Nice looking Vettes with Attitude here please
- Thread starter Daytona Vette
- Start date
CaptainK
Administrator
I would love that 454 Manual. Amazing
. I dare not ask how much they go for now.
Roscobbc
Moderator
The odd thing about a 454 C3 is that some people will say "no way, that'll handle badly (as compared to a 350) - too much engine weight, too 'lardy', poor economy". And that mindset has been endemic over many years. That 'logic' probably comes from the very last couple of the big block cars that were fitted-up with restrictive emission settings.I would love that 454 Manual. Amazing
Reality is that a small block at 50/50% weight distribution front/rear has what is generally regarded as a perfect balance for a sports car. A big block car has 52% front - 48% rear weight balance.......not much difference eh? - junk the a/c, add a pair of ally heads and that balance is close to a small block car. Truth probably is that the nay-sayers perhaps can't handle the prodigious power of a engine combo that is always looking to direct you through the nearest hedge if you don't respect it?
antijam
CCCUK Member
While the weight distribution difference between the big and small block cars is small, the extra mass of the stock big block - typically around 125 lbf - is all situated forward of the firewall and does have a marked effect on the car's polar moment of inertia. This will affect turn-in response and promote understeer. I wouldn't suggest that one configuration is better than the other, but they will handle differently. On our convoluted and increasinly congested british roads, exploiting the full potential of a big block is difficult, but as a track car it must be a blast. As a daily driver the small block is probably a more relaxing drive ( and you'll get a few more mpg! )
Roscobbc
Moderator
Accepted - but at least the excess weight is behind the front axle - mine now with ally heads, inlet manifold and water pump (plus tubular headers and no a/c) that front end weight differential I would guess is now perhaps 35lb more than a period iron headed SBC.While the weight distribution difference between the big and small block cars is small, the extra mass of the stock big block - typically around 125 lbf - is all situated forward of the firewall and does have a marked effect on the car's polar moment of inertia. This will affect turn-in response and promote understeer. I wouldn't suggest that one configuration is better than the other, but they will handle differently. On our convoluted and increasinly congested british roads, exploiting the full potential of a big block is difficult, but as a track car it must be a blast. As a daily driver the small block is probably a more relaxing drive ( and you'll get a few more mpg! )