Westech Performance 496 Chevy Big Block Build - A Monster Is Born

We would like to think that all engines are created equally, only that's never the case, which is why it's so crucial to blend the right components together from the get-go. The old adage "There is no replacement for displacement" rings true-especially once you've taken into account the fact that we've got 496 ci of paint-can-sized bores and steamboat stroke. Nowadays, the price gap between a small-block and a big-block is minimal but the power output can be substantially greater when you've got more cubes on your side. So if you are going to go for it, what better way than with some major guts? Everyone gets their kicks at the sight of a chest-thumping big-block cradled on the dyno. Like the Buddhist statue you spot in people's houses, you can't help but want to rub its belly. To put it simply, they're just cool.

Hosting this gig was Steve Brul. If the name sounds familiar, that's because he's been the front man and our personal go-to guy for years, running the Westech Performance facility. Brul is no slouch, especially when holding the Westech Performance name in the balance. When it came time to bring a combination of components together to make serious muscle, Brul had a reputation to uphold-and uphold it he did. He accomplished his goal and then some and came out a hero. How did he fare? To begin with, he knew big cubes were going to reign supreme in the land of longevity and when the time comes for serious squeeze, the 12 points of compression would always help to coax out the power. As Brul puts it, "Why would you want to build anything that won't last?" So beginning with a bored 0.060-over Gen VI block, Brul began to piece his latest combination together. He also called on some serious players in the aftermarket world of performance to get the job finished. All said and done, Brul managed a slick 780 hp and 658 lb-ft.

We went behind the scenes, following Brul to see what went into creating this monster and listed all of the components used. While there are so many ways of piecing a motor together, we'd venture to say that in this case, Brul nailed the combo without a hitch, and if nothing else, it's already a proven package. If you want something similar for your street machine, then follow along as we unveil one man's recipe.

Quick Notes
What We Did
Combined the right parts to make some serious power

Bottom line
A 12.1:1 heavy-hitting big-block

Price (APPROX)
$15,000