Big block in a 65

[Leadfoot Lambert]

I'm trying to decide what engine to use in my 65 I have a spare 454 that needs the crank turned and new bearings, gaskets etc, with the machine shop costs and parts needed I will be looking at at least $800-$1000 to get it in and running, or I could go with a used small block for about the same or maybe less if I just buy a parts car that still runs well, What do you think? Will a big block fit within the frame rails with manifolds or am I gonna need headers? will block hugger headers work in this truck small block or big block? I'm kinda leaning to the small block because I would like to use T-5 tranny and I know it will not take the torque of the 454 for very long. whats your thoughts? this truck is going to be used daily during the good weather months and parked for the winter, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if it got reasonable gas mileage so there is another black mark for the 454. Thanks for listening to me think out loud.

[hd74]

go big block,it fits with stock exhaust manifolds.i have one in my 62 surburan it can get 14mpg or 0 depends on the right foot,i`am running a 700r4

[racingdewman]

when i bought my 66 it had a 396 in it the pass side frame has been clearanced a little for the headers , it also had a t400 . i did not buy it with that motor because the guy wanted way to much money with the 396 so i put a nice 350 in it with a t400 and didnt have to move or drop anything 350 went in with same mounts . i really enjoy the 350 for cruising . of course we all want big power but a good worked smallblock is alot of fun

[protrash64]

BBC is nice but I felt it was a lot of work to install. The small block is simple.

[biasracing]

kinda just depends on your goals bud. I know you said daily driver but it also depends on how much of that leadfoot you'll be using

[Captainfab]

Installing a big block is a bit more work than installing a small block. It's just a matter if you mind doing the work and what you want out of your truck. If you do go big block, you will have to trim the top flange of the frame whether you use exhaust manifolds or headers.

[Chevy Fleetside]

But that Big Block looks so good in there. I should update that picture to where I am today.

[Clyde65]

I say put a 6.0l in that dude!

better mileage and same or more power depending on what you do to it.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Updated...

[Leadfoot Lambert]

Hey Fleetside, that rat looks great in there! One question, ok 2 did you have to modify the firewall at all for valve cover clearance or for distributor clearance? Also can the valve covers be removed with the engine installed? what are you using for a radiator? what brand and part number are the headers? Did you have to trim the frame for them to fit? I love the blue, its close to the color Ive been thinking about its Subaru ralley blue. by the way I cant count

[Chevy Fleetside]

I did knotch the firewall so I could get the engine back that far. The dist had no problem with clearance. I didn't have to trim the frame for the headers but I did for the engine mounts. I think I might take a tad off of the frame for more clearance on the front header tube just in case. I will probably use a stock style Aluminum radiator, but I do have a crossflow if I want to use that and I have mocked that up already but getting hoses is the hard part. The headers are Hedman Elite for a mid 70's BB. I got them from Summit.
Check out my build thread and you can see how I cut the firewall. OH and yes the valve covers do come off. I made sure of that.

[boostit]

After seeing Fleetside and his build I double vote BBC Im going to find out more .Then swap my 350 . I love the torque in the big blocks is like driving a diesel truck . At idle it shakes the vehicle which i love . Good luck with whatever you do

[198plus]

Go with a Big Block..........

[biasracing]

how big a boy are you wanting to put in there I was pondering the same myself, something like a 496 vs ls. I am going to go ls, I will need the gas mileage since it is a shop truck.

[Leadfoot Lambert]

Originally Posted by biasracing

how big a boy are you wanting to put in there

just a 454 with an RV cam, nothing crazy,I want to be able to use a T5 without blowing it up every time I drive it.

['63GENIII]

I vote Big Block. I have a 396 and love it. I hope it grows up to be like Fleetside's!