Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickt
That's pretty hard to argue against. I have never, ever, ever heard somebody say " I wish had a small block in this car instead of this FE" (unless it was broken, that is  ). |
I don't think there's any question that chopping 200 pounds off your weight and front-end load is good for handling. I've heard it said many times that the small-block cars are more nimble and handle more easily - not necessarily
better, just with less throttle technique - than big blocks.
However, a lot of that might have to do with 150-200 fewer horses shoving things around, too. The typical 350 HP or so of a more traditional small-block is probably a better match to the chassis for most drivers and most hard-driving/track needs. If you want that combination - and it's a great one - IMHO stay with an FIA.
The biggest problem with these superheated small-blocks is going to be reliability/longevity. A big block will make 500-550 HP and easily have 25,000+ miles in it. I wouldn't write a 1,000-mile warranty for a 500+ HP small-block, even something girdled, beefed and braced to the max.