So a tall block in a hot rod application, any benefits to that? It would seem to me that truck engines work hard most of their life , probably the reverse to a car engine, they probably work at 90%, 90% of the time. We also know that this thing would be a torque monster but most likely on the low side on HP. Is it a bigger block too, so heavier?
-- Edited by 73SC at 00:32, 2009-02-20
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Ray White, Toronto ON
Formerly - The one and only 1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"
this what someone said on (http://www.chevelles.com/forums) about the 427 truck block
Tall deck 427, add a 4.25 stroke crank, 6.385 rods, the "regular" 454 pistons of your choice, and cut about .050 off the deck. Simple, cheap and easy 496.
Many (not all) of those blocks will swallow a 4.25 stroke crank with zero modifications.
Making it fit a car chassis can be an issue, esp. with power brakes and/or Air conditioning.
So a tall block in a hot rod application, any benefits to that? It would seem to me that truck engines work hard most of their life , probably the reverse to a car engine, they probably work at 90%, 90% of the time. We also know that this thing would be a torque monster but most likely on the low side on HP. Is it a bigger block too, so heavier?
-- Edited by 73SC at 00:32, 2009-02-20
Ray,
The main problem area, assuming you're unhappy with the stock induction system, will be the intake, as a typical BBC intake won't fit. The tall block's dimensions require a specific-sized intake. Firewall and/or power brake booster and/or exhaust manifold clearance "may" be an issue, depending on the type of car it's going in.
I can't remember, but I think most tall blocks are 2-bolt bottom ends. EDIT: I JUST CHECKED AND MOST WERE ACTUALLY 4-BOLT. Even if I'm not going racing, I much prefer a 4-bolt BBC.
I think you're right about the work those old engines were required to do, so a thorough internal examination of the block's condition would be prudent before spending any money on a rebuild.
