Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific Mouse & Rat Motor Discussion & Conversions

How big of a Big Block??

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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 12:41 AM
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Default How big of a Big Block??

I am building a BBC for my third gen since my sbc died a few days ago and Im kinda curious about one thing. How big of a BBC should I build? I am most likely going to order a short block from cncmotorsports.com and go from there, equipping the top end with AFR heads and a massive hyd. roller. I want atleast 750-800hp N/A and then maybe a lil more on the juice, a 496 or 540 could prolly do the job but...A 598 costs the same as a 496 or 540 so is there any reason not to build a 598 or possibly bigger? All their motors use Dart blocks and good forged components so strength isnt an issue, 598ci of motor will churn out some serious power but does it have ANY downfalls compared to a 496 or something like that? Any input from you BBC guys would be greatly appreciated, excuse my ignorance because I am new to the big block world but i think im going to like it.
Thanks-Jeremy
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 03:53 AM
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Well, from all my big block buddys telling me, they allways wish they would have stuck with a short deck, the tall decks end up being a PITA needing custom parts to make them work and what not, thats what they tell me anyways, i will do a 496 eventually or a 396 stroker with a big single turbo, not sure yet.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 06:54 AM
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I can tell you stay with a short deck block. Your going to have hell finding headers etc.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 11:48 AM
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.

Depending on the room issue. A 10.2 will give you all the free power you mentioned.
Do not get a 496", if you're able to afford what you claim, stick with the big bore.
If you don't have the room, see what it would take to swap their 540" for a 557".
557" is a great combo for a 9.8. I'm also a fan of 572" over the 598", I prefer to save the meat for future issues.
Good luck.

.
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 12:15 PM
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I would say a 502 would be plenty big and with the components on the top end that you listed that would make the power your looking for...
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