Would like to understand, what is a long block, short block, big and small. What does this refer to , can any one give me this information in simple terms, or do you know of a site which has this that I can print up . Thanks, Bob
Headed for Montana in the AM to visit two sons and do some fishing..

 

Think this is how it is. Anyone correct me if i'm wrong.

A short block has just the block.
The long block comes with heads and other parts.
Small block has small demesnsions and smetimes don't weight much.
Big block has huge demensions and weigh alot

 

I think the way they define a short block is the block, crank, connecting rods, pistons, timing setup, and cam.

A longblock has all the above mentioned parts, but adds the heads and the rest of the valvetrain

I might be wrong, but thats how I understand it

Small bock Vs. Big Block... all I know is the differances in the bellhousing bolt pattern.


Jon

 

Small Block Ford is the 221 V8 family; 260, 289, 302, 351 and derivitives. Except for the 351 and larger also referred to as "Girlie Engines"
Big block covers the FE (332 thru 428), MEL (383 thru 462) and 429/460 families. There is also a FT truck version of the FE.

Chevy fans started the small and big thing. The 265/283 and all its derivitives vs the Rat Motors which started with the 396.
Today its the 350/383 vs the 454/502. The 348/409 is usually referred to as the W block.

 

Thanks for the help, Bob

 

So, given Carl's explanation, and comparing numbers, I'd have to put my 272 in the "HUGE BLOCK" category - in terms of HP and torque I mean.

 

So, given Carl's explanation, and comparing numbers, I'd have to put my 272 in the "HUGE BLOCK" category - in terms of HP and torque I mean.


__________________

Those are respectfully called ancestors George. They go up on the Hall of Fame pedestal along with Nailheads, Rockets, Hemis, Cad 331, Packard 354/372 and whatever I missed.

 

Yeah, cool !!! Then who needs a 390 or a 460, when I've got a 302 BIG BLOCK (!) in my '59. Yeah baby, yeah !!!!

 

Daryl

You're too cool for these dorks. Can I call you D-Dawg? I can't believe you hang aroung here so much. Must be a pity thing for you too. Where's the "gimme some" icon at?

'fenders

P.S. Not posting on Gubment time, should I scan my leave slip for you Fugie?

 

From what I heard, the seperation between a big block and a small block was set by the NHRA as something like 360ci, anyone know for sure? It was the size of some mopar engine.

Clayton

 

Clay

There is no way to set an arbitrary cubic inch cut off for big block/smallblock. Right from the factory there were big blocks in the 350-360 CI range (maybe smaller), and at least one smallblock at 400CI (Chevy).

It is more related to the physical exterior size of the block. As a rule, big blocks are several inches wider, taller, longer than a small block from the smae manufacturer. Now watch someone blow my theory with a glaring exception.

 

<b>It is more related to the physical exterior size of the block. As a rule, big blocks are several inches wider, taller, longer than a small block from the smae manufacturer. Now watch someone blow my theory with a glaring exception.,</b>

Nothing glaring but the Buick 455 is only about 50 lbs heavier than a SBC. The Ford Y is a boat anchor by comparison as are most first generation OHV's.

 

Carl

I didn't even mention weight. There are some pig motor 6 bangers that weigh as much or more than some smallblock V-8s.

 

<b>I didn't even mention weight. There are some pig motor 6 bangers that weigh as much or more than some smallblock V-8s.</b>

Not directly but "wider, taller, longer" would seem to lead a thinking person in that direction Dewayne
And before you wind up again Im talking about cast iron here.

 

Carl that was smooth,

I didn't even know we were arguing until your last post. That is you isn't it Carl? Or is my wife over at your place again? Honey! Get off Carl's computer and come home right now! I thought I told you Carl's place is off limits.