Thread: what year block should i go for?

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ok, i've pretty much decided to go with a big block for my nova, most likely a 454 maybe a 427. what year would you recommend goin for and out of what vehicle. i'm just gonna keep it stock for the time being but i'd like a strong base for future upgrades so a 4 bolt is a must.

454 and 427 are the same block, so don't worry about picking from the two. Any year should be fine. 66-69 would probably be the toughest because those were the years of the 450 hp 427. Just be sure to get yourself a good forged crankshaft. I would shy away from 70-72 because it looks like most of those had cast cranks, but some were still forged. The only way to be sure is to check the numbers. Just pull the pan before you buy anything.

so a lot of them did come with forged cranks? and what vehicles could i find these in? most likely big trucks right?

The only block you can be 100% sure came with a forged crank would have been the tall-deck 427s in trucks over 1 ton and you might be safe to assume a 425-450 hp 427 has a forged crank. www.chevymania.com has a chart with all of the different cranks and whether or not they are forged.

i've got a column mounted 3 speed. have any of you or do know someone that's kept the 3 speed with their big block build, either still on the column or moved it to the floor. do you think the 3 speed could handle the power.

Originally posted by 72nova72
do you think the 3 speed could handle the power.

Only if you don't hammer it! Put an egg under your right foot and don't break the shell!

so basicaly your saying no not even if i get it built up, i doubt it.