"HEY GRUMPYVETTE?
should I build a Mild 350 vs mild 454?
If we were to compare 2 similar chevelles, one with a 350 sbc and the other with a 454 bbc. Both engines would have a mild performance build, at a modest expense, like 750 to 850 dp carbs, aluminum double plain intakes, Iron heads, like vortec on the sbs and oval ports on the bbc, headers, moderate performance cams, around 9 1/2 to 1 compression, auto trannys, similar rear gears. How much better would the 454 perform compared to the 350? "
thats a good question, and while I vastly prefer big block engines lets look at the facts and just do some math,
lets assume both engines if properly tuned, on a mild build, should provide about 1 hp and 1 foot lb of torque PER CUBIC INCH OF DISPLACEMENT
while its true the big block probably will weight about 120 lbs more the difference in power far overcomes the difference in weight
play with this calculator and assume the sbc chevelle weights 120 lbs less than the big block version, but weights a realistic 3700 lbs, and makes 350 fly wheel hp vs the heavier cars 454 flywheel hp and 3820 lbs
now assume both cars loose 20% in drive train losses
http://www.wallaceracing.com/et-hp-mph.php
Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3700 pounds and HP of 280 is 13.77 seconds and MPH of 97.29 MPH.
Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3820 pounds and HP of 363 is 12.76 seconds and MPH of 104.96 MPH.
the calculations may not reflect reality exactly but , they do show the realistic fact that the larger displacement should produce a slightly faster car.
now obviously your going to have someone point out that the big block tends to cost a bit more to build, but its also a good deal harder to make the same power with the lower displacement, given your low budget of only about $700 -lets say $1000 or so, a good used performance intake, decent flat tappet cam, maybe headers are about all your going to do to either engine
should I build a Mild 350 vs mild 454?
If we were to compare 2 similar chevelles, one with a 350 sbc and the other with a 454 bbc. Both engines would have a mild performance build, at a modest expense, like 750 to 850 dp carbs, aluminum double plain intakes, Iron heads, like vortec on the sbs and oval ports on the bbc, headers, moderate performance cams, around 9 1/2 to 1 compression, auto trannys, similar rear gears. How much better would the 454 perform compared to the 350? "
thats a good question, and while I vastly prefer big block engines lets look at the facts and just do some math,
lets assume both engines if properly tuned, on a mild build, should provide about 1 hp and 1 foot lb of torque PER CUBIC INCH OF DISPLACEMENT
while its true the big block probably will weight about 120 lbs more the difference in power far overcomes the difference in weight
play with this calculator and assume the sbc chevelle weights 120 lbs less than the big block version, but weights a realistic 3700 lbs, and makes 350 fly wheel hp vs the heavier cars 454 flywheel hp and 3820 lbs
now assume both cars loose 20% in drive train losses
http://www.wallaceracing.com/et-hp-mph.php
Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3700 pounds and HP of 280 is 13.77 seconds and MPH of 97.29 MPH.
Your ET / MPH computed from your vehicle weight of 3820 pounds and HP of 363 is 12.76 seconds and MPH of 104.96 MPH.
the calculations may not reflect reality exactly but , they do show the realistic fact that the larger displacement should produce a slightly faster car.
now obviously your going to have someone point out that the big block tends to cost a bit more to build, but its also a good deal harder to make the same power with the lower displacement, given your low budget of only about $700 -lets say $1000 or so, a good used performance intake, decent flat tappet cam, maybe headers are about all your going to do to either engine