BIG block/small block

[97formws6]

I have a stupid question...what is the difference between a 400ci big block and a 400ci small block? Also, what makes a big block a big block? Is it the stroke, bore, v angle, or what?

[Joe 1320]

The answer to your question is the size of the physical engine block. Two different block sizes can still displace 400 cubic inches.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

AMC had only 1 block.
Chrysler and Chevy had a small and big block.
Ford had a small block, medium small block, medium block, medium big block and big block. LOL

[ConElite]

So um, Whats the difference?

[97formws6]

Yeah, I'm still not getting it. The physical block size wouldn't that have to do with the stroke too? I'm not trying to be difficult, but I really still don't get it.

[Joe 1320]

Yeah, I'm still not getting it. The physical block size wouldn't that have to do with the stroke too? I'm not trying to be difficult, but I really still don't get it.

you can have a large bore and short stroke to equal 400 cubic inches, you could have a smaller bore and longer stroke to acheive the same physical size. Each configuration will posess different power characteristics. one will favor higher rpm end power production, the other will favor lower rpm torque.

You can also have a large box that contains small contents, you could also cram the same contents into a smaller box. of course the best of all is a big box with big contents.

[Black97]

Lots of reading out there for it http://www.google.ca/search?client=f...=Google+Search

[86FireBird]

I swear you guys can read minds...i was just about to post a thread asking the same question

[Wild Willy]

Most manufacturers build engine groups or families- the small block chevy SBC, was a single casting that could be bored to different cylinder sizes and use differing crankshafts and could be built as a 283, 305, 327, 350 and even a small block 400- externally all the same, used same manifolds, distributors, etc.- the big block was a different casting, and, depending on what piston diameter it was bored for and what crank was used, could be a 396, 427 or 1 454- the transmission bell housings and engine mounts were different for small block/big block-

All bets are off if you go far enough into the past to have Pontiac or Oldsmobile big blocks and small blocks- they tended to be different animals totally.

Chrysler did the same with the 273-318-340-360 and the 383-400-440- again, the hemi was a whole different family.

Ford small block was 260-289-302 which became the 5.0. They had a couple big block variants, and to confuse things more, they made a 351 engine in both big blcok and small blocks, sort of like Chevy's 400. In the Ford world it was Clevland or Windsor for the 351-

HTH- I have lots of useless trivia, I remember less and less as I get older

[86FireBird]

HTH- I have lots of useless trivia, I remember less and less as I get older

its ok im the same way...but i wouldnt consider that to be useless information at all...

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Most manufacturers build engine groups or families- the small block chevy SBC, was a single casting that could be bored to different cylinder sizes and use differing crankshafts and could be built as a 283, 305, 327, 350 and even a small block 400- externally all the same, used same manifolds, distributors, etc.- the big block was a different casting, and, depending on what piston diameter it was bored for and what crank was used, could be a 396, 427 or 1 454- the transmission bell housings and engine mounts were different for small block/big block-

All bets are off if you go far enough into the past to have Pontiac or Oldsmobile big blocks and small blocks- they tended to be different animals totally.

Chrysler did the same with the 273-318-340-360 and the 383-400-440- again, the hemi was a whole different family.

Ford small block was 260-289-302 which became the 5.0. They had a couple big block variants, and to confuse things more, they made a 351 engine in both big blcok and small blocks, sort of like Chevy's 400. In the Ford world it was Clevland or Windsor for the 351-

HTH- I have lots of useless trivia, I remember less and less as I get older

Remember in Chrysler there was a 426 wedge which was the 383-440 block. I don't remember a 400 Chrysler. I think the hemi was a 332/354/392/426

In Fords there were 3 351s. A Windsor, Clevland a a Modified. The modified also came in a 400. They also had a 360, 390, 428. And add in the SOHC 427 side oiler. Then there was a 429/460. My engine bulding neighbor buddy built a 700+ cubic inch 460 motor that put out something like 1500 horses on pump gas.

Cadillac had a 502 cid.

Mercury Marine takes a 454 chevy and bores it out to 496. http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...s/mpi496ho.php

[Joe 1320]

With some rare exceptions, Pontiac and Oldsmobile used a "one size fits all" approach and had one block. Externally, you couldn't tell if it was a 350 or 455. Yes there were a few exceptions, but it's the exceptions that define the rule.