Why do I need a big block?

PLDRIVE · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 08:40 PM

I went to have my car put on a chassis dyno today, and I was well pleased with the results.

My engine builder told me their engine dynoed was conservative (642HP) and they were not kidding!! First pull 559, second 561 and third 559. Not bad for a small block on Pump Gas that Idles at 950 and will run all day long on in fifth gear at 2100rpm. Oh by the way this was with the small carburetor (QF 850) the 1050 made 12 more HP and more TQ throughout the entire RPM range on the engine dynoed! I am very happy with the results. Engine 461 SBF, Custom LSM solid roller, Super victor (dr J port work).

Tim Brewer · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 09:47 PM

Well, you have the displacement of a big block, but perhaps just not the durability.

Dangerous Doug · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 09:58 PM

Sounds like a pretty nasty machine you've got there. Who was the engine builder?

DD

LoBelly · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 10:01 PM

thats a lot of neddies

looks like you got a great result

some pics of the install would be nice

LoBelly

PLDRIVE · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 11:33 PM

It may not last as long ( its making its power by 6800 so not to high of revs), but it doesn't weigh as much either

http://www.precisionraceengines.com/

They did a very nice job on the engine and they stand behind their work. Engine was delivered on time as promised. I did have a few issues with the engine; however, it all stemmed from the heads. (AFRs problem, wrong valve seals). Precision replaced the seals at their expense even thou the heads came assembled from AFR.

I will try to post some picture tomorrow.

madmaxx · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 06:30 AM

If the engine was properly balanced it will last forever as long as it is not starved for oil. If you were to run your engine 24 hours a day for 4 months you would have 144K miles at 50 mph. We will run compressors at 12,000 rpms for 8 to 9 years, 24 hours a day!!!!! If you engine builder was good enough to get those results he was good enough to balance and ensure the proper bearing clearance etc. My only suggestion, warm engine thourghyly prior to romping on it.

You may want a big block if you like to:
1) overheat
2) poor fuel economy
3) In some cases adjust the valves every 1K miles
4) modify oil passages and hope they were done right
5) probably put up with oil leaks
6) Fills up the engine compartment

If I was going big block it would be all aluminuim 482 stroker, in other words $$$$$$$

*13* · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:32 AM

That's some HP! from a small block. Too much, unless it's a track car. In that case, go tear it up & be safe!

priobe · #8 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:42 AM

Those are some impressive numbers.

However, if you are comparing it to a BB then just get a BB. Other than that be happy with your SB, and be proud of what you have.

My opinion, It will never sound like a BB or fill the engine bay like a BB.

But congrats on your build.

RodKnock · #9 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 07:44 AM

Wow. how long has it been since the last small block versus big block thread?

greg schroeder · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:06 AM

Awesome. Take it to the drag strip! I'd like to see that thing run.

Cobra #3170 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 08:59 AM

Great result, looks like some honest numbers between engine dyno and chassis dyno. I have seen lots of huge engine numbers that produce lower chassis numbers than yours. Then we hear how the losses are 25% between engine and chassis dyno's when just maybe the engine didn't make the claimed power in the first place. Your car will fly!

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLDRIVE

I went to have my car put on a chassis dyno today, and I was well pleased with the results.

My engine builder told me their engine dynoed was conservative (642HP) and they were not kidding!! First pull 559, second 561 and third 559. Not bad for a small block on Pump Gas that Idles at 950 and will run all day long on in fifth gear at 2100rpm. Oh by the way this was with the small carburetor (QF 850) the 1050 made 12 more HP and more TQ throughout the entire RPM range on the engine dynoed! I am very happy with the results. Engine 461 SBF, Custom LSM solid roller, Super victor (dr J port work).

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Wow. how long has it been since the last small block versus big block thread?

It doesn't matter if it's making nitromethane numbers, big blocks are just "cooler" than small blocks. Always have been, always will be.

DougD · #13 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:27 AM

You don't NEED a big block. You WANT one. Kinda like drinkin' a soda pop - you could buy a 12oz can, but why not go with the 20 oz version?

You don't NEED Halibrand ko's and Goodyear Blue Streaks- you WANT them. You could go with painted steel wagon spoke wheels and WalMart tires.

You don't NEED a Playboy Bunny for a wife. You WANT one. But you could marry the plain, slightly overweight librarian and be just as happy.

SP01715 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

It doesn't matter if it's making nitromethane numbers, big blocks are just "cooler" than small blocks. Always have been, always will be.

25 years ago when I was playing with muscle cars in my high school days I would have agreed with you. Times have changed though IMO with the modern stroker motors.

patrickt · #15 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP01715

25 years ago when I was playing with muscle cars in my high school days I would have agreed with you. Times have changed though IMO with the modern stroker motors.

Once you reach the point that you're braking the rear wheels loose, more tq/hp doesn't get you anything. It's at that point where other factors take over (if they haven't controlled the issue before). The sound, the appearance, the nostalgia... it's all in the FE's favor. The only reason somebody puts something other than an FE in a 427 car is because: 1) They couldn't find an FE; 2) An FE is a bit more of a nuisance to build and deal with; or 3) FEs cost more. And I speakum with silver tongue....

SP01715 · #16 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Once you reach the point that you're braking the rear wheels loose, more tq/hp doesn't get you anything. It's at that point where other factors take over (if they haven't controlled the issue before). The sound, the appearance, the nostalgia... it's all in the FE's favor. The only reason somebody puts something other than an FE in a 427 car is because: 1) They couldn't find an FE; 2) An FE is a bit more of a nuisance to build and deal with; or 3) FEs cost more. And I speakum with silver tongue....

I agree with you on the point of nostalgia. I could have went any route I wanted with respect to motor options. IMO the Roush stroker was the best choice for me.

Gunner · #17 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:59 AM

When I was considering building a car, I wavered between a genuine side-oiler and a 427-cube midblock. When I was looking for one to buy, I considered only FE's.

Yes, engine tech has improved much in the last 45 years - my wife drives a Volvo, fa chrissakes, with 300 HP out of a 2.5 liter six. (Yes, I do borrow it frequently... why do you ask?) You can, and many do, drop a state of the art OHC FI blown engine in a Cobra. You can stuff in (well, not much stuffing required) a big-cube smallblock with internals more complex than a swiss watch. You can stuff in (shoehorns required) a 4.6 modular.

These cars are not about state of the art tech. They are about the meanest, nastiest, most overpowered tech that anyone could put on the street in the mid-60s. In 1965, a small block with 300 HP was screamin-demon state of the art (but is hardly worth mentioning today). You want a Roush small-block, a 4.6, a Prius driveline? Fine. Power (heh) to yez.

But in the end, IMHO - IMVHO - the 427 is about big blocks. Ford big blocks. Ford FE big blocks. Mean, nasty, irascible, finicky Ford FE big blocks.

priobe · #18 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:04 AM

I`LL BE RIGHT BACK. I going to get some popcorn......... does anyone need anything?

OCCOBRA · #19 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:15 AM

Why is it that the guys with little.......Blocks always are worried about performance, appearence, what others think about their.......little blocks? Some guys just don't have big........Blocks. So they have to stuff in a little.......Block and get their enjoyment. I never hear about a guy with a big......Block wishing he had a little......Block!
So all you little.....Blocks keep making all this noise. We big ......Block guys, well we just drive softly and carry carry big sticks....err Blocks!
In all seriousness, your build sounds awsome from your numbers. I think we all have to remember big.....Blocks, or litttle .....Blocks we all have big balls to drive these things!!!
IMO
Dane

priobe · #20 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:18 AM

Hahahaha
I guess the guys with the Bigger Balls are the ones with the Big Blocks.

I guess.......... it's just correct to have a Big Block!