SB 427 or BB 427 poll.

[Musclerodz]

If you had the choice, and I know a few of you on this board can swing it, would you choose the new ZL1 427 BB or a C5R 427 SB? Both normally aspirated, I think both are around 600 hp. Which would be better and why? I think the ZL1 weighs about what an iron SB does, but how much heavier is the beefed up C5R block over a LS1?

Mike

[hotwheels]

BB get's my vote in the poll......there is no replacement for displacement........hotwheels of turborides

[XcYZ]

C5R 427 no doubt! That would be an extremely expensive motor, but it would be killer. I never got to ride in an 02 ZL1 with the Stage III motor, but I heard one with exhaust cutouts. It sounded SO bad ass. I got to drive the HRSS454 which has a 454 CID C5R, it was exceptionally smooth. I was extremely surprised by the low end throttle response.

[Musclerodz]

hotwheels,

they have the same displacement.

Mike

[clill]

I have owned both stock Big Block ZL1's and a C5R in a 02 ZL1 and I would take the C5R every time. Great engine. 69 ZL1 had less hp so the comparison is not fair but the new C5R has fresh thinking in it compared to a 1965 design.

[Musclerodz]

Charlie

I believe the advertised Hp was 430ish on the original ZL1, am I correct? The new ones that is being advertised by Jegs with a Ram Jet says 520 hp on 10.2:1 comp. With just a little tweaking and the right headers, I think it would push 600hp. And only $18K!

I would choose the C5R myself. Wouldn't it be cool to have a race prepped C5R in a 69 Camaro Trans Am clone?!

Mike

[Ummgawa]

I have driven both big and small blocks with the same horse power numbers, and I have to say, I'd do the Big block all things equal. The torque of a Big Block is something I couldn't get away from. I have a friend that has built stepped up late model C5 small blocks for year one and they are indeed bad ass, but that big block power is like dating a stripper, everybody ought to at least once.

Maybe twice.

[JamesD]

how are the characteristics of a 427 sbc(non LSX) and a 427 bbc(with same cam, compression etc) different? like torque curves, hp/tq peaks etc.

[Steve Chryssos]

Typically, the big block will have a taller deck height which makes room for longer rods than are possible on the small block. Likewise the physically larger dimensions allow for much bigger valve area and intake exhaust runner volume. Examples:
A really big SB intake valve? 2.125"; really big BB intake valve? 2.400"
Really big SB Intake runner? 230cc; really big BB intake runner? 360cc-400cc

The effect of the above information is far more involved and would surely descend into benchracing keyboard brawl without directly comparing two specific engine combinations, so I will avoid gross generalizations.

[jannes_z-28]

Originally Posted by Ummgawa

but that big block power is like dating a stripper, everybody ought to at least once.

Maybe twice.

Jim it is always enjoyful to read your postings ROFLMAO

Thanks to you I now fully understand why I have a Big Block in my Camaro

And is of course my vote too even though the new engines are high tech and cool nothing compares to a real CBB.


Jan