When they go on about weight they mean more in a handling sense. Ride quality.
But by time you add a few go fast goodies like intake headers etc.. A big block weighs no more than a stock small block.
360 vs 383
- Thread starter 318willrun
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But by time you add a few go fast goodies like intake headers etc.. A big block weighs no more than a stock small block.
rmchrgr
Skate And Destroy
Depends on the car. B bodies tend to weigh several hundred pounds more than A bodies so the extra weight in front is less problematic. If the big block theoretically makes more torque, it's needed to get the heavier car moving more efficiently. Though I've never driven one myself, big block A bodies are notoriously poor handling cars due to the unfavorable front-to-rear weight balance. HP being around the same or "close enough" between both engines, I'm taking the small block every time because of the weight.
But since it's 2024 and not 1974, things like aluminum heads, intakes and shorter, lighter stroker pistons can offset the extra weight of the big block significantly so it's probably less of a factor now that those types of parts are readily available.
yes but you can also get alum heads and the same stuff for a small block... i have a small block myself, i just didn't thnk 50-60# would be that noticeable but i don't think about handling..
He did a lot of different weight scenarios, but I know in the one he had aluminum heads on the BB, and cast on the small blocks. Probably in full stock weight, with the cast water pump housing and all, the BB would weigh more than 60 lbs over a small block
33IMP
Well-Known Member
I have NOT read this whole thread, but I'm sure there are great comments in it.
For me, one thru four, the choice comes down to what chassis I'm putting the engine in.....
Early A body: easy.. small block.
67 up A body, probably the 360.
B-body: no brainer, the 383
E body: ditto
Basically, the bigger, the heavier the car, the more it needs a big block.
For me, one thru four, the choice comes down to what chassis I'm putting the engine in.....
Early A body: easy.. small block.
67 up A body, probably the 360.
B-body: no brainer, the 383
E body: ditto
Basically, the bigger, the heavier the car, the more it needs a big block.
Charlie_es_cool
Well-Known Member
1. 383. Might be a bit heavier, but keeping everyhting else equal it still has an advantage. "Bigger" heads, slightly bigger cam, more compression and 23 extra cubes. Might be held back by the smaller carburetor vs a T-quad on a 360 but not by much.
For scenario 2, 3 and 4 I would still choose the 383. Stronger block, bigger bore, larger valves. 383 might be more $$$ to swap in an a body due to headers and engine mounts, but other than that I would choose the 383.
For scenario 2, 3 and 4 I would still choose the 383. Stronger block, bigger bore, larger valves. 383 might be more $$$ to swap in an a body due to headers and engine mounts, but other than that I would choose the 383.
What was the highest gross torque rating for the 360? The 383 was 425LBFT.
The numbers are pretty fudged by so many variances of the 360 and usually these numbers rolled in on Net. I don't have the answer. However, if we want to get exotic, the 383 actually had a version of 460 ft lbs in the 1960 Super D 500 cross ram edition
Yeah I knew there were some with more torque, but I was trying to keep it limited to passenger cars, as I figured that was better suited to your comparison. The 360 was available in only one year where gross measurements were used, 1971. ......and not with a four barrel.
From what I can find, the 71 360 was rated at 360LBFT. I don't think a four barrel will make the difference to 425.
Absolutely, and thank you. And you are correct, only the 2bbl in '71 was measured in gross.
I love a stock stroke 360. Fantastic engines.
Which shows how fast torque can grow with bore as well as stroke.
Yup. I think the 383 is like the 340. The bore is big compared to the stroke, so there's more push to get a relatively short stroke crank spinning.
DionR
Well-Known Member
Won't the 383 always weight more than the 360 if they both have the same advantages of aluminum parts? The 383 has wider bore centers, taller deck and skirted block. Just more cast iron.
Not saying it makes a huge difference, but it sure seems like the 383 will always weight more.
Not saying it makes a huge difference, but it sure seems like the 383 will always weight more.
360 obviously a very capable engine not knocking it.
But you could easily build a 600-700+ hp bbm for similar money and work as a 450-550hp sbm.
Torque is basically how much fuel and air can be stuffed into each power stroke.
Yes but a stock sbm weight is considered acceptable handling wise, so if a modded big block weighs similar to that should be acceptable also, now if building something like an auto cross car then the benefit of even less weight can be an advantage.
That would be a lot of what vehicle the engine is in. For sure, the small block with Doug headers will be an orbit or two away easier than a BB with headers in a A-body.
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