Big block or small block
#1
08-02-2005, 11:18 AM
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#3
08-02-2005, 01:22 PM
#4
08-02-2005, 02:09 PM
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#5
08-02-2005, 02:40 PM
It refers to the physical size of the engine itself. Not the displacement. The 352FE in my Galaxie is much bigger in size and weight than a SBC. But the displacement is virtually the same. Check it out, here is a big blockhttp://www.killerridez.com/images/big%20block.JPG
And here is a small blockhttp://www.bruneauperformance.ca/enginepics/pic-g.jpg
And here is a small blockhttp://www.bruneauperformance.ca/enginepics/pic-g.jpg
#6
08-02-2005, 02:46 PM
#7
08-02-2005, 02:53 PM
76supercab2 is right the big block, small block monikers are from GM engines, and have been carried over into other companies products even mopar. This is like the term Posi, that is a registered trade mark for a GM limited slip diff but you here it applied to fords, dodges, imports it doesn't matter.
Ford doesn't have big block or small block it has engine families, FE, Windsor, 335, 385 series and an engine falls into one of those series of engines, and then gets labels based on physical dimensions even though it's wrong
Ford doesn't have big block or small block it has engine families, FE, Windsor, 335, 385 series and an engine falls into one of those series of engines, and then gets labels based on physical dimensions even though it's wrong
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#8
08-02-2005, 04:02 PM
I know, but why over complicate the issue? He was just asking what the difference was. Size. Thats it. Not displacement, but physical size. Any Ford or Chevy or Mopar guy knows that the 426/440/460/454/396/428's are big blocks and the 318/302/350/289/283/351's are small blocks. It's slang thats thrown around like "rat" and "mouse"(now THAT'S chevy). But it's generic, like "kleenex" or "white out".
#9
08-02-2005, 04:04 PM
Post Fiend
Other than Cadillac and Pontiac, most american car companies had "small" and "big" V-8 engine families starting in the early to mid 1960's. Ford has tended to have more different engine "families", making such designations harder, but certainly the Windsor family, at least 221/260/289/302 would be considered "small". I think bore spacing is a big factor in saying "big" or "small" block. Bore spacing determines maximum bore size, deck height helps dictate maximum stroke. GM never trademarked the terms, so they can apply to other than Chevy.
The new 7.0 liter Corvette engine, considered by some to be a "small block" by bore spacing is what may have started this thread. Am I right? That engine has an aluminum block and steel? liners, allowing a thinner web between the bores.
Jim
The new 7.0 liter Corvette engine, considered by some to be a "small block" by bore spacing is what may have started this thread. Am I right? That engine has an aluminum block and steel? liners, allowing a thinner web between the bores.
Jim
#10
08-02-2005, 05:21 PM
Post Fiend
Originally Posted by ARMORER
It refers to the physical size of the engine itself. Not the displacement. The 352FE in my Galaxie is much bigger in size and weight than a SBC. But the displacement is virtually the same. Check it out, here is a big blockhttp://www.killerridez.com/images/big%20block.JPG
And here is a small blockhttp://www.bruneauperformance.ca/enginepics/pic-g.jpg
And here is a small blockhttp://www.bruneauperformance.ca/enginepics/pic-g.jpg
#11
08-02-2005, 09:06 PM
The main difference isn't about the displacement, it's about the torque. The larger engines tend to have a longer stroke, because the larger block allows it without being bored large and having the crank running snug in the confines of the oil pan and no issues with being near the block skirting. That would be why a slightly larger displacement motor will outdo one of a "small block" class.
#12
08-02-2005, 11:47 PM
Asked and Answered several times.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=Big+Block
Deck height determines big vs. little, so sayeth Hot Rod mag.
At the time the introduction of the BBC, Ford had 289s and FEs, and thus a BBF and a SBF existed, as did the Mopar 273/318 vs. 413/426/440. Things were so simple then.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=Big+Block
Deck height determines big vs. little, so sayeth Hot Rod mag.
At the time the introduction of the BBC, Ford had 289s and FEs, and thus a BBF and a SBF existed, as did the Mopar 273/318 vs. 413/426/440. Things were so simple then.
#13
08-03-2005, 01:16 AM
Roger have to diagree on it bieng about stroke, since the 400 has a longer stroke than a 460 so by that reasoning it would be a big block yet the 351M which is virtually physically the same has a stroke equal to the 351W thus it would be a small block, and another way to look at that the difference in stroke between a 351, and a 429 ford is .09
Like I posted earlier the only COMPANY to ever use the big block, small block designations is GM, it's the general public that has tried to cross that into other companies engines, you know "experts" like hot rod that call it a 400 modified (aint no such engine)
Like I posted earlier the only COMPANY to ever use the big block, small block designations is GM, it's the general public that has tried to cross that into other companies engines, you know "experts" like hot rod that call it a 400 modified (aint no such engine)
#15
08-03-2005, 02:12 PM
Hotshot