big block vs small block

[pete67]

hi, guys just sold my lonestar smallblock 302 around 350hp, i am in the market for anew one my choices are narrowed to spf or era , my question is how easy or hard is it to get used to a big block possibly a 460 , i know that the steering feel is heavier with the bigger motor, but how heavy, also is the maintainenceis more or less with the bigger motor i will mostly use this on the street , it may see some light race action . did anyone regret making the wrong choice of motors and if so what was the cause of it . thanks in advance Pete

[Grant Garrison]

Pete--

When I was shopping for my Superformance, the dealer allowed me to try both a 351 and 460 version. Though I loved the torque and rumble from the big block, it handled like a really fast Buick Roadmaster (understeer, understeer, understeer).

For me the small block was the only choice. And you can always build one that has the performance qualities of a big block w/o the weight penalty. If you intend to do track time, the small block is simply the way to go IMO. However, if you're after the authentic look, a big block will fill that engine bay like no Windsor.

Reliabilitymaintainance between the two is largely a matter of how crazy (and well built) your particular motor is. I'm no builder myself, but I've never heard of durability issues on either block, provided you use the right bits.