BIG-BLOCK CHEVY BUYER’S GUIDE
A torque-monster Chevrolet big-block with simple bolt-ons can make 550 lb-ft of torque with a yawn, and they do it with low-octane fuel! Now, that’s something an LS can’t do.
HOT ROD has proven it before; for example, Evan Perkins installed a top-end kit on a tired 454 from a motor home and made 567.2 hp and 537 lb-ft of torque with 87-octane. We think this is a good time to revisit an old favorite. Here’s a quick history lesson on the Chevrolet big-block and which one you should use for your next project.
CHEVROLET BIG-BLOCKS BY GENERATIONS
MARK I “W MOTOR”
Common Sizes: 348ci, 409ci, 427ci
Years: 1958–1965
During the ’50s, Chevrolet needed an engine with more torque but that would
