Worth it to go big block? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Yellow72C10 · 06-12-2013, 10:35 PM

I have a 72 k10, with a weak 350, mated to a th350. The trans is fine as far as I know, but idling up and Down the driveway doesn't account for much. Thinking very seriously about a crate motor swap, and I can't decide if its really worth it to go to big block. I'd like to make plenty of power, just like the next guy, but is it worth it in the long run? Any help and experience is greatly appreciated

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DaddyO · 06-12-2013, 11:20 PM

What sort of horsepower are you looking for? Chances are you can do it with a fresh motor like an LS 3 with a 4L60E transmission.

Yellow72C10 · 06-12-2013, 11:44 PM

400 would be nice. I have a limited budget though...I'd like to stay old school too. Nothing to new or fancy
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Rufton · 06-12-2013, 11:51 PM

I'd just get favorite crate unless driving too many miles per year to afford gas.

bobs409 · 06-13-2013, 07:16 AM

I built a 454 for my 69 stepside and noticed ever since, I hardly drive it!

Paying for premium gets old VERY fast at todays prices! When it had the junkyard 350 in it, I drove the wheels off of it. (I do have a 71 Cheyenne20 that I daily drive so no big deal in my case)

I guess it depends on how you intend on driving it. If only occasionally, a big block could work but if on a regular basis, I'd go small block.

Bryantcm · 06-13-2013, 07:41 AM

You can easily achieve 400hp/400tq with a small block and for a lot less than a BB.
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Tillik · 06-13-2013, 07:47 AM

In my 71 4X4 Daily Driver, I upgraded to a low hp stock crate motor(Tight Budget-Great Deal). Compared to the original motor it ran so nice. It was sooooooo gutless. My buddy upgraded to a crate motor at the same time but he got the 300hp one. It had plenty of power.

Eventually my gearhead buddy convinced me to upgrade to a big block. It was a bit of work to convert it. Radiator upgrade, supports-clamps, motor mounts, different shroud, new headers, bigger carb, difference flex plate, blah blah blah blah. The HEI was shoved right into my firewall. After tweaking and tuning I finally dialed it in. Had more power then I knew what to do with. It was so different then any SB's i've ever owned. I can totally see why Big Block guys are biased.

It's a supreme gas guzzling beast, but it's mean for sure. If I could go back in time, I would have just saved a few more dollars and picked up a higher HP 350. Would have been a lot less trouble and still would have been happy. Since it was my daily driver, it would have just made more sense.

If your not depending on getting to work with your truck, having a 454 def has the cool factor. They are night and day difference. Big Block VS Small Block... What do you need and what do you really want?

**truckster** · 06-13-2013, 08:46 AM

Having owned both, the sound and the torque of the big block are something else. Disclaimer - my big block was an Olds 455 (I can still hear the idle in my mind).

Building my current Blazer, I decided to go with a Vortec motor (carbed/HEI) because I intend to drive it whenever I want. Fuel mileage may not seem like a big deal as visions of burnouts dance in your head, but once the reality of 6-7 MPG hits (that's what mine got), it starts to impact your driving fun.

If it's an occasional driver and you want to be able to roast the tires, the big block might be what you want.

HSRACER · 06-13-2013, 09:06 AM

I have 2 trucks with 350 engines and 2 with 383 stroker motors. The 383 engines are fantastic. They have strong torque and still get good mileage but will roast the tires at will. This is the best compromise because you get all you need and dont have to reconfigure your engine bay, exhaust, radiator and all your accessoery brackets!

MARKDTN · 06-13-2013, 10:42 AM

Stay small block. If you have a BB keep it, but it is not worth it to swap. There are a lot of parts needed besides the crate engine (intake, pulleys, brackets, radiator, exhaust, etc.)

CLW · 06-13-2013, 12:18 PM

Everyone here is dead on. A sound small block in these trucks can be fun and efficient! But if you place more priority on the "fun" factor, a big block is your choice! It's not an easy bolt in, as others have noted, but WOW, there cool. I did a mild 454 bored .030 over backed by a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6 speed and it is awesome fun to drive! If you enjoy the build as much as the drive (time with sons for me), then do the big block swap!

Either way, you can't go wrong with these trucks!
Enjoy!
CW
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cdowns · 06-13-2013, 01:13 PM

OPEC wants u to go bigblock

BurnoutNova · 06-13-2013, 01:17 PM

I like Big blocks alot, but it doesnt make sense to build one anymore. They are heavy, headers don't fit that good, the firewall is tight in these trucks and the motor mounts are hard to find.

You can make just as much power for less money and easier with a small block.

**CC69Rat** · 06-13-2013, 02:07 PM

Ever watch Passtime? How many Big Blocks to you see?

Different reasons for each scenario, not everyone drives their trucks for the same reason. It just depends on what you want to do with it IMO.

OPEC wouldn't mind if you towed your boat with an under powered SMOG rated SBC either.. just sayin. It's all about efficiency and what you plan to do with the truck

Vintage Windmills · 06-13-2013, 07:57 PM

Be different and go 6 cylinders! Turbocharged offenhaused 292 and run like a bat out of h***

chevy72blu · 06-13-2013, 08:37 PM

While the BB swap isnt difficult, parts and pieces will add up. There is nothing like a BB, but I actually pulled a pretty hot 496 for an LS1 and in doing so, fell in love with the truck all over again

If you are against an LSX, I would go 383. 400 hp isnt too difficult to achieve and it will be a fun motor. Depends on your budget and needs

slow-1 · 06-14-2013, 05:39 PM

I am no expert but I do have some recent experience.

You can get the base GM crate motor and swap in the cam of your choice to make it have plenty of power, theres lots of info on this all over the internet...apparently the base model crate motor is the same as some of the higher HP motors with the only difference being the cam.
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outback 1970 · 06-14-2013, 07:14 PM

i had a sbc in mine once i went to bbc ill never go back !

Tx Firefighter · 06-14-2013, 07:34 PM

For all the folks encouraging big block swaps, keep in mind, this guy has a 4 wheel drive.

It's not a slam dunk swap like it is on a 2wd truck.
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1972RedNeck · 06-14-2013, 08:52 PM

It's too bad a 700R4 won't take it. it would make the swap a cake walk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

OPEC wants u to go bigblock

^I just stole that for my sig.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Windmills

Be different and go 6 cylinders! Turbocharged offenhaused 292 and run like a bat out of h***

Best idea yet.

If you want a sh** ton of of power and then some with good economy, there is only one way to go.

BossHogg69 · 06-14-2013, 11:20 PM

Just build a Dart block 427 or 434 small block - big block torque and gas mileage, small block size!

ItsRandy · 06-15-2013, 12:53 AM

it's always worth it to go big block!

Z10 · 06-15-2013, 01:14 AM

This is going in my 72 in a couple of weeks. 350/355hp in front of a 700R4, should do the trick.

**70cst** · 06-15-2013, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

For all the folks encouraging big block swaps, keep in mind, this guy has a 4 wheel drive.

It's not a slam dunk swap like it is on a 2wd truck.
Posted via Mobile Device

Good point

69vetteside · 06-15-2013, 05:27 AM

I don't know what your budget is but a 427 shaffirof for $9500 is plenty of engine and lite as a small block and runs on 91 gas.
I was going to go BB in my 87 vette but got the 427 ultra street. straight away it was a 10.6 car compared to the 12.3 i was getting from my mild built 350.
I was going to go BB in my 69 truck but am so impressed with the 427SB that i have ordered on for the truck in all aluminum.565HP/lighter than a BB and runs on 91,cant beat that

06-12-2013, 10:35 PM	#1
Yellow72C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bardstown, kentucky Posts: 46	Worth it to go big block? I have a 72 k10, with a weak 350, mated to a th350. The trans is fine as far as I know, but idling up and Down the driveway doesn't account for much. Thinking very seriously about a crate motor swap, and I can't decide if its really worth it to go to big block. I'd like to make plenty of power, just like the next guy, but is it worth it in the long run? Any help and experience is greatly appreciated Posted via Mobile Device

06-12-2013, 11:20 PM	#2
DaddyO Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 141	Re: Worth it to go big block? What sort of horsepower are you looking for? Chances are you can do it with a fresh motor like an LS 3 with a 4L60E transmission.

06-12-2013, 11:44 PM	#3
Yellow72C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bardstown, kentucky Posts: 46	Re: Worth it to go big block? 400 would be nice. I have a limited budget though...I'd like to stay old school too. Nothing to new or fancy Posted via Mobile Device

06-12-2013, 11:51 PM	#4
Rufton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Knoxville TN Posts: 1,170	Re: Worth it to go big block? I'd just get favorite crate unless driving too many miles per year to afford gas.

06-13-2013, 07:16 AM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Re: Worth it to go big block? I built a 454 for my 69 stepside and noticed ever since, I hardly drive it! Paying for premium gets old VERY fast at todays prices! When it had the junkyard 350 in it, I drove the wheels off of it. (I do have a 71 Cheyenne20 that I daily drive so no big deal in my case) I guess it depends on how you intend on driving it. If only occasionally, a big block could work but if on a regular basis, I'd go small block. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

06-13-2013, 07:41 AM	#6
Bryantcm Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 37	Re: Worth it to go big block? You can easily achieve 400hp/400tq with a small block and for a lot less than a BB. Posted via Mobile Device

06-13-2013, 07:47 AM	#7
Tillik Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Layton, Utah Posts: 186	Re: Worth it to go big block? In my 71 4X4 Daily Driver, I upgraded to a low hp stock crate motor(Tight Budget-Great Deal). Compared to the original motor it ran so nice. It was sooooooo gutless. My buddy upgraded to a crate motor at the same time but he got the 300hp one. It had plenty of power. Eventually my gearhead buddy convinced me to upgrade to a big block. It was a bit of work to convert it. Radiator upgrade, supports-clamps, motor mounts, different shroud, new headers, bigger carb, difference flex plate, blah blah blah blah. The HEI was shoved right into my firewall. After tweaking and tuning I finally dialed it in. Had more power then I knew what to do with. It was so different then any SB's i've ever owned. I can totally see why Big Block guys are biased. It's a supreme gas guzzling beast, but it's mean for sure. If I could go back in time, I would have just saved a few more dollars and picked up a higher HP 350. Would have been a lot less trouble and still would have been happy. Since it was my daily driver, it would have just made more sense. If your not depending on getting to work with your truck, having a 454 def has the cool factor. They are night and day difference. Big Block VS Small Block... What do you need and what do you really want? __________________ James B. 1967 Chevy Fleetside Shortbed 4X2 (Black & Beautiful) 1971 Chevy Fleetside Shortbed 4X4 (White & Rough)

06-13-2013, 08:46 AM	#8
truckster Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,824	Re: Worth it to go big block? Having owned both, the sound and the torque of the big block are something else. Disclaimer - my big block was an Olds 455 (I can still hear the idle in my mind). Building my current Blazer, I decided to go with a Vortec motor (carbed/HEI) because I intend to drive it whenever I want. Fuel mileage may not seem like a big deal as visions of burnouts dance in your head, but once the reality of 6-7 MPG hits (that's what mine got), it starts to impact your driving fun. If it's an occasional driver and you want to be able to roast the tires, the big block might be what you want.

06-13-2013, 09:06 AM	#9
HSRACER Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Katy TX Posts: 1,268	Re: Worth it to go big block? I have 2 trucks with 350 engines and 2 with 383 stroker motors. The 383 engines are fantastic. They have strong torque and still get good mileage but will roast the tires at will. This is the best compromise because you get all you need and dont have to reconfigure your engine bay, exhaust, radiator and all your accessoery brackets! __________________ HSRACER Slammed 53 5 window Blown/Bagged 54 Pickup Patinaed 67 LS stepside Supercharged 67 Nova Bagged 69 Suburban Turbo'ed 5.3 LS

06-13-2013, 10:42 AM	#10
MARKDTN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 2,135	Re: Worth it to go big block? Stay small block. If you have a BB keep it, but it is not worth it to swap. There are a lot of parts needed besides the crate engine (intake, pulleys, brackets, radiator, exhaust, etc.) __________________ '83 K20-TPI '73 C10 '79 C10-ex-diesel(SOLD) '07 Tahoe(Son driving) '14 Suburban-DD '71 C10-current project

06-13-2013, 12:18 PM	#11
CLW Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Celina, Ohio Posts: 5	Re: Worth it to go big block? Everyone here is dead on. A sound small block in these trucks can be fun and efficient! But if you place more priority on the "fun" factor, a big block is your choice! It's not an easy bolt in, as others have noted, but WOW, there cool. I did a mild 454 bored .030 over backed by a Tremec T-56 Magnum 6 speed and it is awesome fun to drive! If you enjoy the build as much as the drive (time with sons for me), then do the big block swap! Either way, you can't go wrong with these trucks! Enjoy! CW Posted via Mobile Device

06-13-2013, 01:13 PM	#12
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Worth it to go big block? OPEC wants u to go bigblock __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-13-2013, 01:17 PM	#13
BurnoutNova Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: CA Posts: 2,057	Re: Worth it to go big block? I like Big blocks alot, but it doesnt make sense to build one anymore. They are heavy, headers don't fit that good, the firewall is tight in these trucks and the motor mounts are hard to find. You can make just as much power for less money and easier with a small block.

06-13-2013, 02:07 PM	#14
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,205	Re: Worth it to go big block? Ever watch Passtime? How many Big Blocks to you see? Different reasons for each scenario, not everyone drives their trucks for the same reason. It just depends on what you want to do with it IMO. OPEC wouldn't mind if you towed your boat with an under powered SMOG rated SBC either.. just sayin. It's all about efficiency and what you plan to do with the truck __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

06-13-2013, 07:57 PM	#15
Vintage Windmills Vintage 4x4s Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Prior Lake, MN Posts: 4,305	Re: Worth it to go big block? Be different and go 6 cylinders! Turbocharged offenhaused 292 and run like a bat out of h* __________________ 67 GMC K1500 Custom- 305V6 SM420, PTO, Ram Assist, yellow (the outcast) (project period correct upgrades) 67 GMC C2500 351V6 TH400, AC, PS, PB (can't decide what to do with. Update, decided to keep and will restore ) 86 CHV K30 502 th400, apple red NEW 71 CHV K20 350 SM465, ochre (saved work truck) 71 CHV K20 292 SM465, white, tach, PTO, (future project) 72 CHV K20 350 350th, medium blue (project stocker) 01 CHV K2500hd crew, indigo blue ^3 dont run and the others don't see winter either '86 K30 Cummins "Fireside" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=649649 '71 K20 "get driveable" thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590642 '72 K20 Build Thread:** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=493477&page=6



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06-13-2013, 08:37 PM	#16
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: Worth it to go big block? While the BB swap isnt difficult, parts and pieces will add up. There is nothing like a BB, but I actually pulled a pretty hot 496 for an LS1 and in doing so, fell in love with the truck all over again If you are against an LSX, I would go 383. 400 hp isnt too difficult to achieve and it will be a fun motor. Depends on your budget and needs __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

06-14-2013, 05:39 PM	#17
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: Worth it to go big block? I am no expert but I do have some recent experience. You can get the base GM crate motor and swap in the cam of your choice to make it have plenty of power, theres lots of info on this all over the internet...apparently the base model crate motor is the same as some of the higher HP motors with the only difference being the cam. Posted via Mobile Device

06-14-2013, 07:14 PM	#18
outback 1970 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: small town,wisconsin Posts: 48	Re: Worth it to go big block? i had a sbc in mine once i went to bbc ill never go back !

06-14-2013, 07:34 PM	#19
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Worth it to go big block? For all the folks encouraging big block swaps, keep in mind, this guy has a 4 wheel drive. It's not a slam dunk swap like it is on a 2wd truck. Posted via Mobile Device

06-14-2013, 11:20 PM	#21
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: Worth it to go big block? Just build a Dart block 427 or 434 small block - big block torque and gas mileage, small block size! __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!!

06-15-2013, 12:53 AM	#22
ItsRandy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Grand Terrace, Ca. Posts: 1,607	Re: Worth it to go big block? it's always worth it to go big block!

06-15-2013, 01:14 AM	#23
Z10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 1,267	Re: Worth it to go big block? This is going in my 72 in a couple of weeks. 350/355hp in front of a 700R4, should do the trick. __________________ 1969 RS/SS Z10 Camaro Pace coupe 1972 GMC Short Step buildhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6356218 1979 Mazda RX7 1979 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 & 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary 1999 Honda Valkyrie 2006 Corvette Z06 2010 BMW 650i

06-15-2013, 05:27 AM	#25
69vetteside Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: perth western australia Posts: 127	Re: Worth it to go big block? I don't know what your budget is but a 427 shaffirof for $9500 is plenty of engine and lite as a small block and runs on 91 gas. I was going to go BB in my 87 vette but got the 427 ultra street. straight away it was a 10.6 car compared to the 12.3 i was getting from my mild built 350. I was going to go BB in my 69 truck but am so impressed with the 427SB that i have ordered on for the truck in all aluminum.565HP/lighter than a BB and runs on 91,cant beat that

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