Small block or big block?

Question

I hope to start resto of my 67 rs soon. this brings up the age old debate of small or big block. I have a 427 in need of rebuild and i have a 383 with all the goodies. Is it too boring to see another small block camaro? Doesn't an engine bay look cooler full of a big block with those wide valve covers? the car won't be a daily driver like it was in it's 327 days, but i would probably use it alot. I think I need to hear a few nose heavy,gas guzzlin big block horror stories to bring back my senses.

Answer 1

There's nothing better looking than a built 427 in those old Camaro's!! I'm a small block man myself, but the 427 is the exception.....This is like a Mopar man tring to decide weather to put a 426 Hemi or a small block in his old 'Cuda......No contest!! And as for Nose heavy that extra weight will help keep that nose down when you dump the clutch!!

Answer 2

Depends on your plans for the car. If you are planning on having the car original, then do some homework and find out what originally came in the car. If you are planning on an "original" car and you no longer have the original numbers matching block, the car is no longer "original". That alone gives you the option to put in whatever makes you happy. The "wrong" engine is STILL the "wrong" engine, even if it looks just like the one that's SUPPOSED to be in there. The wrong engine also affects the resale price in a negative fashion.

If it's a mouse car and you want to install a rat, remember that you'll be changing suspension components as well. Those small block springs won't take the added weight of a big block for long before they start to sag. If the car is a big block car originally, and you want a big block, you're half way there.

There is a lot of good advice in the responses to your question and they all have merit. There IS no Replacement for Displacement, but if you plan on driving the car fairly regularly, I wouldn't want to be the one that would have to keep it fed. While there is nothing like the raw, seat of the pants feeling that you get from the torque of a big block, I can get small block parts at my local drug store.

What it all comes down to is what do YOU want? It's YOUR can and YOU have to be happy with it, regardless of popular opinion. However, since you're asking for input, MY opinion is ANY Chevy engine is a good choice - ESPECIALLY in a Camaro!

Answer 3

Go small block. Big blocks won't take the RPM's or the abuse a small block will. Also, less weight for the car. There isn't anything boring about a 383 stroker with all the goods. Go with the small block, you will be happier that you did!!

Answer 4

Don't listen with 588 rear end gears do wheelies! or really high geared six speed modern gear box Hollie Pro inject system yank out 700 hp and still get 25 miles a gallon Displacement is the root of all power! Besides how much longer do you think the government will let us express ourselves with monster cubes and POWER Burn the gasoline while we can or China will get it. It is american way

Answer 5

my engine is summit small block 383 camaro lt type 1974
10.98et 108 mph give summit a ring 1 800 230 3030

Answer 6

Can't help but be nostalgic for the good ol big blocks. Yeah, they were a pain to maintain, but man...had one on my old Mustang and that F'r ROCKED.
These days, small block built up for performance, and put a mean exhaust system on it so it still sounds evil ;-)

Answer 7

Small block 406 !!! Build it to the max!!

Answer 8

if you are going to race big block ,if your going to cruise small block[for originality and gas mileage]

Answer 9

Your gonna restore it?
Restore it original.

Answer 10

small