The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1939 Chev....NEW Project!! Engine options: Small blocks vs. BIG blocks

Got a new project and looking to get a little creative with it, and want to discuss engine options. I'm torn between Small blocks and BIG blocks. Speed is really not an issue, since i usually drive in the slow lane anyway but I want it to be a daily drive with decent mpg. Some people say big blocks get more mpg bcs they have to work less, other say small blocks are lighter and have plenty of power but if I'm going to get similar/close mpg then I rather have BIG block power. What do you guys think...don't be afraid to chime in on carbs, gear ratio, tire size etc. I'm just learning so all this stuff is relevant. What experiences have you had with your trucks....i'm really thinking about a Buick 455 (built up for torque) T56 trans and some 2.?? gears in the rear...is it possible to get good mileage with that? or would that be too sluggish. Im trying to find a happy medium between good MPG/power....ive heard some people even say they got like 23-25 mpg's with a decently tuned big block but im skeptical if thats even possible

Thanks!

"Go big or go home!" I'm planning a Cadillac 472/Turbo 400 powertrain for my 59 Suburban. The Caddy engines are thinwall castings, with only slightly more weight than a small block Chevy, and displacements from 425 to 500 depending on the year. They're also fairly available in salvage yards and not too expensive. I'd recommend a 3.08-3.55 gear for good performance and decent cruise/top end performance.
Jerry

haha I'm not opposed to a Cadillac engine at all...i just heard great things from the buick guys about the 455, them seem like they get better gas millage than most SBC & BBC tho.

Whether or not it will get better mileage is anyone's guess. Any of the big blocks and small block won't be far apart.

I love my 455 Buick, just understand that performance parts are instantly more money when you talk Buick. A BBC or SBC is much cheaper to get parts for. In a Daily Driver I would probably get one of those since you won't have to order parts, with a Buick you will have to order most parts. You can't beat the torque of a Buick, though.

Very nice truck looks great! What is your set up and what kind of MPG are you getting?

my 52 Chev truck has a 350 ZZ4. 350 TH. rear end is 3:08.tires 275/60/15. I can get 19 MPG on mixed driving. I haven't had the chance for a sustained flat road drive,but it would get a bit better I think.

I have a 40 1/2 ton with a small block chevy in it. It runs and drives great, but to be honest I am really tired of boring small block chevys in everything. I am in the middle of building a 39 1/2 ton with a 1963 Buick 401 motor(nailhead). It is taking a lot more effort to make it fit nice and a lot more money, but it looks really awesome and it is really different.