Big block or Small block?

[Mr. B]

I'm about to move forward with an engine for my Camaro. I really like big block torque, but a lot of todays small blocks are putting out nice solid power too. I particularly like the Smeding 540 and the Smeding 427. If you have a small block with 500ft-lb of torque or more across the power band, would that be salty enough in a first gen? I'm building a pro touring car, and want to track it from time to time. Is the lighter weight of a small block that much of a difference?

Any real world input would be appreciated.

[rickk]

LS7.
rickk

[chicane67]

Is the lighter weight of a small block that much of a difference?

In short... yes.

A big small block is a good answer to your quandry. And then you have an alloy LS7 that even throws more into the ring. Small, light weight and makes the numbers... with a warranty no less.

[dj3]

It seems like Protouring and small blocks (especially LS engines) go hand and hand.

[1969CamaroRS]

I think the large displacement small blocks are great especially some of the LSX engines. But I always wanted a big block so I went with one.

Hard to get the flat torque curve on small block that you can on a mild big block, and torque is what makes driving fun on the street.

Think 500+ ft/torque from idle on...

[XTRMEASURES]

Im putting a 436smallblock in my 84 GMC truck and my engine builder sayed i would have over 550+hp and over 500+ ft/torque. When he is finish we goin to put it on a dyno to see what it makes.

Im also thinking of putting a smallblock 434 or 436 in my 72 camaro with even more hp and torque (650+ hp).

[steemin]

I readily admit that I do not have the expertise or experience of many of our board members. And I am suer that most will suggest a LS? engine.
But here is my 2 cents.
I have had several small block cars. Several of these had fairly stout engines.
However I recently purchased a 70 Nova with a
GMPP 572/620 fwhp w/TKO600 and that car is fun to drive.
It just pulls hard all the way to the redline.
I know that it weighs a ton. But I love the TQ that the BB produces.:seizure:

Scott

[roadracer55]

street vs track, right?

hard to argue against the lightweight sbc when you're going around corners.

hard to argue against the torque of bbc on the street.

[6'9"Witha69]

You can't copy the sound of a healthy BBC. You can almost copy the TQ with an SBC. An LSX is even better than the SBC. Also, the 3 engines mount further back and reduce in weight in the same order. My ideal setup is an LS402. Cubes + modern efficiency make an unreal powerhouse with very good street manners and mileage.

[steemin]

street vs track, right?

hard to argue against the lightweight sbc when you're going around corners.

hard to argue against the torque of bbc on the street.

Well said:worship:

.Scott

[Mr. B]

I plan on putting on a carbon fiber hood, cowl, and header panel on, as well as an Art Morrison subfram. I would have aluminum heads and intake on the bb as well. With all those weight savings, wouldn't it offset most of the big block weight difference?

[rocketman]

well you could build an all aluminum BBC, the best of both, and there right nothing sounds like a BBC.