C3 Big block vs Small block

[Kenneth T.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Joe,

You have given so much to all of us here, thanks.

I had a 65 327/365. I loved it, but it depends on how
you want to drive and where you can drive. In traffic,
a lot of shifting, rowing the boat.

My BB on the highway is a beauty; Tickle the throttle,
no down shifts, it pulls away smooth and nice.

It does not have the whine of a high RPM small block, just
the quiet rumble of power and performance.

I enjoy my LS5 on the road. JMO.

Ken

[Chris E.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

On the other hand, some people drive their '67 L79's all day long and sleep like a baby at night.

-Floyd-

Hey, that's gonna be me pretty soon!!

Personally, I'd go with a 69 with the base motor, and bring it to an engine shop to "fix". I'd tell them that the first number in the HP rating should be a "4".

You'd get a 383 stroker (essentially) but the weight and appearance of a 350.

[Floyd B.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Personally, I'd go with a 69 with the base motor, and bring it to an engine shop to "fix". I'd tell them that the first number in the HP rating should be a "4".

You'd get a 383 stroker (essentially) but the weight and appearance of a 350.

Oh, but the engine bay will hold so much more than that. Why not drop a ZZ427 crate motor in that thing and have some real fun.

[Chris E.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Oh, but the engine bay will hold so much more than that. Why not drop a ZZ427 crate motor in that thing and have some real fun.

Agreed, but the stock APPEARING 350 will still pass NCRS Flight Judging (with stamps and numbers and such) yet provide a LOT more power than stock. That is an appealing combination to me, at least.

Certainly, you can stuff almost anything you want in the engine bay. Probably even the 572 Chevy........

[Peter G.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

I have had both. Now I have a BB. I was looking for investment value and wanted a "optional" engine to increase the value of my vintage Corvette.

I have put back onto the engine all the missing parts. When I first got the car I could work on the engine. Plugs, wires, hoses etc. Now that everything including the A.I.R. system is back in the engine bay, I see why the previous owners took the parts off and didn't put them back on.

I now cannot work on my own engine very easily. I can barely see the spark plugs, had to remove the RF tire to install the front plug on the PS side and also a rubber fuel line to the fuel pump! Removing the bottom radiator hose to drain the radiator?? Forget it!

I am done with BB as I like to work on my own car as a hobby and working on a BB is not so much fun to me.

Next Corvette will be a SB either a L36-350/350 or a LT-1 $$ if and when I have plenty of money?

Driving the car...mouse motor all the way.

[Jim T.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

I have never driven or rode in a BB C3 and I could of bought one new in 1970. I opted for the 350/300 turbo 400 3:08 rear, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and optional interior. Have over 160K miles on it now and most of those miles were put on it 20 years ago when my 1970 was one of the daily drivers, the other a 68 327/350 4-speed with 98K miles. The 68 would have more mileage if it had air conditioning.
Still enjoy driving these SB's when I can.

The 69/70 base SB 350's had 10.25 compression from the factory, 300 HP@4800 RPM and 380 LB FT@3200RPM. I liked this performance in my 1970 and the reasonable gas mileage with full time vacuum advance.

[Dale S.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Peter, A small block with a/c and smog is the same. Dale

[Dale S.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Peter, Oh and I forgot. spark plug shielding. Dale

[Steven G.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

S/B is my preference of engines, good performance, ok gas milage, keep oil full and they seem to last a lifetime. This was a great designed engine. Steve

[Brandon T.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

I don't have a 70-72 but I have a 68 427 4sp and it barks 4th with just a stock rebuild and the original m21 and the high 3.08 gear!

to me go with a BB I've had both and currently have a 58 with ofcourse the 283...I don't have anything against a sb vette but in the years bb was a option and I wanted that year I personally wouldn't buy anything but the bb version of the car.

my 68 with the 427/390hp option actually gets pretty dang good mileage for what it is!

[James C.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

I have a 1971 BB 4 speed ,3:08 with air. Nice riding car and enough torque to climb up the side of a building. Loves gasoline though.
A small block would probably be a nicer driver, but you gotta love the rumble of that BB...

[Paul J.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

When I was looking for a C3 I drove both. Like Terry said, I knew what the car would be used for. I would use the car mostly for trips and commuting 30 miles to work twice a day. I wanted the increased value of a BB, but I realized that it was just impracticle for my circumstances. I bought the SB and never regretted it.

Paul

[Jamie F.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

Decide what you want to do with the car. If long distance cruising is your idea of fun, Joe Lucia is right -- the base motor will suit you just fine.

If you want some real fun, drop down a year and find yourself a 1969 435hp with M40. Most folks think of the automatic transmission in terms of not having to shift, and forget that it multiplies torque. With the 435/M40 you will be able to burn the hides off of any size tire you can stuff in the rear wheel wells. I have driven a whole lot of C3 Corvettes but the 435/M40 gets my vote for the most thrilling C3 ride.

Terry has got it right on! I've had tons of muscle cars and nothing beats a big inch A/T for shear enjoyment! If you don't care about originality, drop in a 502 or 572 with a a Turbo 400 or built 4 speed A/T behind it and have a ton of fun!
I know everyone wants a 4-speed, and I have one, but the A/T is a joy.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

James has something about that "rumble" thing. The purchase of my vette was my wife's idea. We went to Carlisle, looked at cars stricktly on price not knowing much about vettes. After a long day of research she heard a newly purchased car rumbling through the fairgrounds and she said, "I want it to sound like that". My reply was simple, "Then you want a Big Block".

We have one and like it, even with it's maintainance issues. Buy what you like, drive it, enjoy it. That's just my story. Have fun!!

[Michael F.]

Re: C3 Big block vs Small block

depends on what you like and can tolerate....in college I drove a 4spd 427/435 67 as dailey (only) driver with no problems, also later drove 70 454/390 (4spd) dailey, later still drove 70 350/350 4spd dailey. Today as semi retired I prefer 03 zo6 with a/c but still stick car. Back to original question big block for me