build a big block?
 

Am I crazy to consider building a big block chevy?

Here are the goals in order with my C10:
Drive good
Look good
Sound good

That's it really. I care not one iota for performance. I would be keeping the factory 305 if it weren't damaged. So we're talking about building a smog era BBC that makes 225hp for all I care. I'd honestly love to build a 396/402 since they aren't seen often any more.

I was set on doing an LS swap when I first found my 305 is damaged. However, as I deal with a 2 year old and a 7 week old, I realize that all of the ancillary changes needed to properly swap an LS would take me so long that I'm not sure it's a viable option at this point. As I troll market place, I see BBCs come up for not a lot of money. This is what got me thinking about building one.

My concern is that I have not dealt with a BBC before. I do hear people say they're temperamental and an LS is a better option. However, these all seem to be people with built engines. I'm only considering the big block because I haven't dealt with them before and they do a great job at fulfilling goals two and three for the truck. What about goal one though? If I run a fairly stock engine, would it really be any different than a simple 350? Will it crank and run easily and not be "temperamental"?

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and opinions on the matter since I know a number of you have had big blocks in the past or present.

Thanks

They offered big blocks from the factory in 1/2 ton pickups for many years as an option. They can definitely be reliable and drivable without issues if built for that purpose.

I’m old school and love the BBC package.
The LS people are cutting edge but that’s not your mission.
My car runs a 572ci.
68 Camaro, 4L80E, bla bla bla..,
See Jim and Geralyn’s.., feature car on this forum.
Anyway, please consider a BBC and a mild cam.

Although I’m a fuel injection geek, go carburetor,

Thanks for the replies. I figure I can add EFI at a later date when time allows if I desire. For me, this is kind of combining two areas that are new to me; building an engine up from a bare block and running a BBC.

Big blocks are not a problem to be reliable if done right, same as a small block. There's going to be more work involved putting a big block in the truck than another small block of course. A big block will help fill up the engine bay better if that's important to you. Finding a ready to drop in small block is easy and less expensive.

A big block definitely will look good under the hood. That's one of the reasons it popped into my head to investigate it as an option after seeing them advertised for so little. I assumed they brought more money since everyone would want one. The more I research the more I find people dogging on the "small" big blocks since they don't make the power a 454 or larger can make. Find by me. I'll take one then since I only want the looks.

We'll see what my search uncovers.

Thanks

Some really solid Big Blocks available trough GMPP

Who doesn't love a BBC????

Nice! I see you don't have your water pump and intake plumbed together. I thought that was necessary? Are those your heater ports?

Yes, those are my heater ports. No, you don't have to have those plumbed together, as you can see. Although it is a great way to start an argument on social media.. lol