Please help... Engine decision?

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by 70rs

Have you ever had a chance to drive something with a 600hp big block? It's hard to describe. But with all the magazines and builds spouting off about these huge numbers (700hp LS builds, 500hp small blocks) it can get a little out of perspective as to how much power and torque there really is on tap. When you have a chance to drive something with a well built big block you will forget the Dmax idea. 600hp in a street car with good suspension and brakes is a real eye opener.
If you want something to compare to, go test drive a new Corvette. Those are rated at 430hp (I believe) at the crank. Get on it a bit on the freeway and feel the torque. Then imagine a 150hp and about the same in torque increase. You will see that 600hp is MORE than enough in a street car. And it is a total riot to play with. I have driven several Chevelles up here (local Teamchevelle.com members) with 400-500hp big blocks, TKO600 and automatic trans, some set up for corners and some for drag racing only. Only way to describe 500hp at full throttle is AWESOME!!

It's not so much how much power is a lot to the masses. It's all about what you as an individual is used to. Some people think 400hp is powerful and scary. And in certain hands, yes it can be. And then others ar bored if they do not have 1000hp on tap. I know some people like that. 2 years ago I thought 400-500 hp was quite a bit and got me excited. Now it bores the hell out of me. I need 700+ to be even stimulated. Yes it's quite sad I know.

But the sound of a stout big block is quite pleasing and hard to beat.

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Flash68

It's not so much how much power is a lot to the masses. It's all about what you as an individual is used to. Some people think 400hp is powerful and scary. And in certain hands, yes it can be. And then others ar bored if they do not have 1000hp on tap. I know some people like that. 2 years ago I thought 400-500 hp was quite a bit and got me excited. Now it bores the hell out of me. I need 700+ to be even stimulated. Yes it's quite sad I know.

But the sound of a stout big block is quite pleasing and hard to beat.

You're right and make a very good point. If Nick is used to some serious Dmax power then a 500hp street motor might seem kind of tame.
The point I was making about the magazines and all of the numbers thrown around (and I did a poor job of making the point) was that it gets us "numb" to what good horsepower is. That number is different for everyone.

[Nick.V70]

You guys are right and hp #'s all can sound great but it's the seat of your pants feeling that will be the end decision and I feel the BBC 502 should make me plenty happy.

Now I need to start tranny option thread

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Nor-Cal Nick

You guys are right and hp #'s all can sound great but it's the seat of your pants feeling that will be the end decision and I feel the BBC 502 should make me plenty happy.

Now I need to start tranny option thread

The trans is the easy part. T56 Magnum. Done. Next? Oh yeah the rear. 9 inch. Call Justin at Driverzinc. He will get you set up. What else you need?
Brakes? Suspension?

[Nick.V70]

T56 Magnum ...

How much? ....And what makes it better than something else?

Be nice, I really don't know what I am even asking, back in my car days and my age vs. $$ we had 350, 400r & 700r was all we talked about.

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Nor-Cal Nick

T56 Magnum ...

How much? ....And what makes it better than something else?

Be nice, I really don't know what I am even asking, back in my car days and my age vs. $$ we had 350, 400r & 700r was all we talked about.

I'm nice. What's that mean?? You talk like you have met me on a job site somewhere.... Have we met? Just kidding.

The T56 Magnum is a 6 speed manual. It is an improved version of the T56 used in many production cars.(think 4th gen Z28, Viper, ) The improvements are really an understatement, it's pretty much a new design. It has stronger gears, shafts, better syncro design. Much more than I can remember. It is rated to 700-750hp if I recall. For just a bit less $$ there is the TKO600 which is a 5 speed manual rated at 600hp. Both have a couple options for final gear ratio so you can kind of tune it to your needs. For pricing check out Classic Chevy 5 speed or Kiesler.
I think 3-4k would get you a complete kit including crossmember to swap it in your car. That is only a ballpark guess. Don't quote me on it.
There are kits available to do these transmission swaps. They will include EVERYTHING needed to get the trans in the car up and running. Shifter, clutch, driveshaft, bellhousing, pedals, linkages...all of it.

[Nick.V70]

Originally Posted by 70rs

I'm nice. What's that mean?? You talk like you have met me on a job site somewhere.... Have we met? Just kidding.

The T56 Magnum is a 6 speed manual. It is an improved version of the T56 used in many production cars.(think 4th gen Z28, Viper, ) The improvements are really an understatement, it's pretty much a new design. It has stronger gears, shafts, better syncro design. Much more than I can remember. It is rated to 700-750hp if I recall. For just a bit less $$ there is the TKO600 which is a 5 speed manual rated at 600hp. Both have a couple options for final gear ratio so you can kind of tune it to your needs. For pricing check out Classic Chevy 5 speed or Kiesler.
I think 3-4k would get you a complete kit including crossmember to swap it in your car. That is only a ballpark guess. Don't quote me on it.
There are kits available to do these transmission swaps. They will include EVERYTHING needed to get the trans in the car up and running. Shifter, clutch, driveshaft, bellhousing, pedals, linkages...all of it.

You are good...
Just thought it was funny you answered that easy...I had no idea what the T56 Magnum was. So a manual...OK what about a auto? I kinda like to have my right hand on other things when I am driving around, thats if my wife is with me.....other wise my right hand is free and not doing anything before anyone takes that and makes there own judgment

[70rs]

My free hand is usually making obscene gestures at other drivers. Seattle traffic sucks as bad as So Cal. I need a manual shifter to keep my hand busy and keep me out of trouble.

As for an auto there are a lot of choices. A 700R4 would be a good one for no computer stuff. Or if you don't mind getting involved with computer controlls any of the current 4 speed or even the 6 speed auto would work. TCI has a retro fit 6 speed with paddle shift option available (no idea on cost though).

Twist Machine has a paddle shift system for many of the current autos. And I think they can also provide the entire trany and control system. Look there first.

[Nick.V70]

Ok, so I am close to pullng a trigger on a BBC. Have a 468 and a 502 I am looking at. I can get the 468 cheaper but my gut is saying just go after the 502 so I have more to work with later if I wan more, yes?

[andrew5]

i have a 70,just a fun street car.i built a 454,solid lifter with a mild lift(520),iron heads,steel crank,air gap intake with a 750 holley.it's a litle over 500 hp.backed by a 700r4 and 3:73 12 bolt.it's plenty for the street,and i can drive it every were. it's budget minded (well relitivly speaking compared to all the bad ass builds here on and loads of fun.plenty for a street car in my humble opinion . drew