[Camaro_Dave]

running out of time to choose rods crank and pistons... what should i be shooting for cubic inch wise? i have a bowtie block. been thinking of 434ci but not sure if i want that big of a stroke. what are some proven combos for 18* heads, heavier car, big tires etc... been reading a lot about some 420-426ci with 18* heads. and they are screamers. 434 is my #1 choice cause more cubes = better right? but what about rod ratios and stuff. i don't have tons of money to dump into a rotating assembly, roughly $2500 bucks or so. it'll be fed nitrous. it has a victor jr with a 1050.
i already have stuff to make a 408 but its scat rods and crank and je pistons. but my builder will trade for bigger better stuff cause i also have a splayed block to trade him too. should i stick with the 408 stuff? is scat stuff going to hold in a heavy car running low 9's?

thanks

 

[nos81bu]

I have the same question....
i have a 408sbc combo now im thinking about building a new shortblock for my car now
i was even thinking 472ci sbc or 454sbc...
im doing a 11.1 pump gas motor for street cruising and run race gas at the track on spray...
all up in the air now
but im going to buy a tall deck dart block to start

 

[ROB]

Depends on the block and the exact intended application.

The only drawbacks to a big CID engine are feeding it and camshaft stability as it relates to base circle diameter.

In other words, if you plan to run on the street or even a weekend warrior strip deal where RPM is not going much higher than 7200-7500, then an 18° 434 CID engine is going to work for you.

If you're expecting more from the engine and intend to run aggessive camshaft profiles, I'd suggest getting a raised cam block. By default you will be running a raised cam if plans call out for 454 or 472 CID because the taller deck blocks typically include this detail.