FAO RocketmanX or anyone else who knows about BBC's...

[IainB]

Not sure if anyone can help - but does anyone know of a good resource on Big Block Chevy engines?
My chassis builder is seriously concerned (along with quite a few others) that my Rover isnt going to run the numbers - and will be a real pig to drive on the street (race cam etc etc)
Although he didnt intend to do this - hes willing to let me have his BBC out of his drag car for a lot less than I expected.
The question is.... I know nothing about Chevys (though a SBC was my planned next engine) - so does anyone have any links to anything that could get me upto speed ASAP?
Thanks
Iain

[RocketmanX]

Eazieb,

Sorry I didn't respond sooner but my comp at home had some unfortunate scsi disk problems this weekend

I'll look into the big block thing tonight and post later or tomorrow. There's plenty of stuff out there and my Father in Law happens to be an expert on BBC's so you're in luck

Anything in particualr you want to know? I do know that certain heads are much better and preferred for racing. There's oval and square port heads and I don't remember which is better but the good one is somewhat hard to find now.

As for blocks I'll ask my father in law tomorrow, he can tell me which blocks, and even part #'s, from his head. I think you sound more interested in blocks right now since you may get one.

If you get a small block chevy get a 4-bolt main block or if you can afford it by an aftermarket Chevy "Bowtie" block. They can make all the way up to about 442 CI engines out of them and still have plenty of cylinder wall left and they are VERY strong compared to a stock block, although they are about 50 lbs. heavier.

Bowtie blocks go for $4500 race prepped at the engine builder I use. It winds up being a block capable of 8700 rpms and LOTS of torque. An aluminum racing sbc goes for around $6000 race prepped. These can make about 460+ cubes

[IainB]

Most Appreciated.
Just trying to get an idea of what his engine is - going down to negotiate (hopefully) a deal over this coming weekend, so would be good to go in armed with a bit of detail as to what it is.
Anything on heads /blocks would be very usefull - or even a website with these details on.
If it was a Rover lump I would have no problems !!
As for the SBC - thats second in line
(I WILL have a Bow Tie before I die!!)

[RocketmanX]

I'll post some stuff as I come upon it and here's a little bit of info-

Mor Tec Chevy

There's several pages there with block part #'s so you can tell what size and config it was from the factory. On the big block page I would say any of the 454 bowtie blocks would be awesome.

They also give head casting numbers as well as where to find all the casting #'s. Aside from knowing which are preferred for racing I would say this site covers it all

[RocketmanX]

Looking at the head configs and the engines they came on the rectangular port heads are the ones that are the best and also hard to find.

Don't foget to ask how much the cylinders have bored. The american v8 likes to run very hot when the cylinder bores start getting too big due to the proximity to the water jacket surrounding the cylinders. They also crack cylinder walls very easy if they have been bored too much. A small block is good to .040 and starts getting iffy after that, a big block I'm not sure about since I've never built one. They're a bit too heavy for circle racing

DO NOT buy one that has been sleeved. Unless it was sleeved new it's not gonna be very reliable if sleeved, that's what some guys do when the bores start getting too big and they wanta keep running the block instead of buying another, it's NOT a proper fix, throwing out the block is

[Zak33]

Go Manx go

tope bloke....a veritable MINE of info

[IainB]

Originally posted by RocketmanX
I'll post some stuff as I come upon it and here's a little bit of info-

Mor Tec Chevy

There's several pages there with block part #'s so you can tell what size and config it was from the factory. On the big block page I would say any of the 454 bowtie blocks would be awesome.

They also give head casting numbers as well as where to find all the casting #'s. Aside from knowing which are preferred for racing I would say this site covers it all

Thanks mate
Some very good info there - will let you know how I get on....
This is the one im going to look at on Saturday

[Tumble]

OMG look at the size of the intake on that monkey!!! lol

[RocketmanX]

Looks like you shouldn't worry about what engine it is Eazieb
Looks to have all the good stuff on it.

Where'd that car come from anyway?
My friend that works with me on my race car and does all the engine stuff popped in yesterday while I had this post up. He said that car looked exactly like one he knows that was sold not that long ago.

[IainB]

Originally posted by RocketmanX
Looks like you shouldn't worry about what engine it is Eazieb
Looks to have all the good stuff on it.

Where'd that car come from anyway?
My friend that works with me on my race car and does all the engine stuff popped in yesterday while I had this post up. He said that car looked exactly like one he knows that was sold not that long ago.

LOL - the question is how much of the good stuff will stay with it !! - as there is another BBC waiting in the wings to take its place..... should have more details this Sat

As for the car its a Capri - that, as far as I know has always been UK based. In its current form has been built for 2.5+ years (if thats of any help)

Thanks for everything so far - much appreciated
Iain

[jon bda]

Guy who bought my 2.8i Capri has a mild drag/street spec Camaro. He has a spare motor for that, i told him he would have to fit it to the Capri but he wouldn't have it...i'll try and get some pics of the Camaro if i can...

[IainB]

Bum Bum Bum......
Went down to see how the car is progressing (or not... until I have more moeny!!) - front suspension looks much better than the old - but also to talk engines....
Only problem is - someone offered over £1500 more than the price mentioned to me - cash as well - so its err not for sale anymore
Did make the decision to sell ALL my Rover V8 bits though (and I have scared myself after working out how much I have spent!) - so if you know anyone who wants anything PM me a mail address and I will send the parts list over.
Have now started lots of research on BBC's - and how to make a streetable 550 / 600 brake without power enhancers - they come late.
Have also decided on a 2 speed powerglide - as the box I originally had installed for the Rover would handle the BBC.... but would compalin after a while.
Hopefully (fingers/toes crossed) I should have a low 10'sec street car around June next year