Big Block 454 or High Power Small Block?

[Glock 18]

OK I'm seriously confused about what engine to put in my Chevelle and now I'm at a crossroad. I have an '86 Chevy 454 truck engine and I have already bought most of the parts except for the heads. And there lies the problem. I want aluminum heads to save weight but I just don't have the money to keep chasing the perfect big block build I want, 500HP w/aluminum heads. My builder said I could have already rebuilt my tired 350 into a 383 stroker with close to the same target HP as the 454 (500 HP). I'm finding out big blocks are pretty expensive to build. So unless I quickly run across a new pair of alum. BBC heads without paying $2000, I am considering selling off all the new BBC parts and engine to start over and rebuild my 350 into a hot 383 and still save the weight. It does seem the SBC parts are a lot more affordable. Who thinks I have the right idea? Any suggestions? Thanks!!!

[NOT A TA]

I'd finish the build with a set of iron heads and then save up for the aluminum heads. Then when you've saved up, sell off the iron heads toward the aluminum ones. If you sell off the parts you have already bought for the big block you won't even get what you paid for them.

[SLO_Z28]

part of the problem is that youre using a engine builder, dont. 400hp/530tq can be had out of a 454 can be done for under 1k, and built in your garage with relative ease. Ive made 530hp/555tq from a 475 with peanut heads. Head over to team chevelle, those are the guys that know BBC's.

[Yelcamino]

I built both of the 454 in my cars. The mild one is 505hp/555lbft, the hot one is 620hp/570lbft. They both start on the first try and run great! You can do this yourself without an engine builder and save a lot of money in the process. If you're on a budget, use what you have and change/upgrade things as more money becomes available.

As stated above, if you sell what you have, you'll lose money and still have to come up with more to build the 383.

[Glock 18]

Herb - Thanks for the help. LOVED your Chevelle in CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE!! Awesome car!

[Glock 18]

Thanks for the help guys! I think I will stay with my 454 after all. After a little investigation, it seems it won't be financially feasible to switch to a small block after all. Thanks again! By the way I'm gonna post a new question regarding the heads on my 1986 model 454 right now. If anybody can provide additional help, please do so!

[Yelcamino]

Herb - Thanks for the help. LOVED your Chevelle in CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE!! Awesome car!

No problem! Good luck with your project!