What's the difference? Big block vs. small

[Rainmaker]

I'm sure this debate has been covered before. If so, I would appreciate if someone could point me to the appropriate threads. If not, then I am seeking advice on whether a small block is the better way to go for someone (me) who has the mechanical inclination of a chimpanzee. Does a small block require less maintenance and fine tuning than a big block? Will I be spending what little free time I have in the garage working on a big block instead of out driving the countryside with a small block?

I know this sounds fairly ignorant, but as the Chinese saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

Thanks for helping me on this first step.

[Rainmaker]

Ok. My ignorance is really showing now, but just trying to get a handle on whether a big block or small block would be better for someone who has neither the time nor talent for working on engines. Most of my time will be street driving on winding country roads with a beautiful blonde sitting shotgun. If other threads have already covered this debate, then I would appreciate your pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks for your help.

[CobraEd]

It's really quite simple. Small block is better!

Ed

[blykins]

Yep....there are many threads on this topic....and they all end in arguments because there are so many proponents for each.

Building differences? Nah...not really. There are differences, but you're still assembling an engine.....doesn't matter what size it is. There are "tips" for building an engine of each family.....but the general jist of it is the same.

[blykins]

I answered your other post too...but this one is a little more specific.

Each engine will take around the same amount of maintenance time. Building time should be equal also....Putting an engine together is pretty much (some very minor differences) the same all across the board....so if you're gonna assemble this one yourself, the sky is the limit.

If you're not mechanically inclined at all and don't want to have to do any extensive out of the ordinary maintenance, I would go with a fuel injected route with a mild street setup....low compression, mild cam, etc.

A carb'd engine will require more maintenance and care because there isn't a computer telling the thing to adjust fuel mixtures, idle speeds, etc....But don't let that scare you.

Otherwise, the maintenance between a SB and a BB will be the same.

Having said that, once you get one built and drive the car with it....if it's anywhere near mild, you will wish you would have went with a wild one. Everyone always seems to want more horsepower after they've been driving awhile and get used to the car. The thing is....if you build a wild one to start out with, no one says that you have to run it wide open all the time. You can take baby steps....and when you want more power, it's there.

You need to find some Cobra clubs in your area....and do some snooping. Let some people take you a ride in each....look around....then you can decide what you want.

Basically when you figure out what you fancy, then you can better decide which route to take.

[P Martin]

There is no exhaust sound like the sound of a big block.

[computerworks]

Rainmaker... as a newbie, I guess we could give you a pass on asking a SB vs BB question without doing a search....

(actually, by doing a search I see you have been in the hunt for more than a year, now... you have to have seen a SB vs BB thread pass you by during that time)

...but starting two of them on the same day can't get the pass.

I will combine the two threads now.

Thanks
Ron
ClucCobra Moderator

[trularin]

Can of worms.

[BB427]

Factory Five with a stock 5.0 FI will suite your needs, budget, and maint. skills. Hyper big blocks and hyper small blocks require maint and knowledge to keep them purring.

"If you do NOT need to cross the river don't waste your time building a bridge"

Have fun!
Brent

[jdog]

I can't touch this!

jdog

[ItBites]

Get a Big Block Chevy.



Gosh, I like doing that every time this subject comes up...

[Ron61]

BB= $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

SB=$$$$$$$$$

Ron

[Excaliber]

It's about time someone brought this up again, why just the other day I was saying to myself:

"Hmmmm,,,, I wonder whats better, small block or BIG block?" I just can't get a handle on it.

[Naumoff]

I had a 427 2x4v low riser in a 631/2 Galaxie. 5000 lb car on scales at track. 13.3 in a quarter mile. Built stock and took care of those smallblock Camaros and Novas. Daily driver. Ford guys who saw the 427 emblems did not challenge me. All I have to say is build what you want. If you can't work on the car( which is half the fun) and you can afford a mechanic Build a 428 with hydrualic cam and have BB torque and all the fun.

Tony

[FUNFER2]

There is nothing like the sound of a big block in a cobra ! Ford "FE"s are expensive to build. Big blocks are harder to work on when it's in the car because of the width, with a small blk, you have more room for maintance. Have you thought of buying a "crate motor" from Ford or Chevy ? Even Ford has a selection of crate engines now & not too....bad in price. I would seriously look into them.

[ERA Chas]

If you're truly travelling with a beautiful blonde who has a shotgun - then SIZE MATTERS.

[FUNFER2]

My wife is a true blonde..........she likes the, big block size. Likes to hear it rumble.

[Tongue Pirate]

Before factoring in the car initial cost is a big factor in the choice of an engine. A quality build on a quality block is the most important starting point for reliability. Your budget is next. Big Vs Small is, as you are seeing, a debate better left alone around here. With that said you must take in all the arguing points & decide what is imortant to you.

[aumoore]

In general a small block will be less maintaince than a big block. It will run cooler, tear up less parts(clutches, rear ends) and cost less to build. The FE series may be the creme of the crop but they are a older design and the valve train is more prone to breakage plus there are not to many people who can properly set one up. If you really want a big block consider a 429/460 based motor which is a more modern motor than the FE and produces over 500HP with ease.

[ERA Tom]

Big Block = 38D
Small Block = 32A