i am looking to build a new motor in the next few months, but i am really stuck over what to build. i really want to build a 540 short deck bbc, but my wallet isn't exactly up to par... so maybe it'll be a dart SHP 400 block.

a rough estimate is that the bbc will cost about $2000 more to build, plus additional thing to handle it.

here is what i have:
new tko 600
yukon axle/geared (4.10's), tru-trac posi'd 10 bolt
stripped interior

my goal for the bbc is 600+tq, and 700+hp
goal for the 400 is 500+tq, 500+hp
i will be using aluminum heads, forged internals, and a solid roller cam for both.

if i build the 540, how much more will it cost to support it? frame? Exhaust? rear end? driveline components? new hood? (well duh!)

advise welcome!

 

Big block will be a ton more. These cars aren't very strong in stock form, they hurt from the stock small blocks with age. I put a mildly built big block into my iroc and pulled it out because I didn't want to destroy the car.

 

I've had a 540 in my car for a number of years. It's a race only car and isn't street legal. Putting in a 540 is exactly the same as putting in a 454.

 

subframe connections and an 8 pt bar go along ways to help support things. I'd go aluminum head big block. Cant beat 540 inches for a street car. 700hp should be doable with a set of 335cc heads and a decent roller cam.

 

i guess what i am asking is will my 10 live? will it hold up to a 1st gear WOT from a 5mph roll? (with street tires, i imagine ill just smoke em real good) how about a 3rd gear pull at WOT on the highway?

i don't want to put 8ish G's on a motor only to blow the rear end the first time gettin on it.

how hard is it to install an 8pt roll cage?

 

I got over 650whp going through my stock 10 bolt and its been holding. But i did break the spider/worm gears in the previous one. Ring gear was fine but the carrier insides chipped teeth and started slipping.

roll runs will work out ok as long as your not spinning tires and start drifting sideways and then let off and have the tires grab hard. I think thats how i broke mine.

Launch that car at all with a stick and its gonna blow

 

How often do you come into money? I mean if its no big deal then build it with the small block and be happy in the livable grey zone. But if this is your one chance to get it done then I say do the Big Block. I guarantee you the first time you pop the hood for some folks and their jaws hit the floor...it will all be worth it.

 

as long as stick with stockish tires, will i not have to worry that much? i understand that i will have to be careful to NOT spin the tires, but will i still have to worry about the rear just driving like i stole it? (without the whole sliding and gripping)

how will it hold up against extreme deceleration? (like 6000 in third, then let off in gear)