Thread: !!!sbc Vs Bbc!!!

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I'm looking for the most horsepower and torque out of a chevy engine. Currently building a 388ci SBC, I know this makes good numbers for what it is. I also know that SBC parts are a lot cheaper than BBC parts. But my goal is to have some ground shakin' front end liftin' power and torque. BBC being notorious for torque. My question being what is a good build on a BBC? I know SBC's can pull some good numbers but not without getting a aftermarket block that will set ya back a few $$ SBC's are also lighter than the BBC so that helps the power to weight ratio. I appreciate the input.. Thanks

Stroker!!!

Personal opinion, but Gen III engines used in the last 8 years are better than either of the engines you listed. The engines are lighter, supported by the aftermarket and are far more efficient than the old SBC and BBC. And they can be easily stroked to BBC engine displacement.

Brand doesn't matter on this. Small blocks are for showing, big blocks are for going!!!

"But my goal is to have some ground shakin' front end liftin' power and torque."

Got to agree with Dave ... there's nothing like the big block for shear grunt.

Originally posted by Swifster
Personal opinion, but Gen III engines used in the last 8 years are better than either of the engines you listed. The engines are lighter, supported by the aftermarket and are far more efficient than the old SBC and BBC. And they can be easily stroked to BBC engine displacement.

Have you looked at piston price's yet?The last set I ordered cost more than the pistons for my 565 BBC.The other thing to think about is all the electronic's that go along with them.

well, i think lifting the wheels off the ground is a feasable task. however, you need to take into consideration the weight of the frontend. swaybars, inner fender skirts, heater/ac unit. all these things are weight. now engine size isnt going to apply in my opinion, again, light front end and efficient weight transfer to plant the rear is going to all help here. a small block could easily lift the front end off the ground but gonna need to put a lot of money into it to do so. I think 600hp at the flywheel should get the job done. money being an issue what combination will be the cheapest and most efficent for making 600 hp. small block with spray might be the cheapset but 600hp in a bigblock is much easier to attain and be more reliable, easier on parts. there is no replacement for displacement, all though lifting the wheels of the ground is cool, its not the most efficent way to get down the track.

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jsut remember the wise old fool who smoked a 396 and other bbc's with the current build and previous builds on the tiny 301/302 motors

hmmmm. Hey, was that the same guy that got beat by a Blue Oval the time before??????????????

personal preferance...$ for $ Ill take a big block......of course you have to condider the cost of the core engine..& the mounts a brkts needed if its already a small block car. I just like the torque a big block makes .

Originally posted by Dave Severson
hmmmm. Hey, was that the same guy that got beat by a Blue Oval the time before??????????????

considering this thread is about chevys you have no place here

My advice would be to take the best of both worlds. Take a SBC and punch that thing out to Big Block proportions. Ooooor, take a Big block and remove the iron intake/heads and swap for aluminum.. Big block and small block are all relative. If your going for "front end lifting power" Look for as much HP as you can get for as little weight as possible. If you want 600-someodd HP from an all aluminum engine, look into an OW-43. 700Hp @ 6800Rpms. Take that Ford and Chevy

small or big block? BIG BLOCK they do not need much but get a good set of tires with good compound i like the comp ta drag radial. i bet the guy with the 396 was spinning. small block dont spin tires pass the top of 2 gear not as much grunt. why have a runt when you can have tons of grunt and big block do not know weight

If you want something like 600-700 HP then in my oppinon you can achieve that with less money by building a BBC. In the end it will be cheaper. Trying to make that much HP with a small block will take way more money and parts, etc etc.

you need some thinng like this engine weight 480 and 630 cid 10to1 pump gas