Small Block vs Big Block 68 Charger

[Sweet5ltr]

Check this company out also. Or find an old 440 engine on Craigslist. Get a local engine/machine shop to do the lower. Buy the parts and bolt together.


Prices aren't bad and the company has been around for a long time.
http://www.cmengines.com/Engines/Dy...erformanceCrateEngines/tabid/117/Default.aspx

CME built my first 440. Lasted about 6 years on cast pistons, through about 6+ cam swaps, and my blow through turbo setup.

 

[6290988]

CME built my first 440. Lasted about 6 years on cast pistons, through about 6+ cam swaps, and my blow through turbo setup.

I've been debating buying a block and building or buying one of their motors. I'm assuming you've been very happy with the motor? How about the customer service?

 

[Sweet5ltr]

I've been debating buying a block and building or buying one of their motors. I'm assuming you've been very happy with the motor? How about the customer service?

Honestly, it was excellent. Great build for the price, $2,500 all-in at that point in time (including freight both ways). That was for the entire long block.

I wouldn't build an RB anymore, especially for a high performance build (if starting from nothing like OP).

 

[Evoking]

Ok, so the net difference with going 493 stroker vs 408 stroker is about $4k. The HP/Torque difference is 525hp/600lb-ft vs 445hp/500lb-ft.

Some say the small block is the better move for better cooling and it being lighter. Decisions, de-friggin-cisions!

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Ok, so the net difference with going 493 stroker vs 408 stroker is about $4k. The HP/Torque difference is 525hp/600lb-ft vs 445hp/500lb-ft.

Some say the small block is the better move for better cooling and it being lighter. Decisions, de-friggin-cisions!

Opinion, $10,000 isn't much for a built 500-wedge. Issues I have, are that it's doubtful that they would provide any sort of substance in terms of warranty work. Most of the time, it's you pulling the engine out and shipping it back. Verify if in the worst case scenario, what all costs are associated that you will be held accountable for. I would just have the shop also quote a short block build. Purchase your heads/cam/valve train separately, and have the shop install them (also degree cam) at an additional labor cost if that isn't something you're willing to do at home. Sometimes, you can come out ahead that way.

TF 270's on a 493 will make 625-650 HP with a very conservative build. That's reaching the near limits of the RB block. When you drive around in a 68' Charger, the last thing you want to tell someone is I have a small-block stroker. Looking at your current garage, i'm not sure you'll be impressed with the 'wow' factor. Just being realistic. In an a-body, my opinion would be completely different. A modern Hemi, such as the GEN III (5.7 eagle or 6.4 apache) would also make a great statement and offer excellent reliability/fuel economy with EFI. In a few years, that $4,000 investment won't even be in your mind. There will always be someone faster, just build for what you will enjoy.

There is no difference between cooling ability, and an RB with aluminum heads, intake, water pump, etc. will actually weigh near any stock small-block. In fact, a low-deck could actually weigh less than a stock small-block built with these parts. (ie: 360 - 550 lbs / 400 - 620 lbs base weight). 400 low-deck is also a world-beater with MW heads and 512 cubes, easily 700+ hp capable on pump gas. The block is a much better candidate for a performance build (knowing what we do now) than the RB.

 

[Evoking]

Opinion, $10,000 isn't much for a built 500-wedge. Issues I have, are that it's doubtful that they would provide any sort of substance in terms of warranty work. Most of the time, it's you pulling the engine out and shipping it back. Verify if in the worst case scenario, what all costs are associated that you will be held accountable for. I would just have the shop also quote a short block build. Purchase your heads/cam/valve train separately, and have the shop install them (also degree cam) at an additional labor cost if that isn't something you're willing to do at home. Sometimes, you can come out ahead that way.

TF 270's on a 493 will make 625-650 HP with a very conservative build. That's reaching the near limits of the RB block. When you drive around in a 68' Charger, the last thing you want to tell someone is I have a small-block stroker. Looking at your current garage, i'm not sure you'll be impressed with the 'wow' factor. Just being realistic. In an a-body, my opinion would be completely different. A modern Hemi, such as the GEN III (5.7 eagle or 6.4 apache) would also make a great statement and offer excellent reliability/fuel economy with EFI. In a few years, that $4,000 investment won't even be in your mind. There will always be someone faster, just build for what you will enjoy.

There is no difference between cooling ability, and an RB with aluminum heads, intake, water pump, etc. will actually weigh near any stock small-block. In fact, a low-deck could actually weigh less than a stock small-block built with these parts. (ie: 360 - 550 lbs / 400 - 620 lbs base weight). 400 low-deck is also a world-beater with MW heads and 512 cubes, easily 700+ hp capable on pump gas. The block is a much better candidate for a performance build (knowing what we do now) than the RB.

Great perspective. And I completely agree about telling people it a big block. Lets face it. We love our cars for US and also for the joy and cool factor it gives others! No fun telling people its a 360. Figured 408 stroker would be ok. But 493 or Gen III Hemi or even Hell Cat even better haha. My gut moves me to old BB or Gen III Hemi.

 

[Johnny Mac]

Morning Guys, I'd like to chime in a little bit here about our 493.

Its a VERY streetable engine, and we offer a very nice 30 month, 50k mile warranty. Thats offered in long block, fully dressed carb, and fully dressed EFI.

Any questions about the integrity of our warranty, or our engines i'd love to answer for you.

There's a reason our 493 is a stump puller that makes almost 600 ft lbs low-mid range, and thats because its a street monster. Can you build an aluminum big block that makes 800 HP @ 8000 RPM? sure! but it won't be as comfortable on the street at this one.

http://www.blueprintengines.com/ind...ysler-crate-engines-landing/chrysler-493-main

again, happy to talk all day to a mopar customer! let me know.

Johnny M
Director of New Project Development
Blueprint Engines