[JGC]

I think Dangerous Doug made the best point with the 'Real' & 'Original' comments.

I would disagree that a SB wins hands down based on the technology argument. The reasoning is the same as when someone asks if a Z06 would beat a Cobra (here comes another heated debate).

Based on what playing field does the SB beat the FE or 385 Series. I can apply the same technology available for SB's to any BB. The information and parts may not be as readily available, but the technology is.

Remember the bottom end is an air pump. Bore & stroke dictated by the physical dimension of the block. Yes, the heads are a constraint because they have to fit the block and flow. Too much flow can hurt performance though.

Induction is endless. You may not have the capability to cut molds and cast new heads, but intakes are relatively easy to fabricate. Hmm, what if it put a variable path long ram intake on an FE with dual injectors and ran it with a MOTEC. I think that tech would out pace the NASCAR inspired SB.

I guess ultimately everyone should have what they want in their car. We certainly spend enough on them. For the purist, a SB in a 289 is perfect and I prefer an FE in a 427 car.

Sound is very important! The SB v. BB isn't what effects the sound. Firing order, displacement, exhaust tube size & length, and cam make the sound. A Viper engine is certainly a big block but sounds like a Triumph mating with a Volkswagen. (I think this was Lamborghini's engineer's joke on Dodge. The engine could have sounded awesome if they didn't fire two cylinders at once.)

Which is faster SB v. BB? Which ones do you want to compare? I'm sure Keith Craft could build one of each with basically the same torque curve and HP and there would be no way to tell. Everyone wants to compare apples to oranges. They say the FE is too heavy to handle and run with a SB. Well, Keith built my Pond 482 and it weighs 480 pounds with starter, pump, alternator, carb, flywheel & clutch. Oh, and I am using a 68 pound transmission.

I enjoy a debate because it makes us all seek out information and we all learn from it. But if we want to really get to the point about which engine is better, then let's discuss how much better any Ford is than a Chevy.