Here’s a debate that will rage for the eternity of BangShiftin’, the epic struggle between high revving small blocks and large big block engines. We love hearing V8 engines touching RPM levels that even four bangers fear to tread, but on the other hand there’s a totally appealing aura surrounding big inch motors making huge power lower in the RPM curve.
We’ll admit that our allegiances are split. Chad is a 100% dedicated small block guy after seeing his dad beat the living daylights out of his 302ci powered Camaro for decades. Lohnes’s dad has been tooling on a bored and stroked small block Nova for years and that’s an alky fed, natrually aspirated combo.While there’s lots of family small block allegiance, Lohnes also spent several years calling IHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock action at National Events so we know that he has a soft spot for massive 800 ci big block engines.
The question of the day is easy. What’s your preference, screaming small blocks or bellowing big blocks?
Screaming bigblocks ofcourse!
“Life’s too short to be fooling around with smallblocks… “
Yes big block mopars 🙂
I like torque, so big blocks for me. Although I have been known to rev a smallblock ’til the pistons start swappin’ holes.
This is a tough choice! I’ll lean toward the small block because nothing sounds sweeter than a 300CI Comp motor at full song!
trick question..
the newer(at least the lsx) are big block c.i.d. lsx454
torque is king..
Forced induction and r.p.m. are really “king.”
K.I.S.S.
Lousy, old rock group. Just sayin.
As much of an advocate as I am of the ” Too much power is never enough ” philosophy ….. there’s just something about a well tuned and nicely modified ‘ Small Block ‘ that appeals on every level . Mainly though cause less weight in the nose makes for better handling …. and better handling can embarrass the heck outta the EuroSnobs 😉
$4.00+/gal premium unleaded . . . I sure picked a fine time to build a petrol-swilling big block for DW . . .
The annual increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards over the next decade will soon make even brilliant 7,500 r.p.m. small blocks such as the legendary new Boss 302 seem like quaint, hyper-expensive throwbacks to a distant past.
A handful of rich guys who can afford an ever-decreasing number of overpriced V8-powered models . .. and a relatively few, aging Bangshifters — mostly working with obsolete two-valve pushrod technology — will keep the eight-cylinder flame alive (barely). But V8 power will sadly become even more irrelevant to the great, unwashed masses.
That’s not much to look forward to, IMHO.
whatever we do to a 6.2ltr lsx or a ford’s(don’t call me a mod motor)coyote, and the new hemi.
will still get done to the smaller c.i.d. v8.. sorry speedy.. the v8 will never die..
but we will see 2.5ltr v8 with a turbo or s/c
sorry again, as this is the best thing that could happen as it’ll force the OEMS to put the fatso muscle/pony cars on a diet..
big c.i.d. will be for the high end cars the top vette, the top f body, the top mustang, etc.. and trucks.. you’ll also see baby diesels for trucks..
or the factory way to get around the c.a.f.e., and build the carmaro/mustang/et with a 2.5ltr v8, and you walk into the parts department and buy a 6.2ltr that’s made to bolt in place of the 2.5 and tada
Nothing so far suggests the bean counters are going to allow any volume-produced, less-than-three-liter V8s in Detroit 3 iron.
“Diets” cost money. Who’s up for a $100,000 carbon fiber/aluminum Mustang?
small blocks that rev to 8500rpm or higher is the only way to go !!!!
I love a high winding small block as much as the next guy, but I have always leaned towards big block. Especially short stroke versions, that have a decent RPM potential (396/402/427 BBC). They make a fantastic noise and tons of torque. That pleases me.
Big Block until I die.
I’m old enough to remember Modified Eliminator and nothing can replace the sound of a screaming small block.
Small block, efficiency can outsmart size any day.
Luv the small blocks but ya just can’t beat the torque of a fat block
sbf and a stick to beat it with all the way!!!
Both. Why be prejudicial?
Small Block let her wine
Different tools for different jobs.
Small block for handling and twistees.
Big block for 1/4 mile jaunts…
I was partial to my small blocks until I built my first 8000 rpm big block street Camaro
I instantly had a new favorite tune
If you ask me it’s all a matter of induction, after all the more air/fuel going in, the more horsepower & torque comes out. Yes the power band on a computer generated graph will differ & small blocks rev quicker but in the end it’s about making the most of what you’ve got. I like em’ both but believe power management is what it all comes down to.