Big Block build advice

[1960apache]

Hello all, I am ready to build an engine for a 69 camaro that will be the sister to a 69 black 435/427 vette. It will pretty much just be a show car, I probably will never run it over 5500 rpm because it will run a factory A/C compressor. So far I have looked at everything from just a passenger car 454 block ($300-$500) that would need machine work etc , rebuild some used heads, decent crank etc, but it looks like I would still have $3000 into it:wtf: , not so appealing. Then there is the 454 HO from GM performance for about $5200??:thud: Then there is also another option which is probably the route I will take just for experiment, a Dart cast iron block $2200, Dart cast iron oval port heads $1400, Scat rotating assembly $800, + cam, gaskets, oil pan etc,:iagree: ughhhh! Starts adding up quick!!! Makes me want to just get a plain 454 remanufactured long block from Larry's etc for $2500, paint it and call it a day:cheers: :cheers: . Anyone starting to get my headache from all the different options. I have done some old school type small blocks years ago, 383 strokers etc, but never a big block other than the 427 in the 69 corvette, but that was all done by a machine shop and builder which I would never want to do again because of the cost, dated items BS etc.:mad: Also, I really am set on using a solid cam (LS6 type) for the nostalgia, noise and to be able to spend all my free time adjusting the lifters:smack: :willy_nilly: I dont like the price tag, but I am kind of itching to try adding a solid roller cam, and some simple roller rockers that would fit under the stock valve covers:rofl:, what can I say, I am addicted to the "clatter":iagree: Again, the motor is going into a pretty much show car, and just really need to look like a 427/435 that came in an Vette in 69, but it will be in a 69 SS camaro. Sorry for the long post, I just want some good info other than people telling me to put a blown 572 crate motor:wtf:

[cmcbunch]

Sounds to me like you should go with a stock 454 with the solid rollercam with a lopey grind and just put the accessories on the engine you want. Lets face it, theres no need to do a performance buildup on a showcar thats not gonna get abused. All it has to do is look and sound good. Externally a BBC is a BBC so unless you're looking for the nod from a very specific group of ppl then I wouldn't be concerned with the internals. Ultimately though it is your choice, but thats my thought. If you spend 8000 bucks on a badass built engine and put it in a show car itll never get used. You might rev it every now and then but 90% of the people who are around when you do that stuff can't tell the difference between an engine with a badass cam/compression/heads and a generic hotrod with 2 chamber mufflers. As far as cost.... aint much you can do there. The stuff is expensive. Good luck with your project, and keep us posted.

[TimAT]

I'm sort of new here, but I have a BB Vette- and it IS a blast. However, it is not cheap. From what I've seen it takes 2x the bucks for a BB vs. SB. Gotta' just LOVE that.

From what you say you want to do with it, I'd get the passenger car engine and do a good solid rebuild- Bore if it needs it, get everything correct. For no more than you're going to run it (5500) I can't see sweating about a steel crank and H-D rods. But maybe an Eagle or Scat rotating assembly may be a cheaper way out too. No need to get crazy with the heads- oval ports, good valve job and go. You can stuff a nasty sounding cam in there with solids and still be able to drive it. Big ports/Big Cam/ Big Carb= no low end torque and really crummy street manners.

:cheers:

[DewRonInc]

I prefer a 496 build, looks the same, costs about the same, but when you do take it for a spin, and you will, it is so much fun. As far as solid roller, aslong as you use shaft rockers, you won't be adjusting at all, smith brothers pushrods, and a good set of lifters, the lunati lifters are great. I would use T&D rockers, i am running a set on my race engine, no problems at all, always have ran jesel in past, also a belt drive is way cool when you raise hood with it running....