Big Blocks and Coupes

GT Trooper

Member

Feb 16, 2004

87

0

7

Redford

Sep 8, 2005

#1

• Sep 8, 2005

• #1

I'm currently considering a 514 crate motor for my 87 notch. My first choice was a 408. I'm continually told a big block could hinder the performance due to weight issues. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

ExplodingGopher

New Member

Jun 11, 2004

517

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0

The mistake on the lake (Ohio)

Sep 8, 2005

#2

• Sep 8, 2005

• #2

It just feels like a fat kid is sitting on your hood when you stop, seriously. its only a 260lb difference between a 302 and an iron headed 460. The hp and tq make up for it. I would've went with a 514 but couldn't afford an extra $1000 for it, when something goes in my motor, it'll be a 545

 

GT Trooper

Member

Feb 16, 2004

87

0

7

Redford

Sep 8, 2005

#3

• Sep 8, 2005

• #3

Did you have any traction issues?

 

ExplodingGopher

New Member

Jun 11, 2004

517

0

0

The mistake on the lake (Ohio)

Sep 9, 2005

#4

• Sep 9, 2005

• #4

as long as i give it no more than 1/3 throttle it gets traction. if i had some drag radials on the back, which is my next big thing, then it would be a different story.

 

E

emeraldcoupe

Founding Member

Jul 1, 2000

269

1

18

florida

Sep 9, 2005

#5

• Sep 9, 2005

• #5

do it. the biggest mistake i made was selling my 460 powered 85 tbird. as soon as i can afford to build another, my coupe will have a 460 + in it.

 

GT Trooper

Member

Feb 16, 2004

87

0

7

Redford

Sep 9, 2005

#6

• Sep 9, 2005

• #6

Standard motor mounts or engine cradles

 

E

emeraldcoupe

Founding Member

Jul 1, 2000

269

1

18

florida

Sep 9, 2005

#7

• Sep 9, 2005

• #7

i used ford mounts and pro mustang headers, fit perfect. stay away from the hooker 6224 swap headers, they fit like ****. here's an old pic

 

D

dead

New Member

Apr 3, 2003

43

0

0

Mississauga, Ontario

Sep 9, 2005

#8

• Sep 9, 2005

• #8

I was often considering a similar project, but when you can get a 408 to over 500 hp easily or just get a built 306 with a power adder, you'll be making as much if not more power than a big block. I mean they're a cool concept and all, I'm just not sure if I see the point.

On another note, you can also get an aluminum 460 crate engine from Ford... nice power and the weight difference is negligable from a 5L.

 

P

Phatt_daddy

Member

Apr 22, 2005

219

1

19

Hytop, AL

Sep 9, 2005

#9

• Sep 9, 2005

• #9

So yea if you build a nice little 306 with a power adder you will dave as much power as a big block done a little over stock, BUT what if you take a big block with a good strong build that is capable of pump gas and a 3 to 400 shot of laughing gas or a pure motor with about 700+ hp, what say you then?

I say go for the bb and if you dont mind doing a little cutting , put in some mini tubbs.

Just my .02
Nate

 

GT Trooper

Member

Feb 16, 2004

87

0

7

Redford

Sep 9, 2005

#10

• Sep 9, 2005

• #10

Much appreciated guys. I think it's going to be the big block.

 

GT Trooper

Member

Feb 16, 2004

87

0

7

Redford

Sep 9, 2005

#11

• Sep 9, 2005

• #11

emeraldcoupe said:

i used ford mounts and pro mustang headers, fit perfect. stay away from the hooker 6224 swap headers, they fit like ****. here's an old pic

Click to expand...

Did you have to go with a heavier duty front spring? Did you have to beat on the body to get the headers/transmission to fit properly? Is it much of a problem getting to plugs?

 

E

emeraldcoupe

Founding Member

Jul 1, 2000

269

1

18

florida

Sep 9, 2005

#12

• Sep 9, 2005

• #12

no cutting,welding,beating,etc. all bolt in like it's meant to be there. plug access is a snap. people who say you have to beat the tunnel for a c-6 are wrong, fits perfect. the only things close with the c-6 are the top bellhousing bolts(engine/trans MUST go in together) and the linkage is a little tight but you can get to it no prob. i used the stock 5.0 tbird springs and it sat fine. leave the sway bar on and it handles pretty decent, not a coner carver but good. also used a manual rack and 225-55-16's up front and it was easy to steer. made a killer street car, never overheated, 180 all day. stangs,vettes,and the gm twins got suprised by the bird one more than one occasion