which would make more power. if they were set-up as close to one another as possible.

I mean I know that the big-block is a legend all in its own but how can you have a 396 big-block and a 400 amall-block?
What are the differences between the two?
Would the 396 make more power even though in theory its smaller?
what is the comparison of bore/stroke between the 396BB and the 400SB?

thanks for anyone who can clear this up.

 

I dont know but wouldnt the smaller size/weight of the small block compensate for anything that you might get out of those extra 4ci in the BB

and how long till this gets moved to a diff. board

 

ooops i put this in the wrong board. please move it moderators.

 

400 is easier to put in, cheaper on parts since its a small block, and I feel it has more potential for power. 8.5:1 compression isn't bad for nitrous, either.

 

Actually in what he's asking the SB ha 4ci extra over that of the BB.

If you bored the 400 .030" over and the 396 .030" over you'd have a 406 SB and a 402 BB.

The thing about big blocks is, at least the bigger cube ones that is, they are known for more torque and can make very good power. The thing that draws me away from them somewhat is that they are a little bit bigger (physically that is) and also weigh more so your putting more weight on the front of the car.

Ted

 

well i just vote for the 400 cause i have a 406 in mine so but other than that i dont know but if your going to buy a BB why not a 502 and then just have fun trying to keep rubber on the rear

 

The big block is going to have a flatter, bigger torque curve.Horsepower is a calculation based on torque and speed(rpm),so the big winner will usually be the big block, all other things being equal.
This is because of the rod ratio and the better breathing of the big block's twisted valve centerlines.
Still, the small block is a much easier fit (especially in the engine compartment of a third gen F-body) and weighs a bunch less too.
Because of this, if it were mine, it would depend on the type of vehicle you're talking about.
Bottom line:
I prefer a big block in a drag car, but if I was going road racing or autocrossing,the small block would be much more practical choice.One of those new Motown 415 motors would be a great compromise.
Big block cubes in a small block package,
By the way,I own a 92RS with a 350,Set up to handle and a 70 Nova with a 454,set up for drag racing.
-Rich-

 

i would agree that the small block would work better. obviously, this is due to the weight issue. but as everyone else has said, what are you doing with the car? for example, if i were setting my 84 up for drag racing, i would most likely go with a big block if i wanted to have max brute power. if i were road racing (which i do want to run a few of those silver state challenge races), i'm gonna pack a small block, though i ahven't determined how many cubes i'd want to run.

message a user here by the name of qwktrip, he stuffed a big block into a firebird. and there are a few other members here who have done it. a big block takes some ingenuity to install, but will have the upper hand in terms of outright power.