Need some real life testimony...SBC or BBC??

[Drogster]

OK, so I bought a nice '68 Chevy C10 swb 2wd truck. Has an original 307 w/TH350 tranny, 12-bolt 3.73 rear end.

The truck is going to be a mix of a daily driver (except during salt season), a weekend cruiser, and maybe a road-trip (within one days drive) truck. All in the name of fun.

I have always wanted a big block. But I'm afraid that the cost of rebuilding even a STOCK big block, in addition to the extra fuel down the road, will really outweigh building a semi-stout small block (stroker maybe?).

Yeah, I might find a 1/4 mile to run it on ONCE A YEAR or so...and yes I love gobs of torque (who doesn't??). But I also need to be realistic and recognize my financial limitations (the Coast Guard ain't gonna make me rich!).

So what would you do? Rebuild and transplant a big block or a small block engine into the truck? Or possibly a crate (BB or SB)? This will be my first solo engine rebuild - I've done a few other engines WITH friends.

Thanks. I look forward to hearing your opinions.
Andy

[BOBCRMAN@aol.]

How's it going up there in the Superior state? Cold enuff?

With gas going to $2.50 per gal. I would build a small block and drive the truck. I have always been a big block man. Raced at Manistee County Dragway. (ain't no substitute for cubic inches) but that 8-10 mpg gets mighty expensive. I"ll probably spend all summer drivin the dern Honda!!!

See you at the St. Ignace show!!

[TravisB]

If you plan on driving the truck a lot I would go with the stroker small block! Mild cam and fuel injection! Maybe a 700R4 or 5sp

[71nova]

Crate motors to look into

www.amerspeed.com
www.edelbrock.com
www.jegs.com
www.fasttimesmotorworks.com
www.golenengineservice.com
www.coasthigh.com
www.larrysperformance.com
www.friendlychev.com
www.smedingperformance.com
www.masperformance.com
www.paceparts.com
www.speedomotive.com
www.sdpc2000.com
www.goautocenter.com
www.reconengines.com
www.summitracing.com
www.sallee-chevrolet.com

OR build your own

good luck!

[stepside454]

Yep, I love big blocks..my 75 C-15 shortstep is an original 454 truck. But Id definetly consider staying small block. by the time your done buying & or building the engine & getting the brackets & pulleys & hardware etc. for the big block...coulda built just as strongsmall block for the money.
Dont get me wrong, 350 HP is a piece of cake from a stock bottom 454 & tons of torque. all at low RPMs....unless you build a big inch small block(not cheap ) youll have to buzz it a bit higher. but still, id just go with a hyd. roller 350 with some good compression& heads.

[vara4]

oops

[stepside454]

Vara...sorry I dont get the connection