402 bbc or 350 sbc

[popsthebuilder]

So what are the pros and cons of these two engines? I know the sb is easier to find performance parts for, But the bb has more torque, sounds better, and is easier to modify for additional hp/ tq. I think the bbc would also be a better candidate for power adders such at twin turbos, or blower. What are your thoughts. Any opinions are welcome.  Happy Memorial Day to everyone. Even if we don't agree with our governments policies we should still support our armed services, and thank them for the freedoms that we still retain.

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Personally I wouldn't put a penny into a 396-402 even if I had one, (unless I was doing a numbers matching project)too many 454's out there laying around and both are big blocks so the cost is the same to build, except you have twice the torque and power than a 402(which is .030 396).. After the summer the small block is coming out of mine and a 468 is going in..

[popsthebuilder]

It's the original engine for this particular truck.

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Well, if you want to keep it numbers matching put it in, or you could bag it up and put it away and put a 454 in it and if you decide to sell it later you can put the 402 back in for originality..

[popsthebuilder]

454s are really common. The 402 is smaller but still a big block that can be tuned to put out 400+ horses relatively easily, and you don't see them all of the time. I think it would go well with an equally rare truck. You can get a block for $5-700. That's not too far off from a 350 if I'm not mistaken. Internals might be hard to find. I'm not sure. The truck has a 307 right now so I don't really know exactly what I'm gonna do at this point.

[74 C-10 Shorty]

But a 468 will put out way more for the same cost, there are good deals out there on rotating assemblies and a $1.25 decal takes care of the visual aspect and also will turn heads, been down that road many moons ago..

[Jason S]

What is it that you plan to do with the truck?  In other words, what is the endgame?

[popsthebuilder]

I was thinking about restoring and selling. I don't know if it will bring a good return though, so I may restore and enjoy!

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Friend of mine restored a 68 all matching numbers and stuff, took him 6 years to do it came out immaculate a total beauty, took him 4 years to sell it and took a beating on it, said he'd never do that again..

[werewolfx13]

A 402 is a respectable engine, and my personal experience with short stroke BBC engines has been decent. Sure, you can get more ponies and more torque out of a long stroke, but unless you're spending time at the track, whats that extra hp/torque get you other than bragging rights? I'd rather have something different and still be able to drop the hammer and put on a smoke show than be able to claim slightly better track times that personally, I'd never care about anyway. Build it how you want it and enjoy it.

[choptop]

I agree with werewolfx13, I like different. 350's, 454's, 468's are everywhere.  Yes, you can put a 402 decal on and no one would know difference, but you would. I'm not into deceit . A 402 will propel you down the road just fine and give you something different to talk about.

[Macj1983]

Friend of mine restored a 68 all matching numbers and stuff, took him 6 years to do it came out immaculate a total beauty, took him 4 years to sell it and took a beating on it, said he'd never do that again..

I wouldn't build it to make money build it to have fun and a nice truck

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Friend of mine restored a 68 all matching numbers and stuff, took him 6 years to do it came out immaculate a total beauty, took him 4 years to sell it and took a beating on it, said he'd never do that again..

I wouldn't build it to make money build it to have fun and a nice truck

That's the only way to do it, he thought he was going to make a bundle doing that, told him he was dreaming but wouldn't listen, oh well lesson learned, LOL...

[rich weyand]

Yeah, you can buy all sorts of completely restored cars and trucks with zero miles on the restoration at Mecum for less money than the parts in them.  I'm not sure why people do it.

[74 C-10 Shorty]

Well, a lot is prestige and then there's the more money than brains factor,lol...