Durability: Big Power BBC vs. SBC
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TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 437
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From: Northern Kentucky
Durability: Big Power BBC vs. SBC Just dropped a valve in my 468. In the last 5 or so years we've hurt two motors dropping a valve and we're always skiddish of it happening again. We've never had problems with the bottom ends, one broke a rod bolt but no idea how many runs.
My car is packing a good amount of power for my track, I just bracket race so as long as I'm running 6.0's or 5.9's I'm happy. The quicker I go the less consistent it gets. I don't know a lot about small blocks to be completely honest, I've never known anything but big blocks. We don't run a lot of cam (.680 in our 468 and .730 in our 548) to try and save on parts but I'm tired of valvetrain killing shortblocks and being afraid of a lifter going bad. How would you compare the durability of a big HP small block vs. big block? I know it's a vague question so I'm just looking for answers in general terms obviously.
I'm debating between a 434 or a tall deck 572/598/632. If I went with a 598 I'd have the car waaaay turned down for bracket racing then turn it up once a month to get into a Quick 16. Keeping in mind the cost would be about the same given I'd be selling my used Dart Pro 1's to get new small block heads and I'd have to get a new motor plate/headers.
My car is packing a good amount of power for my track, I just bracket race so as long as I'm running 6.0's or 5.9's I'm happy. The quicker I go the less consistent it gets. I don't know a lot about small blocks to be completely honest, I've never known anything but big blocks. We don't run a lot of cam (.680 in our 468 and .730 in our 548) to try and save on parts but I'm tired of valvetrain killing shortblocks and being afraid of a lifter going bad. How would you compare the durability of a big HP small block vs. big block? I know it's a vague question so I'm just looking for answers in general terms obviously.
I'm debating between a 434 or a tall deck 572/598/632. If I went with a 598 I'd have the car waaaay turned down for bracket racing then turn it up once a month to get into a Quick 16. Keeping in mind the cost would be about the same given I'd be selling my used Dart Pro 1's to get new small block heads and I'd have to get a new motor plate/headers.
Well, durability is of course better due to smaller parts wearing less and weighing less to break. Of course they are cheaper and very good for a bracket, a 434 would put you in the 6.0 if done right and will run very consistent if the trans is good. They dont mind revving higher than the big blocks and that is of course you know, piston speed is less due to a shorter stroke. HTH
6 & 8 Second Club
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,284
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From: Illinois, RT 66 dragway area
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BBC has been much more reliable in every case I've ever seen. A basic 800-900 HP BBC is much less stressful than a SBC.
Hell a 598" with standard heads, wouldn't even sweat at 800 HP. Low RPM, means less stress, less wear & tear. Good luck.
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BBC has been much more reliable in every case I've ever seen. A basic 800-900 HP BBC is much less stressful than a SBC.
Hell a 598" with standard heads, wouldn't even sweat at 800 HP. Low RPM, means less stress, less wear & tear. Good luck.
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+ 1 .................
My 468 with older parts was together for 20 years and raced hard all the time and allways saw 150-300 shots no problems, even the bearings looked great, motor also had Id say at least 10k miles on it if not closer to 20. Oh, and my shift points were at 7000.
Maybe its the parts you are using or the builder???? Not a flame.
I was told the other day by a very respected local builder who has a friends motor right now that he can get me 600 something hp (im guessing 600-650) WITH my c port heads on my 468 RELIABLY!!!! BEFORE NITROUS! Im sure it will end up being more since his definition of reliable is pretty much never checking springs and a hydraulic roller from what I can tell.
600 hp all motor on a SBC whould be pretty hard on it if you ask me.
Lots of 540 guys pushing 700hp no sweat.
BBC all the way.
Maybe its the parts you are using or the builder???? Not a flame.
I was told the other day by a very respected local builder who has a friends motor right now that he can get me 600 something hp (im guessing 600-650) WITH my c port heads on my 468 RELIABLY!!!! BEFORE NITROUS! Im sure it will end up being more since his definition of reliable is pretty much never checking springs and a hydraulic roller from what I can tell.
600 hp all motor on a SBC whould be pretty hard on it if you ask me.
Lots of 540 guys pushing 700hp no sweat.
BBC all the way.
