400 vs. 454
#12
12-02-2011, 11:27 AM
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Portland, Or
Posts: 9,097
When you talk SBC vs. BBC you need to consider what level and what engines you're talking about. A 350 vs. a 454 is much different than a 400 vs. a 454. 350's are the cheapest engine you can build, while 454's are the cheapest BBC you can build.
Also need to consider what level you're building to. If you're talking a 400hp SBC 400 vs. a 400hp BBC 454, then I would agree that the 454 will be cheaper. Engine kits for that wont include heads for either, so the 454 will be cheaper as parts cost less in the 454 vs. 400.
If you're going for all out power, then you'll want heads, and once you start buying heads the cost goes way up for a BBC vs. SBC. Cranks, pistons, etc. wont be much different, and you'll spend the same on machine work.
Factoring exhaust is kinda silly, as either will work well with the same exhaust, and even if you compare 2.5" to 3" it wont hardly make a diference. Same thing for trans and rearends; if you're running a 400 or a 454 that's built over 400-450hp, you'll still need similar improvements to drivetrain with either engine.
My personal choice would be the 454, as I agree with the "no replacement for cubic inch" statement. It's easier to get the same 400hp from 454ci than it is from 400ci.
Also need to consider what level you're building to. If you're talking a 400hp SBC 400 vs. a 400hp BBC 454, then I would agree that the 454 will be cheaper. Engine kits for that wont include heads for either, so the 454 will be cheaper as parts cost less in the 454 vs. 400.
If you're going for all out power, then you'll want heads, and once you start buying heads the cost goes way up for a BBC vs. SBC. Cranks, pistons, etc. wont be much different, and you'll spend the same on machine work.
Factoring exhaust is kinda silly, as either will work well with the same exhaust, and even if you compare 2.5" to 3" it wont hardly make a diference. Same thing for trans and rearends; if you're running a 400 or a 454 that's built over 400-450hp, you'll still need similar improvements to drivetrain with either engine.
My personal choice would be the 454, as I agree with the "no replacement for cubic inch" statement. It's easier to get the same 400hp from 454ci than it is from 400ci.
#14
12-03-2011, 01:05 AM
Hey Palmers68, welcome. Back to your engine and rear end questions.
Is the 400 running and if yes, how does it run at the moment? any problems and does it need major work?
What rear is in the 68? 10 bolt, 12 bolt, or something else?
What sort of driving will you be doing in the 68, cruising, daily driver, some sort of competition ?
The answers will sort of define the best course for your efforts and money
I bought a 68 camaro with a 66 BBC, 10 bolt rear with 2.6 (?) ratio, single leaf springs, 4 wheel manual drums, in fact quite a few things that needed work, or replacement/upgrade. I have spent considerable time and money fixing what \i needed to, to get the car to the state that I want.
You must have a plan for your car, and then it will become clear what you need to spend your time and money doing.
What do you want from the car? Do you want a BBC?
Is the 400 running and if yes, how does it run at the moment? any problems and does it need major work?
What rear is in the 68? 10 bolt, 12 bolt, or something else?
What sort of driving will you be doing in the 68, cruising, daily driver, some sort of competition ?
The answers will sort of define the best course for your efforts and money
I bought a 68 camaro with a 66 BBC, 10 bolt rear with 2.6 (?) ratio, single leaf springs, 4 wheel manual drums, in fact quite a few things that needed work, or replacement/upgrade. I have spent considerable time and money fixing what \i needed to, to get the car to the state that I want.
You must have a plan for your car, and then it will become clear what you need to spend your time and money doing.
What do you want from the car? Do you want a BBC?
