Big Block vs. Small block...bigger not always better

[69MyWay]

Just read a cool article in Car Craft with a big block vs. small block shoot out.

Now, before you picture a 350 sbc vs. a 454 bbc, I must tell you they tested a hogged out 427 sbc vs. a 502 bbc.

the sb made just over 500 hp, and the bb made just over 600 hp, and of course more torque.

They used an old Nova and dropped each motor in the car and did a series of 1/4 mile tests after the flywheel dyno was complete.

Here is the scary part for us bbc guys, the hogged out sbc pushed the Nova deep into the 11's at about 112 mph. The bbc pushed it deep into the 11's at about 116 mph! The bbc was like 300 more pounds than the sbc and the bbc cost more to build.

So, other than the wow factor of popping the hood and seeing a RAT tied between the fenders, it appears that the sbc mill has the capacity to more than put a smile on your fact, and leave the bbc guy wondering what hit him.

Of course however, there is no substitute for cubes, as the sbc is nearly 100 more cid than a stock mill.

Good reading.

I really like car craft because they don't just focus on one manufacturer. YOu get a good chance to see what is going on with all the hot detroit steel.

 

[GWHITE75]

Looks like I will be buying a magazine.

Because I have yet to read the article, here are my prejudiced comments/questions:

Now, in fairness to us BBC guys. They added 77 CI to the SBC and only 48 CI to the BBC. (Based on the most produced SBC - 350 CI). I know they made a 400" SBC for a period of time, but that doesn't count.

To some, it might sound like I am being a little nit picky, but "there's no substitue for cubic inches" right? They shorted us 29 CI.

Did they address the traction issues between the two motor's output capabilities?

Were both motors running aluminum or cast iron heads and were the internal part's metals the same type?

 

[groovyjay]

I love what Monty Williams has done to his 427 SBC. His preivous version, the one without the turbos installed made over 600hp on the dyno. My next project will have aluminum small block for sure.

 

[Glensgages]

Haven't seen the article, but how many R's did both motors turn at max HP? I'm of opinion that while you 'can' twist a SBC pretty good, it is RPMs that destroy a motor eventually. From a racing-point of view, which motor has a lower 'cost-per-run' factor, which one would stay together longer, etc. None-the-less, who'da thunk in 1955 the 265" would grow by 60% in displacement, and 300% in HP? Impressive!:BOW

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Richard Prince makes this observation as well in his 1968 - 1982 Restoration Guide as it relates to the stock 454, which he felt was developed by GM to address the smogging down of the engines.

 

[GWHITE75]

What's up groovyjay

Monty is a mad scientist (in a good way). Plus, both his old and current motors would have broken my miss piggy bank and marriage.

However, that is a lot of HP he got from a SBC. Just think what he could have gotten from a BBC with the same amount of $$ invested? I do like his enthusiasm.

I suspect this article deals with "affordable" motors that a majority of people could get and bolt in. Hence, the popular 502 CI, instead of a more appropriate 572 CI.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Lots of good points fellas! the 502bb vs a stroked 400sb is a good match-up. notice that both engines had similar times in the 1/4?? the small blocks get off the line and grab rpm much faster than the big blocks. but the big blocks keep pulling when the small block peaks, difference of hp. displacement rules, but weight kills. that is why the et's are the same and the mph is higher on the big block. heavy = faster second half track times, light = quick 60ft times. mix the best of both worlds and you get an aluminum big block just like the top fuel boys!! my next motor will be an aluminum 454 small rocket block. i just need to find another Vette, maybe a '62, to put it in. small or big just comes to personal preference, but the bowtie is what matters!!!!!!! Brian