[454C10]

When figuring cc's of and intake port is is also very important to figure the cross sectional area of the port. BBC has very large volume port compared to a SBC due mostly to the port being much longer than a SBC.

A SBC has about a 2.0 square inch port. A set of oval port BBC is about 2.375 inches square. So the cfm/port cross section is the better way to look at it.

When you look at it this way the BBC head isn't much different than the SBC head. Especially when the extra lift capabilities of the BBC are considered. Typically a BBC will a another 0.050" lift in a cam of the same duration as compared to a SBC.

I have recently used a 454 (460) and a 396 (410) in my truck. The 396 had a smoother feel at mid to high rpms and had about the same power of the 454 over 3500 rpm. The 454 had more low end torque but feels buzzy at higher rpms. The 454 rips the tires of the line instantly and the 396 would spin the tires slowly then build up to a full burnout. The extra 1/4 inch stroke of the 454 (4.0 inch stroke) does wonders for low rpm torque. Makes me wonder how a 496 feels (4.25" stroke).

[rocknrodder nz]

and i still wonder why everyone is comparing a 406 to a 396. its disgusting, your comparing costs when the 406 will last 6 months at that and the 396 has .120 of boring to get through. a 396 with any stock cam and a basic bowl job will cream a small block. If youve already got the 396 man get it fuel injected then you have the cleanest and most economical small block eater in ya town! just make sure when ya build ya 396 that all bearing clearances are perfect and all the oil galleries are clean and you got no seal leaks. Ya dont wanna be running no bearings. Oh get it balanced and pull some good revs

[VickK12785]

1111111111111111111

[ratso]

there is NO substitute for cubic inches ! always run a BIG BLOCK ! words of wisdom ........ " always put the largest engine in the smallest car / truck as possable ..... if it doesnt fit , they sell plasma cutters and welders ! " >>>>>>>>>>> ratso

[bigbadbowtie]

Let me ask the original poster this question.... what are your expectations of the engine and what will be its intended use???Whats your budget??

My guess is you want reliable yet FUN to drive.

[legionlleh]

id like to see you do something one off maybe a turbo l6 why not or how bout a 305 twin turbo? big block small block i say do something pyscho its your best bet who wouldnt look twice at a nova with a turbo l6 if a honda can make 200hp na than u can pull maybe 500 with a properly built l6 its just like when people say u can make horsepower with small blocks than gale banks comes out with a kit that can pull 1000+ hp turbo of course but thats just has good properly built has any na or supercharged car

[Blazin72]

Originally Posted by bigbadbowtie

Let me ask the original poster this question.... what are your expectations of the engine and what will be its intended use???Whats your budget??

I don't think the original poster is really going to be interested any more since this thread was posted almost four years ago.

[cosmo420]

if money is not an issue then go with what you have, I am a big supporter of the SBC pound for pound dollar for dollar, etc. both are ideal it is really of matter of preffence, but mind you there is nothing like the sound of a BBC with a lumpy cam and big tube headers with that roar almost like a pro stock car. also opening the hood to show your freinds is appealing to the eye as well. But don't get me wrong SBC's can be screamers.

[price]

I too have an old 396 and it has oval port heads and it is maybe overcammed and yes I should probably get a dual plane manifold but when I mash the gas pedal it roars like king kong. The beauty is ,when I can afford a.f.r. heads I will gain a lot more...

[the mayer]

jerry3car is on to something. If you have the money a big block is fun. I have little experience in building but still an enthusiast, logically a small block is the way to go, but just think of the horse you can pull and if you've heard a heathy bb run and your in to that then it's a no brainer .

[bigbadbowtie]

Originally Posted by Blazin72

I don't think the original poster is really going to be interested any more since this thread was posted almost four years ago.

DOOHHHHH.. I never even looked.

[chopperdave70]

this is a subject that I have an opinion about like everyone else. I have spent countless thousands in both directions and this what I have experienced. A sbc can be a very strong competitor to the bbc if your willing to spend enough money. the cheapest way to make power is a bbc. I dont care what anyone says I have had 406s 383s 350s and so on, I have also had 396s 427s 454s and so on. how far you go with the build is up to you and your budget. but when it comes to tire shredding power the big block can easily produce that where as small blocks will if you throw enough money at them. The only and I mean ONLY thing about a bbc to really consider is that they do tend to get very poor fuel mileage but then again thats not what we are after is it. I currently have a 350 that I have invested about $3500 into, it is strong but it isn't like the bbcs I had in the past so guess what? I went out last week and bought a car with a fresh 454 just for the engine. Well you see where that is going...

[j-jock]

I swapped a stock 396 - 350 horse into my 55 Chev Cameo 1/2 ton in 1970. I have driven it hard for all these 38 years and it is still in beautiful shape. Nothing makes eyeballs pop more than just popping the hood of that old truck. It runs great, goes like hell, and gets reasonable gas mileage. running 4.57 gears and an overdrive.
A small block is 100 lbs lighter, but this can be offset by a set of aluminum heads for around $1000,00. For street only applications, the iron oval port heads work well enough for me.
I like small blocks but I own more big blocks. My vote, big block. I have just built up a 454 for the truck, but haven't installed it yet.
Bob

[Bowtie man]

Build a BBC an don't look back, since you have one it's a no brainer. I use the crank an rods an put in a 454 block an you will have a 427. But you do need some 427 pistons. Torque is awsome in a BBC.

[ktorr22]

Be a man put a 502 or 496 in it a small block just makes it a kid or girl car