ChevelleForum.net

Go Back   Chevrolet Chevelle Forums > Chevrolet Chevelle Garage > Chevelle Engine & Trans
Register FAQ Chevelle Chat Room Community Calendar

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-13-2012, 04:40 PM
rasanders79 rasanders79 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Default best big block?

I just inherited a 66 chevelle with a 283 that hasnt run in over 20 years. I want to replace the 283 with a big block. I want a lot of horsepower and a cam with a nasty lope. 427, 454, or 572?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12-13-2012, 05:49 PM
RBeckman's Avatar
RBeckman RBeckman is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Fenton Mi
Posts: 1,439
Send a message via MSN to RBeckman
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rasanders79 View Post
I just inherited a 66 chevelle with a 283 that hasnt run in over 20 years. I want to replace the 283 with a big block. I want a lot of horsepower and a cam with a nasty lope. 427, 454, or 572?
If you got the cash....572
__________________
Ric Beckman
1969 Chevelle SS396
1972 Camaro SS350
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12-13-2012, 06:07 PM
rasanders79 rasanders79 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Default

I am wanting to rebuild one and not buy a crate motor. I wonder what the odds are that I will be able to find a 572 out of something that I can rebuild?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-13-2012, 06:28 PM
Hank70SS's Avatar
Hank70SS Hank70SS is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 4,719
Default

No replacement for displacement, so if you're after horse power it's the 572. It's not cheap and it is a tall deck. So you'll have a harder time with headers and other accessories. Also needs an electric fuel pump and doesn't have a boss for mounting a a z-bar if you have a stick. It's also easy to destroy the rest of the drive train unless it's upgraded as well. Let's face it, a 66 wasn't designed to handle that kind of horse power.

The 502 is not a tall deck but also not set up for a mechanical fuel pump or stick. I think it has the mounting boss for a z-bar but needs to be drilled and tapped.

A 454 with 500+ hp can be had for about half the price of a 572. Even a GMP ZZ454 crate engine, 440 hp and 500 ft/lb torque is a good option. It's not crazy hp but will move a 66 pretty damn good. It also is a roller cam setup which is just more reliable than a flat tappet cam.

If you want a cam with a nasty lope then look around for a custom built 454, go here,
http://www.lewisracingengines.com/
or here,
http://www.vortecproperformance.com/

They both build 454's with some pretty impressive numbers and reasonable prices. Tell them what you want and what you're willing to spend and they can put something together that you'll be happy with. They both have very good reputations, before and after the sale.

Seriously, a 572 is the ultimate but it can be too much for a Chevelle unless the rest of the car is up to it. With a 572 and sticky tires you'll twist your frame, destroy the rear end or drive shaft or worse, kill yourself or somebody else. Don't forget, that 66 is now 46-47 years old, how much do you think it can handle?

EDIT: Didn't see your second post when I replied. I still say a 454, they made millions of them, parts are easy to find, new and used. 572, you may be able to find one but you'll pay twice or more for it and parts will be harder to find and more expensive. Personally a 454 is the perfect big block engine for a Chevelle.
__________________
Hank

70 Chevelle SS396(454), M20, 3.73
My Chevelle

Last edited by Hank70SS; 12-13-2012 at 06:52 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-13-2012, 08:51 PM
rasanders79 rasanders79 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Default

Thank you very much for your response. I had not thought about a 572 being too much but you make several good points. I will shop around for a 454. Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12-13-2012, 09:21 PM
Ms Grumpy's Avatar
Ms Grumpy Ms Grumpy is offline
Bowtie Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Just outside San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 7,403
Default

Welcome rasanders79. You are at the right place to answer those questions like Hank did. There are some pretty smart and straight forward members here that will give you their opinion and other options that may be in your price range. Don't be afraid to ask, as I have learned, it is better to ask than assume. These guys have a lot of experience and I have come to really trust in their opinion.

I can't wait to see some pics.
__________________
Get in, sit down, shut up, hold on...cause Ms Grumpy is driving !

For the audio geek try: www.audiokarma.org

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12-18-2012, 05:43 PM
rasanders79 rasanders79 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Default

Is it worth it to put 2 four barrells on a 454? what are some pros and cons from having 1 or 2?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12-18-2012, 08:24 PM
flash flash is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Canton Georgia
Posts: 8,349
Default

Needing a fuel tanker to follow you and keeping it in tune would be a couple of cons but it would look cool is a pro .
__________________

John
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12-18-2012, 10:22 PM
Ms Grumpy's Avatar
Ms Grumpy Ms Grumpy is offline
Bowtie Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Just outside San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 7,403
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flash View Post
Needing a fuel tanker to follow you and keeping it in tune would be a couple of cons but it would look cool is a pro .
lol..good one flash !
__________________
Get in, sit down, shut up, hold on...cause Ms Grumpy is driving !

For the audio geek try: www.audiokarma.org

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12-19-2012, 07:10 AM
Hank70SS's Avatar
Hank70SS Hank70SS is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 4,719
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by flash View Post
Needing a fuel tanker to follow you and keeping it in tune would be a couple of cons but it would look cool is a pro .
I just replied to a PM from rasanders79 then I read this post. I used almost the exact same words you did John.
__________________
Hank

70 Chevelle SS396(454), M20, 3.73
My Chevelle
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:58 PM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Audiokarma.org