Thread: to big block or small block

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I would like to hear your views on wich engine type to use to go Sunday racing at the local strip. The thing is, I already have a 390 fe engine build underway and will be using it for the strip-but I also have a 351 w early 80s model that I could get rebuilt at some point. The only thing I know for sure is that the big block stuff is pricier (def. on a budget) and there seems to be more choices in parts for small block stuff. What do ya think?

Oh, I forgot to add- mine will be used in bracket racing. Too costly for me to be competitive in heads up stuff.

I like my big blocks, lots of good torque without having to twist the snot out of em. From my own experience, I have found the big inch hi torque stroker motors to be much more consistent and less susecptible to weather changes. Just my opinion. For me it turned out to be cheaper to run a big block because of less motor breakage and upkeep.

I totally agree with everything that Dave said.

A couple of other points to consider.

Unless you go the stroker route, you give up 50 cubic inches.

The the 77 and up 351Ws used small valve heads (same valve and port size as the 302s). Finding earlier 351 heads and having them properly rebuilt, or upgrading to aftermarket heads is really needed to build a competitive motor.

When you start adding up the parts to build a 351 to a similiar power level as a big block, your likely better off with the big block.

Big block is the way to go if you're racing and don't care about gas milage. More bang for yer buck. If you can get your paws on a 500 cid caddy motor, I'd go that route. Don't forget to buff up your front suspension.

BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER

Originally posted by Matt167
BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER

Unless you like fuel economy.

Then again, if that was your main concern you probably wouldn't be on a hot rodding page.

hey 2 spd, the man's goin bracket racing. Do you think fuel economy is even a consideration???

If it was he wouldn't be here.

As the last message said...

I like'em big too.

Get you a 428 crank (Scat makes a stroker crank) and stroke the 390. OR I have a busted 428 block that needs Two sleeves and it's at .060 over now. You could sleeve it and fill it with block fill and you'll have 440 cubic inches of Torque twisting power. JMO. I used to run it. I have now switched over to 385 series engines.

Good Luck

I'm drag racing with the 428 cj.....It's pretty bullit proof with some inteligent mods...Oiling, rocker shart supports, ect........

The Big Block route is where I would go. They just seem to be more reliable and you don't have to wind them so much and so hard to get them to go fast. If it's track use then go with the big block, it will likely save you money even if the initial build costs you more. And, like Mike P said, those years of heads were just not up to the task of building power. So you would have to buy some anyway, plus the beefy parts to spin it up fast. Might as well either beef up what you have already done on the 390 or buy some good parts for it to do double duty. Problem with the 390 is that it only has a 4 inch bore and a 3.78 inch stroke. The smaller bore will be limiting its power potential more than a similarily built Ford 406, 427 which shared the stroke but had a larger bore. Like Phantasea427 said, get the 428 crank and you will have some more go, since it is .2 inches longer. Or like Tech, buy yourself a nice stroker kit. But IMO the smaller bore will eventually limit slightly you if you get some decent heads, (valve shrouding sucks) but then again....every engine has its limit, thats the fun of building these things. Good luck with it, and use every penny!

Can you say 502HP Stock???
Nuff said


Otto

I know its kind of late but I found a disscussion intresting. http://www.prestige.com/Message+Boards/Default.aspx?Action=Showpost&PostID=61548

http:http://www.prestage.com/Message+Boar...w&PostID=61548 Wrong one