My brother has 2 engine blocks in his garage, a 350 and a 454. He said I can pick one and I can have the block. My question is should I spend the big bucks and build the 454 or do the 350 and still have some coin in my pocket? Gas-mileage is not an issue because I live about 5 miles from here I work.

 

Threre is a guy around here with a 502 in his camaro.. pretty good for wow factor.. The question is can you handle the HP, new trannies, rear ends, driveshafts, etc, all would be in your future.. Not to say theywouldn't with a stout 350 though either..

Are you just interested in the engine or do you have other aspects of the car to work on?

 

Go with the 454! It's more exspensive to drop in than the 350, but it would be worth it.

 

"There is no replacement for displacement!" 454 buddy!

 

It depends on the application and horsepower levels your after.Also depends on what kind of deals you can find.

Daz

 

As cramped as the engine bay is I wouldn't have thought you could get a 454 in our engine bays.

 

It's a tight squeeze, but it's possible.

 

If you want to go in a straight line as fast as possible then go for the BBC. It will fit, and there is plenty of info on these boards that will help you.

However, if you want to have a good handling car then think carefully about what you are doing. You'll be taking an already front heavy car and making it even more so.

 

I agree with DR. G. A bigblock is a really tight squeeze. It would be cool as hell though.

 

I'd go with the small block. Cheaper, Lighter, are easier on parts, and last longer in high power applications. Unless you wanna run below like 10.00NA i'd stay with the small block.

 

That is absolutely false. A big block will last many years while putting out a lot of power. It's much more durable than a small block strung out to the gills trying to make the same power.

 

I appreciate your insight, guys. I decided I'm gonna build the 350. That will be plenty of power for now. If I want more power later, I'll probably just put it on the bottle... Thanks again.

 

What's you're buildup going to be?

 

I was thinking about punching the block .030"-over and using a forged rotating assembly. Ported Vortech heads. 1.6 roller rockers, and a few other things to be decided later. And, as always, opinions and suggestions are appreciated so let me know what you think.

 

That's a good combonation right there. Add a Comp XE274 cam and Performer RPM intake and you'll be pushing 400+hp and knocking down mid 12's with traction.

 

What is the duration of the XE274 cam? How streetable is it?

 

If you're gonna use the 350, wanna donate the 454 to me?