Small Block vs Big Block C2-C3--Which Do You Prefer?

[GTOguy]

I have never owned a C2 or C3, but was in the market for a C2 for decades until I got a C1. I've worked on and driven both small block early 'vette's and big block ones, and as a youth and young adult, wanted a 396-427 car. My final verdict is, if I got a C2, it would probably be a small block car for better handling, less heat, and overall ease-of maintenance.


The big block cars DO have spine-smashing torque that's hard to beat, though.

What say you, those who have had or have these cars?

[Tikiman]

Agree with you about the handling part. I think the best of both worlds is a stroked small block that punches above its weight.

[Swany00]

the lope of a big block is just awesome, though I have heard a wicked 383 with the right set up sound amazing too.

[GTOguy]

the lope of a big block is just awesome, though I have heard a wicked 383 with the right set up sound amazing too.

I'm running a 389 stroker in my '61 that I built off of a '68 big-journal 327. It has a 400 crank and is .030" over for 389 cubes. Running old school 1965 461 big valve double hump heads, and stock 283 dual quad intake with twin WCFB's. The intake looks cool but is likely costing me 40+ HP. That said, I suppose it's about 400 HP or a bit more....it absolutely screams, running a 4 speed manual and with Positraction out back. But it is basically a 'fast tractor'.

I have a LOT of respect for the SBC, and in my experience working on all engines, it is perhaps the most reliable and best designed V8 in the past 100 years. 122184

[Mick]

From '88 - '95 I had a small block '69 vert. Very fun car, and I drove the shit out of it.

From '08 - present, I have a big block '70 vert. Also a very fun car, and I drive it whenever I can.

The torque difference is noticeable, but just whomping around on the roads, it isn't really a big deal. If I was to do road racing or something like that, I'm sure I would want the BB.

The handling difference is hard to describe, but it's there. It feels like "more work" to corner the big block, even though both cars have/had power steering. Again, just whomping around on the roads, I don't think it's a big difference.

If I could only have one, I would take the big block. The low-end grunt is just better than the small block. But make no mistake, when I had that 350 running right, and I stomped the go pedal on the highway, lesser cars got small in the rear view mirror mighty quick.

[6spdC6]

I have never owned a C2 or C3, but was in the market for a C2 for decades until I got a C1. I've worked on and driven both small block early 'vette's and big block ones, and as a youth and young adult, wanted a 396-427 car. My final verdict is, if I got a C2, it would probably be a small block car for better handling, less heat, and overall ease-of maintenance.


The big block cars DO have spine-smashing torque that's hard to beat, though.

What say you, those who have had or have these cars?

I was out on the streets and worked at my buddies speed shop/garage during most of the 60s. I never owned a Vette back then but I raced many on the street. Many of my friends had Vettes and I drove them both BB &SB,s and worked on and tested many because of my part time job.

Even drove my buddies 64 at the drags for the remainder of the season due to the fact he hurt his right hand and arm and quick shifting a 4spd was rather difficult.


Raced many Vettes on the street and to be honest I found the SB, high horse power was better on the street. A well tuned SB was a bit nasty and in most races would beat the BB light to light or even some longer runs.

While the BB was spinning its tires the SB was getting out there. Not that it managed much but just for general driving it got better mileage and more impotently did not have that serious overheating problem of a lot/most BBs.
Headlight doors open was very common for BB Vettes of that era!:D

[BRUIZER]

I just finished a sb (LS2) sleeved to a 403ci stroked and forged.
With a couple of smaller turbos it makes tons of low-end tq.
It always feels like it's in the correct gear, very efficient, lightweight and quick, paired w a 6l80e/Yank 2800.
I managed to get two good high-speed runs on separate days, outside of town just before the snow hit hard and jacked the highways in Jan. I'm quite impressed how easily it makes low-end tq/power. I can't see a benefit to a bb other than maybe the kewl factor. Have a flex fuel sensor, but e85 is 90mi from me unfortunately. Installing an alky supply kit in spring, recalibrate and turn up the boost for more top-end power.
I recorded a couple hwy pulls but generally avoid posting publicly.
My vote would be on a SB for a road car. Unless for the kewl factor or maybe a drag car?
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:cert:

[ricks327]

Give me a 67 L-79 small block any day. I maintained a friends garage collection of Corvettes (he has owned over 50) and had the opportunity to drive most of them. Love the styling of a C-1 and C-2 the most but find the difficulty of the C-1 large steering wheel to be bothersome. Plus the ride of a C-2 is much better.

[bigmac]

I have had the following, 68/435, 69/390, 70/370, 72/200, 73/275, 74/270,
78/185 .
The 435 was a beast, and at a stop light nothing sounds better than
a solid lifter big block with chambered exhaust, hard to get traction in
1st and 2nd.
The 70/370 sounded sweet (solid lifter) and wound up high which is
where you feel the hp unlike a BB.
IMO after 72 you will not notice a big difference between a SB and a BB

If I had to pick one it would be a 70 LT1 (370)

[LATB]

I have had the following, 68/435, 69/390, 70/370, 72/200, 73/275, 74/270,
78/185 .
The 435 was a beast, and at a stop light nothing sounds better than
a solid lifter big block with chambered exhaust, hard to get traction in
1st and 2nd.
The 70/370 sounded sweet (solid lifter) and wound up high which is
where you feel the hp unlike a BB.
IMO after 72 you will not notice a big difference between a SB and a BB

If I had to pick one it would be a 70 LT1 (370)

I had a 71 LT-1 convertible.
Of the five corvettes that I have owned, it’s the one that I should have kept.

[AUTOHOLIC]

Jeff,
It sounds like you’re considering replacing your C1 with the C2 that you were really looking for when the C1 car found you. I think with all things in life if you go with your number two choice, you will always wonder what your first choice would’ve been like. You are at the point in your life where you should buy and enjoy what you really want and not wonder about it in a longer. If you decide to buy a mid year, make you determination of what engine, color and body style you want and do not waiver from these things on your hunt or again you will always be regretting settling for something less than what you absolutely wanted. If you’re not concerned about matching numbers, it will make it easier for you to find what you want especially if you want a big block car you can always upgrade a small block car to a big block to satisfy your needs.
Of course it’s a matter of opinion and really falls to what trips your trigger.
I have Owned 21 different Corvettes from 1954 to 1986. Four of them have been big blocks. My last 57 and my current 65 both have a 383 stroker engine and while they are fast, there’s just something about the cubic inches being in a big block vs. in a small block and of course it has to just be my imagination, but the torque has always been far more impressive in a true big block car.
I think it really boils down to how you use the car and what you wanted to do. I did every conceivable thing possible to make my 57 drive and handle just to satisfying myself and in the end decided I would have to replace it with another midyear car. These midyear cars were light years ahead of their time compared to anything else, but by today’s standards, pale. Of course I still love the nostalgia and the styling of a midyear car as I think they were the one of the most beautiful cars ever made. When I replaced my 57 with the 1966 L72 Big block convertible the first thing that I did to the car was to buy Avon tires for the knockoff wheels the car came with, added power steering and power brakes. In the end, I will enjoy both my big block and small block cars. However, the small block car is really a baby big block with the 383 ins. However, it’s just hard for me to discount that big block torque of 568 ft. lbs. for torque from the 496 c.i. Blueprint engine I have on order for my 1966 convertible.

[GTOguy]

Thanks, Auto. I have driven several C2's since buying my C1 ten years ago and have to say I prefer the C1. I fit in them fine, I like the styling, the interiors are much more exotic looking, and they are much less complex mechanically. If I get a C2 it would likely be a Daytona Blue '64 coupe or a '65-'66 coupe in green, either Glen or Mossport.

Basically the C1 grew on me. I've always thought the two best looking Corvettes ever were the '56- '57 and the '63 Coupe, and have felt this way for 60 years. Classic, timeless styling.

[04 commemorative]

Thanks, Auto. I have driven several C2's since buying my C1 ten years ago and have to say I prefer the C1. I fit in them fine, I like the styling, the interiors are much more exotic looking, and they are much less complex mechanically. If I get a C2 it would likely be a Daytona Blue '64 coupe or a '65-'66 coupe in green, either Glen or Mossport.

Basically the C1 grew on me. I've always thought the two best looking Corvettes ever were the '56- '57 and the '63 Coupe, and have felt this way for 60 years. Classic, timeless styling.

:iagree:,no better looking Vette than a 63 Split....IMO

[Frankie the Fink]

The base motor in my split window was an all original 327 with a WCFB carb that I had tweaked as much as possible with increased advance and some carb minor mods.

It was reliable as it gets and "peppy" but not an asphalt eating beast...

My 61 270hp solid lifter with the 283 and Duntov cam with dual quads was a beast. Again I had tweaked the advance map and had a larger bore Chrysler rear carb and it woke the car up. A hoot to drive to the redline any time I got the chance.

I wish I had kept the 61 to fool around in, the split window got to the level of a museum piece (I don't do garage queens) and I got nervous flogging it. Its now in a private collection in Botswana.

[roadpilot]

I have had a lot of cars in my life. I made them all hot rods.
My present 66 is a BB . It has 650 hp backed to FTC racing tranny with
a Yank torq converter. GTO you are a mechanic you can make any car what
you want it to be . Your vision. I can get more power out of a BB.
SB are great but you can't beat cubes. I had a 59 with a SB LT1 engine
headers, slant plug heads, big Holley etc , in the early 70's.
It was a screamer. I like built SB.
You asked what do I like. It does not matter . It will be your car and your
engine, that's all that matters.

[LATB]

I have had a lot of cars in my life. I made them all hot rods.
My present 66 is a BB . It has 650 hp backed to FTC racing tranny with
a Yank torq converter. GTO you are a mechanic you can make any car what
you want it to be . Your vision. I can get more power out of a BB.
SB are great but you can't beat cubes. I had a 59 with a SB LT1 engine
headers, slant plug heads, big Holley etc , in the early 70's.
It was a screamer. I like built SB.
You asked what do I like. It does not matter . It will be your car and your
engine, that's all that matters.

I’d love to have the talent tools and time to do what you guys do.

[lrobe22]

C2 protouring with a 427 LS is the way I would go. TR6060, all the goodies.

[WydGlydJim]

'72 LT1 with air, is the only C2-C3 that interests me.........

:yesnod:

[Yadkin]

Small block. Handling over straight line bullshit. It's a sports car not a drag car.

[ratflinger]

My '79 has a 396SBC. GM 383 block, 3.875 crank, forged internals, AFR 190 heads, topped with a Team G single plane and a BG Speed Demon 750. Should be over 500hp. If I ever get it out of the shop I'll let you know.

[higgyburners]

Thanks, Auto. I have driven several C2's since buying my C1 ten years ago and have to say I prefer the C1. I fit in them fine, I like the styling, the interiors are much more exotic looking, and they are much less complex mechanically. If I get a C2 it would likely be a Daytona Blue '64 coupe or a '65-'66 coupe in green, either Glen or Mossport.

Basically the C1 grew on me. I've always thought the two best looking Corvettes ever were the '56- '57 and the '63 Coupe, and have felt this way for 60 years. Classic, timeless styling.

SBC all the way/thread

Small block. Handling over straight line bullshit. It's a sports car not a drag car.
Pipe down pickle puffer

[Jughead]

Love the BB in my the 70 that started out with a NOM SB. If I were doing it again and had the $$ I'd do an LS3. Lots of options there w/ 400-500 hp.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.corvetteforum.com-vbulletin/762x573/80-piston_closeup_2_6a941d9387bcd9c320e487812f9ab5b0cf84692b.jpg

[Yadkin]

Per usual, Himey goes the gaye. :Jeff '79:

[Frankie the Fink]

In addition to my split window and 61 Corvettes I owned this 67 Chevelle - a true SS but with a 69 'built' 396ci with prob 450hp. It would scream through a launch but had an entirely different and a bit unsatisfying 'seat of the pants' feel. Hard to explain.

However, the throaty, loping, rumble at a stop light was fun, those kids beside me in their ricers stared straight ahead and pretended the car didn't exist

[roadpilot]

I’d love to have the talent tools and time to do what you guys do.
5 years to build
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2 years to build, I had better time management
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[Dan47]

Agree with you about the handling part. I think the best of both worlds is a stroked small block that punches above its weight.

I had a 327sb in a 56’ shoebox, that car was ungodly fast.

[Don Rickles]

I prefer having both.

The differences are noticeable that's for sure but not in my opinion as many others report...

The Big Block has only 18k on the clock so it really is in like new condition (I've owned for 20 yrs.). It is somewhat "front" heavy and more of a luxurious stump puller...The one thing I have not experienced that so many complain about, is the excessive heat. Not in this car, it's factory insulation does a perfect job of keeping the cabin cool. Never has this car overheated in the middle of summertime driving, even in a parade situation. It's the aftermarket or rebuilds that fail to insulate properly then run a much hotter rebuilt engine.

The LT-! is a nimble high revving quick little monster! It does NOT like being driven like a bitch, it wants to go! It's cornering is much different and the heavier front end is not there. This motor wants to run at 3k + rpm ALL the time, idoling isn't in it's behavior. Two words, SOLID LIFTERS!

Soon I will likely start the processes of advertising them for Sale, but can't decide which one let go first. Thinking too, they should be of equal dollar value?

[AUTOHOLIC]

I prefer having both.

The differences are noticeable that's for sure but not in my opinion as many others report...

The Big Block has only 18k on the clock so it really is in like new condition (I've owned for 20 yrs.). It is somewhat "front" heavy and more of a luxurious stump puller...The one thing I have not experienced that so many complain about, is the excessive heat. Not in this car, it's factory insulation does a perfect job of keeping the cabin cool. Never has this car overheated in the middle of summertime driving, even in a parade situation. It's the aftermarket or rebuilds that fail to insulate properly then run a much hotter rebuilt engine.

The LT-! is a nimble high revving quick little monster! It does NOT like being driven like a bitch, it wants to go! It's cornering is much different and the heavier front end is not there. This motor wants to run at 3k + rpm ALL the time, idoling isn't in it's behavior. Two words, SOLID LIFTERS!

Soon I will likely start the processes of advertising them for Sale, but can't decide which one let go first. Thinking too, they should be of equal dollar value?

Good looking cars! I had a 1971 coupe in war bonnet yellow as well but it was just a standard 350. Nothing special car.
Regarding your comparisons, it’s a simple fix to eliminate the heavy front end of a big block by simply putting aluminum heads on it. That brings the weight of the engine to approximately the same as the factory iron head small block.

[GTOguy]

Per usual, Himey goes the gaye. :Jeff '79:

Yeah, but 'Pipe down, Pickle Puffer' is funny as hell, you have to admit.

I've never heard of that expression. But then, my mind is usually occupied with gear ratios, oil viscosities, and engine clearances. Not homosexual acts. :)

[Don Rickles]

Good looking cars! I had a 1971 coupe in war bonnet yellow as well but it was just a standard 350. Nothing special car.
Regarding your comparisons, it’s a simple fix to eliminate the heavy front end of a big block by simply putting aluminum heads on it. That brings the weight of the engine to approximately the same as the factory iron head small block.

Thanks!

Both of these cars are bone stock originals five star bowtie Bloomington gold benchmark Chevy vet fest all the highest awards on both. So I would never think of swapping the heads.

Now, as for the 67 small block car I have this one I could mess around with. Even though it is original matching numbers block tranny, and differential.

[higgyburners]

Yeah, but 'Pipe down, Pickle Puffer' is funny as hell, you have to admit.

I've never heard of that expression. But then, my mind is usually occupied with gear ratios, oil viscosities, and engine clearances. Not homosexual acts. :)

I can't take credit...I believe I first heard it from Strats

[GTOguy]

I can't take credit...I believe I first heard it from Strats

It's better than 'root smoocher'. :cert:

[higgyburners]

It's better than 'root smoocher'. :cert:

I agree...between Stratts and DJ ...There were a bunch of good one's. They delivered.