Why do guys race small blocks?
#1691990
10/29/14 08:09 PM
10/29/14 08:09 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,498 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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OP
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Posts: 7,498
Minnesota
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What is the allure of the small block? I am asking because of interest and curiosity, not to start an argument. I just have always figured that you get more torque and power for the same investment of time and $ with a big block, so I'm wondering why not go big?
[img]http://i.imgur.com/boeexFms.jpg[/img]31 Plymouth Coupe, 392 Hemi, T56 magnum RS23J71 RS27J77 RP23J71 RO23J71 WM21J8A I don't regret the things I've done. I only regret the things I didn't do. "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something. ~ Plato"
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#1691992
10/29/14 08:28 PM
10/29/14 08:28 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260 New Mexico
Adobedude
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pro stock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,260
New Mexico
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Because it's fun to beat big blocks.
2001 Dodge Dakota 408 All Motor 11.27 @ 117.83 mph 2017 NM Mopar Challenge Series Champion.
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Hemi_Joel]
#1691993
10/29/14 08:34 PM
10/29/14 08:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,410 Belpre,Ohio
CHAPPER
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Belpre,Ohio
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"..not to start an argument.." Yea, right!! I see a coming,
If you like drag racing, support your local track.
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Adobedude]
#1691994
10/29/14 08:35 PM
10/29/14 08:35 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,532 off the grid
340B5
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pro stock
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,532
off the grid
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Because it's too hard to get an 1800 gram bobweight in a Bigblock. Honestly, I'm a semi-reformed rpm junkie that just likes an engine that sounds like a chainsaw when you mash it.
Yeah, it's got a smallblock.
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Adobedude]
#1691995
10/29/14 08:39 PM
10/29/14 08:39 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,498 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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Posts: 7,498
Minnesota
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Quote:
Because it's fun to beat big blocks.
OK, I get it. The David vs. Goliath thing...
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: 340B5]
#1691997
10/29/14 08:44 PM
10/29/14 08:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,498 Minnesota
Hemi_Joel
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Minnesota
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Quote:
Because it's too hard to get an 1800 gram bobweight in a Bigblock. Honestly, I'm a semi-reformed rpm junkie that just likes an engine that sounds like a chainsaw when you mash it.
I get the RPM rush too, but times have changed. With all the parts and technology available now, guys are revving 500+ inch motors over 9000 every day. Unless you have to go 12,000 now because your are an RPM junkie that needs a bigger and bigger fix... Oh oh.. I think I just started arguing... Sorry, I'll just shut up and listen.
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Locomotion]
#1692003
10/29/14 09:07 PM
10/29/14 09:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,267 North, Alabama
D-50
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pro stock
Joined: Oct 2009
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North, Alabama
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I used to run big blocks . Changed to small blocks around 1996 in my Demon and that is all I have run since. And I like the challenge to go fast with less. We are running mopars so it is obvious we like to be the underdog or to be different. When I go to the track I am the only mopar there.
1.33 60 ft,6.21 at 110.59 in the 1/8, pump gas small block,2950lbs,drag radials,mufflers and driven to track ...
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Locomotion]
#1692004
10/29/14 09:12 PM
10/29/14 09:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,826 las vegas
70AARcuda
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las vegas
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The stock pile of parts I have...
It would be crazy for me to change engines.
Tony
70 AARCuda Vitamin C 71 Dart Swinger 360 10.318 @ 128.22(10-04-14 Bakersfield) 71 Demon 360 10.666 @122.41 (01-29-17 @ Las Vegas) 71 Duster 408 (10.29 @ 127.86 3/16/19 Las Vegas)
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: Sammy]
#1692005
10/29/14 09:15 PM
10/29/14 09:15 PM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,424 Kalispell Mt.
HotRodDave
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,424
Kalispell Mt.
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1. Need a new block for your SB? I can buy a core with a hydro roller set up any day of the week for $100, try THAT with a BB. That block will handle the same power as a stock BB.
2. Spark plugs are a pain in a BB not to mention plug wire routing around headers or manifolds and the location in the chamber sucks and needs a lot of advance.
3. #100 off the nose of the car for free.
4. Bolts up to a 904 or a-500 for free that saves power and wider ratios are almost free and is a lot lighter and I have never heard of a 904 drum exploding. If you get the right one you can shut off lock up with a simple switch.
5. Magnum heads can make just as much power as any free BB heads because of the increased efficiency.
6. Machined valve cover rails with 10 bolts, one piece oil pan gasket, no water on the head bolts or ex bolts (again magnum heads)
7. 4 inch cast cranks (No eagle crap) are real cheap and hold up fine in most apps.
8. Converting a SB car to a BB (most of our cars were SB) is a big pain, swaping trans, exhaust, mounts...
Me and most of my customers are broke folks that don't really need expensive blocks and heads and don't want to add the weight for little gain. I talked a good friend out of a 440 in his 318 68 Cuda, instead stroked a 318 mag to a 392 and he calls me all the time carrying on about how fast this thing is and how he is glad he did not go BB. Saved all the money on the conversion and it still handles well.
There is a place for a BB but it is not really what most guys need. You really should have aftermarket heads and 500+ cubes to make it worth it.
I am not causing global warming, I am just trying to hold off a impending Ice Age!
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Re: Why do guys race small blocks?
[Re: ademon]
#1692009
10/29/14 09:35 PM
10/29/14 09:35 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562 Brookeville, Md
Mr.Yuck
Not enough dumb comments...yet
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Not enough dumb comments...yet
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 24,562
Brookeville, Md
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Quote:
I like beating, BB Chevys, Fords, Pontiacs etc.. With my 71 340 demon, the look on their face is priceless when I pop the hood! Now a days your not giving up to much with these 420 to 440 + inch SB's
yes but you can take a BB MUCH bigger for cheaper and have a more useful vehicle. You are pretty much tapped out at 440 ci in a small block w/o some crazy expensive parts. Unless you want to race an A-body BB is the only way to go. Of course this excludes road racing where handling is more important than power.
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