[southrncuz1816]

i have a small block 307 my uncle told me i could have a good time in a 1/4 mile track than a big block. its goin a 79 el Camino what should i do?

[johnsongrass1]

Stop listening to your uncle!

[Classix_Lover]

Originally Posted by johnsongrass1

Stop listening to your uncle!

Hahaha, ditto to johnson Big block = more fun... in a straight line that is

[curtis73]

Big block is more fun, but a few counterpoints...

The big block weighs a lot more, which will take more weight off the already very light back end of an Elky. The big block will also probably make more torque which will further exacerbate the traction issue. The big block will cost more to build, and with today's parts you can probably get more power out of a small block for less money than the same power in a big block. If you take into consideration the suspension re-engineering that may need to take place with the heavier engine, that adds more cost to the build. Also SBC has better head (specifically chamber design) offerings than BBC. You can snag a set of Vortec heads for $250 a pair used. Try finding factory performance iron heads for a BBC for less than $350, and then you have 1971 technology.

But, having said that... nothing beats a 502 thumping under the hood. But my guess is that you'd be looking at a budget-build 454. At the 450 hp level, I'd rather build a 383 and save the extra money for other goodies.

One thing's for sure... that 307's gotta go. It has a bit better bore/stroke ratio than the 305, but (just like the 305) why worry with building a 307 when 350s practically fall off in your lap everywhere you go.

[stroker_SS]

I hope your uncle was joking, but if he wasn't i would never believe a thing he said for the rest of my life.

[Bumpstick]

I tend to love you small block guys... It just leaves more BBC stuff for the ones that know...

southrncuz1816... If you know how to do it (or learn to) you`ll thank your uncle...


But once again here we are with the BBC/SBC debate... Mainly preference... Opinions are like @ssholes everybody has one...

[curtis73]

Hey, to each their own. I recommended the small block because of his car. I have two big blocks and its what I prefer, but I can't imagine a BBC being a big advantage in a smaller lighter car like his. I'm not suggesting the 307, but a 350 or 383 would be perfect.

[DoubleVision]

I second the small block, and why is due to I believe you to be a novice. Learn to build it, tune it, and have fun, but most importantly, learn to drive it. This way you`ll know what to expect when the car does what it wants to do, I honestly wish I could say drag racing was predictable, but after seeing so many I know it`s not. I seen a 280Z kiss the rail cause the driver couldn`t control it, I seen one fellow running a 572 inch big block in a 70 Nova with a 10 inch slick, when the car shifted into 3rd, the back end spun out from under it, it looked like it was in slow motion, the car didn`t get hurt, but the lesson was learned, he returned 2 weeks later with it tubbed. Lastly, I seen a Chevy II flip over, the driver lost control of it all because the front end was out of alignment. So you see the point I`m making here, learn it first, step up later.

[poncho62]

BTW..............in a 79, I imagine that it has a 305.

[Bad Rat]

I'm glad I happened on to this thread,, I have a 454 oval port 2 bolt main motor that I plan on building for my 48 anglia, I tore it down today to found out it has oval ports and my blower manifold is a rectangular port, that has a easy solution,, new heads,, since you engine guys are fired up about building a BBC,, how about some suggestions for mine,, this motor IS just for the street , I will be using a B& M 425 blower, and a roller valve train,, any suggestions on the cam size, duration ETC, from the looks of the block ,,it will possably just have to be cleaned up ,, but if I have to bore it,, is it feasable to go really out and go for a large Cu.Inch bore , or be conservative,? would a 502 or 572 live with a 2 bolt block?I am by no means a mechanic,,my son is tho and is going to build it for me,, if its left up to him , he will try to talk me into going all out,, but if it isn't going to be driveable or survive, I don't want to make a big mistake,, so any sugestions would be apprecated, Thanks Bill

[stepside454]

I love big blocks ..however in this case dollar for dollar a a good small block will hang with the big blocks. Id have to ask your uncle why you have to have a big block to have fun in the 1/4 mile when there are so many fast small blocks there.
like said earlier...chances are its a 305...not a 307 ( unless somebody put it in there. If you want a big block...go for it. If you just wanna go faster, build a bigger small block.

[stroker_SS]

I think i've read it wrong, but what i got from him is that his uncle is saying that his (307) is going to be better in the 1/4 than the big block. I'm sorry but i can't read dixie i guess, must be the accent............just kidding.

[stepside454]

yea, now that I look closer it does say more fun than a big block. LOL Funny how our brains are trained LOL

[HemmiGremmie]

My thinking is this.
sb for lighter car or higher reving.
BB for bigger car and more low end tourque. HG

[steve t]

both being stock, small aint gonna beat big, i found that out in1969, race a big block ponatic with my 283, got him off line, but he blew by me on the top end,this was on a country road we had marked off