383 Small Block or 502 Big Block
#1
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Location: Madison Heights, MI, U.S.A.
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383 Small Block or 502 Big Block
I have a 1982 Camaro it currently has a modified 350 engine from a 1971 Chevelle Malibu. I have to build a new engine by next summer. My current engine makes about 400-450HP & TQ+ at the crank. My next engine I want to have about 550-600 HP & TQ at the crank. I am debating about a built up 383 small block or a Chevy 502 Big block. What are your guys opinion. What modifications do I need to make to install the big block. Does anyone have any picks with big blocks in their camaros or anyone live in the Oakland Macomb County area of Michigan that I could see how much room their is in in the engine compartment. I am going to be installing a 12-bolt chevy rearend with 3:73 or 4:11 rear gears. I am also going to install a beefed up TH400 or muncie tranny, any ideas or suggestions on engine and trans would be greatly appreciated. The car is going to be used as a weekend driver and weekend drag racing. I would like to run low 10's in the 1/4 mile at 130MPH+.
Thanks,
Justin
1982 Camaro
http://www.fbody.com/members/82Camaro
Thanks,
Justin
1982 Camaro
http://www.fbody.com/members/82Camaro
#2
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
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Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
It'll be easier to build that much power with a big block but you'll also need to do a lot of suspension and chassis work to be able to run low 10's. Don't expect the car to be very street friendly. Once you make that much power and go that quick it doesn't become a street car any more unless you're using something like a 400HP NOS shot.
First question that needs to be asked. Have you ever driven a car with 500+ hp on the street and why? An engine that produces that much power will usually do so above 4000 rpm. Driving on the street rarely gets above 3000 rpm. Most car owners will be very happy with only 350-400 hp.
Your gear choice will depend on the rpm range of the engine and the tire size you depend on using.
------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block
Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.69
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 127.76
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 504.5
Best 60 foot: 1.546
Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
First question that needs to be asked. Have you ever driven a car with 500+ hp on the street and why? An engine that produces that much power will usually do so above 4000 rpm. Driving on the street rarely gets above 3000 rpm. Most car owners will be very happy with only 350-400 hp.
Your gear choice will depend on the rpm range of the engine and the tire size you depend on using.
------------------
Follow my racing progress on Stephen's racing page
and check out the race car
87 IROC-Z SuperPro ET Bracket Race Car
461 naturally aspirated Big Block
Best ET on a time slip: 11.242 altitude corrected to 10.69
Best MPH on a time slip: 121.52 altitude corrected to 127.76
Altitude corrected rear wheel HP based on power to weight ratio: 504.5
Best 60 foot: 1.546
Racing at 3500 feet elevation but most race days it's over 5000 feet density altitude!
Member of the Calgary Drag Racing Association
87 IROC bracket car, 91 454SS daily driver, 95 Homebuilt Harley
#3
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Location: Mpls, MN USA
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Car: 88 Camaro
Engine: 427 BBC
Transmission: T400
Pics are on my page. I have many more if you are really interested.
427 with T400
Miles
------------------
88 427 Camaro
12.18 @ 113mph 1.75 60ft
Currently installing 3.73's into my 9 bolt (YES,it is a 9 bolt & YES they are 3.73's, not 3.70. 4.11's to follow soon )
www.koolmeister.com
427 with T400
Miles
------------------
88 427 Camaro
12.18 @ 113mph 1.75 60ft
Currently installing 3.73's into my 9 bolt (YES,it is a 9 bolt & YES they are 3.73's, not 3.70. 4.11's to follow soon )
www.koolmeister.com
#4
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Stephen 87 IROC:
Have you ever driven a car with 500+ hp on the street and why?</font>
Have you ever driven a car with 500+ hp on the street and why?</font>
Also, a 500 Hp naturally aspirated 350 small block is too strung out for common street use. A 500 Hp big block isn't even working hard and will last for ages. However, the torque is going to make you blow off the tires ALL THE TIME. I'm personally doing a supecharged big block right now in my '89 Firebird, but I have had some time under my belt to do most the stupid things I'll do in my life. I wouldn't be around now if I had that motor 2 years ago.
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