big block engine vans
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Yep, the difficulty working on these is the reason I don't think I'll ever own one. I enjoy working on my vehicle, but I don't think I would want to deal with the clearance issues around the engine in an E-van.
From what I understand the modular engines with their OHC design take up about as much space as a much larger displacement OHV engine.
Also, isn't "big block" a GM term?
From what I understand the modular engines with their OHC design take up about as much space as a much larger displacement OHV engine.
Also, isn't "big block" a GM term?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 3
From: gravel road ONTARIO
now this is a funny comment almost bust a gut .
the modular engine is actually larger dimemsions than a "bigblock" 460 or an 7.3powerstroke , they don't weigh as much but sure need a large engine bay.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
This did come into vogue some time ago and yes most commonly when discussing GM engines. Funny thing was if you talked with anyone not then affiliated with or interested in the higher performance vehicles you'd get a very blank look. That term wasn't used in the general trade.
Since the early to later 60's "small block" and "big block" have become generic, demarcating the different blocks any one V8 manufacturer used for stock CID's.
Interestingly enough there's another technical name for engine blocks at least as far as the engineers are concerned. Sadly I can't think of it at the moment.
Since the early to later 60's "small block" and "big block" have become generic, demarcating the different blocks any one V8 manufacturer used for stock CID's.
Interestingly enough there's another technical name for engine blocks at least as far as the engineers are concerned. Sadly I can't think of it at the moment.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
Small blocks and big blocks are just easier for most people to understand. But if you want to get into it for Ford V8's, you've got:
Flatheads,
Y-blocks,
FE's
FT's
MEL's
Windsor's
335's
385's
And the Mod's.
That covers most of them.
I personally consider Windsor's & 351C's small blocks. And FE's, FT's and 429/460's big blocks. The 351M's & 400's are somewhere in between.
And just to muddy up the water a little more I consider the 240/300's to be "Big block" 6's!
Flatheads,
Y-blocks,
FE's
FT's
MEL's
Windsor's
335's
385's
And the Mod's.
That covers most of them.
I personally consider Windsor's & 351C's small blocks. And FE's, FT's and 429/460's big blocks. The 351M's & 400's are somewhere in between.
And just to muddy up the water a little more I consider the 240/300's to be "Big block" 6's!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Well allrighty how about the older 352's, 390's and 428's---all the same "big block".
So when the 302's 351's & 429's came along we had small block/big block Fords, kinda matching GM's newer family of engines.
It was a fun time bench racing.
So when the 302's 351's & 429's came along we had small block/big block Fords, kinda matching GM's newer family of engines.
It was a fun time bench racing.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 458
Likes: 1
Especially by comparison to a 460, 429, 400M, or any FE, a 351W is a smallblock, with a shorter deck-height and better clearance in the E-class engine bay. If you need more power than you can build into a Big Six, a stroked 351W might be the best compromise for you. Yeah, it's a little expensive to build a stroker or any hopped-up engine, but if you are building a engine at all, presumably it's a long-term keeper. And the satisfaction of having done it yourself and done it right ought to be worth something. There is a ton of aftermarket hot-roddy stuff for the 351W, and by no means all for racing.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,289
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
All of those are FE's I already said I consider them big blocks. But I never said they were the same.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Not arguing or questioning anything, just commenting!
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