Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
I own an engine based on a 400 small block with enough machine work to make you cry. A bit over 550 hp at the crank, and no cooling problems.
The whole "siamesed" cylinder thing is a bit amplified here, as it causes absolutely no problems in the car, ever. Runs A/C, power steering, a 180 amp alternator, etc. in Florida summer heat and has driven everywhere.
In a car, yes it can do that and you get the benefit of it being lighter than a big-block. In a motorhome or tandem axle dump truck, which is where most manufacturers continued to use big-blocks to the bitter end of their production (Ford, GM, and Navistar/International right up until diesels took over completely in the 90s)... not so much.
IMO that's a big part of why there are no big-blocks anymore. Diesels have taken over the one area where they had any advantage left over smallblocks, which was extended periods of operation at or near maximum rated power.
But that's exactly my point. My engine has it easy as it's only toting 2900 pounds of homemade roadster, trust me you can't keep your foot down long!
But if I'd chosen a different cam and intake/carb I would not hesitate to put this engine into a truck. It could easily be a 500 foot pounds of torque monster that could pull trailers all day.
In my many years of driving I have never perceived any advantage from my Rat motors over the Mouse motors as far as durability. The only real advantage was power.
