exhaust pipe diameter is larger. The half shafts are larger. There are variations on the frame as well. So buying a small block Corvette and placing a big block into it after all the modifications to place it in the engine compartment will still not give you a complete big block Corvette.

If a newer small block can be placed in a vintage Corvette, then let's go all the way with a newer big block. There is no substitute for cubic inches and if weight is a problem then there are aluminum blocks.

I own a big block and a small block Corvette (different years) and you know which one I prefer. THE 454!!!

 

[Stallion]

I see what you mean about the springs. And, also I understand that you would have to mod the hood. But, wouldn't that be pretty hard to do to raise it? Or, like you said, go with a different air filter.

I also understand what you mean of "what to look for" in a Vette. Part of me says "mod it and make it something amazing", and part of me says "keep it an original". And, I also agree that a modded 350 may surpass a 454, but if I want to keep that originality that I wouldn't want to mod a 350 and I would rather a 454. So, I still haven't made up my mind if I'm looking for originality or if I would like to modify a smaller block.

Thanks, Evolution!

 

[Stallion]

Yes, I understand what you mean and it brings up a good point that was a conflict in my mind. Do I settle for a nice 350 or do I look for a 454? Of course, I would prefer a big block, but I'm afraid to be too choosey. You know? I think an L82 would be a great engine, and I wouldn't complain. But a '69 with an L88. That's a beauty. That would be my dream big block Vette. :eek

 

[basilio]

big vs. small block

Please see the big block vs. small block thread