Author Topic: Let's talk big inch big blocks...  (Read 4654 times)

Offline screamin86

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Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« on: September 12, 2012, 05:30:58 PM »
First off let me say this project is a ways away but decided to begin to learn and get info on what I may decide to do. I miss my 86 k10 terribly so would like to get another square body to put together but this time a k20/30. Would like to do a big inch big block build 500+ci and since big blocks are new to me I'd like to know what I'd be getting into. Hopefully once I paint my car and finish the boost build on its lsx swap I'll be able to search for a truck. Don't plan on a show truck or a beat up mud truck but something in the middle that I COULD still use but also be a little rowdy. Been looking into tall deck stroked motor combos lately which I could prob find a good core in my area with it being a big farm area with lots of old big trucks sitting in fields rotting away. Still debating on if I'd want a 4spd or a built th400 but ive got time to plan. I'm sure I'll get flamed some but I'm purely wanting to get opinions and info for what I could do. It has to run on pump gas and haul up to 1000lbs if needed.
86 k10 lwb 4x4:350 .040 214/224 444/466 112lsa performer rpm 1406 lt's summit racing th350 2800stall
03 yukon xl:tint debadge full boltons
86 ta:lm7 hot cam boltons

Offline Stewart G Griffin

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2012, 01:43:32 PM »
What are your plans to make 500+ cid?

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2012, 02:57:16 PM »
Budget?  I would skip tall deck blocks.

I assume you mean 10,000lbs, not 1,000?

Offline gildardo01

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2012, 04:43:25 PM »
something that you can consider is using a th400 manumatic with a gear vendor over drive that way you have the high gear overdrive when your on the highway with the big block you can get an almost decent gas mileage... and a 502 crate engine is a great engine to consider beats all the guess work that goes into blueprinting an engine... it´ll be a great start... the best part about it is that its almost going to be a sleeper... no one is going to guess whats under the hood.... while your day dreaming about the truck, add open headers to it... yesss got to love the roar...

Offline Fairlane514

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2012, 06:07:22 PM »
You can get electric cutouts for your headers.....open when you want, and mufflers when you don't want the noise.

Offline gildardo01

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2012, 06:47:34 PM »
You can get electric cutouts for your headers.....open when you want, and mufflers when you don't want the noise.
yeah those are great the electric cutouts... how reliable are they though i´ve been wanting to buy a pair for my chevy but i´m thinking how well do they seal up... and can the little electric motor really stand up to the heat? they go for about 300 - 400 dollars a pair... i think their a little expensive...

Offline Fairlane514

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #6 on: September 13, 2012, 08:06:54 PM »
Check youtube for some information, not the best venue but at least you can hear them.

Offline screamin86

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #7 on: September 16, 2012, 12:52:12 AM »
Yes NOTHING is set in stone just slowly planning a build. It will be a street truck but slightly overdone...big blocks are new to me so any info/help or proven combos would help also.
86 k10 lwb 4x4:350 .040 214/224 444/466 112lsa performer rpm 1406 lt's summit racing th350 2800stall
03 yukon xl:tint debadge full boltons
86 ta:lm7 hot cam boltons

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #8 on: September 18, 2012, 02:25:09 PM »
Are you wanting old school or new VORTEC 454?  EFI or Carb. 

When choosing, I personally recommend either the Mark IV (old school) or the GEN VI or GEN VII (8.1L Vortec - EFI).  I would avoid the GEN V altogether.

Offline choptop

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #9 on: September 19, 2012, 05:32:11 PM »
I just picked up my Gen VI 502 last weekend. I paid $3000 for it. The p.o. bought it from someone else, then he tore it down to inspect the condition of the engine. Supposedly it has around 8000 miles on it, and he wanted to verify it was true. He decided he didnt want to mess with it because his Ford Lightning was becoming more fun with less work, so he sold it to me as is. It is in excellent shape. No wear in cylinders ( sticll has cross hatch marks), roller cam, 4 bolt main, Merlin Rectangle port heads, Edelbrock air gap intake (new), Milodon oil pan, Super Comp Headers, Edlebrock valve covers (new), Bowtie roller rockers, full accessory drive kit for serpentine belt, new distributor.... much more. Well worth the money. All I have to do is re- assemble it. I roughly put it together so I could seal it off and keep everything together until I can do the finally cleaning and re-assembly. This thing is huge. I havent set my 427 next to it yet, but am going to in order to compare the differences between them. I know the pans are different, and the 502 doesnt have any provisions for a mechanical fuel pump.
   I am very excited to get it going. It supposedly was dynoed at 650 hp with a Holley Dominator. The intake I have is not the one it was dynoed with, so Im not sure how much that will change. I also need a carb for it.....wow, thatll be another $800+ I wasnt expecting.. Oh well, Im ahead so far.
« Last Edit: September 19, 2012, 05:34:43 PM by choptop »
76 C10 Choptop,76 C10 Swb
85 C10, 85 K10, 85 K20,86 C10,86 K10 (all extended cabs)
86 C30 extended crewcab

Offline Fairlane514

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Re: Let's talk big inch big blocks...
« Reply #10 on: September 21, 2012, 06:41:51 AM »
Sounds like a good deal!  I think you need at least and 850 cfm carb.