What does 400 BBC mean?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 2
From: wyoming
BBC stuff
Also a 401 if I remember correctly. 401 chevy big block or 402 been a long time.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
Aaaaaaaaaand just to throw another monkey into the wrench, you could always throw in the concept of the Pontiac 400, which technically isn't a big or small block. Pontiac used the same block for engines from 326 to 455 cubic inches, so it's a somewhat universal block. They just changed the internals to determine the displacement.
Then again the Ford 400 isn't a big or small block either, as those terms are typically GM. Ford has families of engines (335, 385, FE, etc.), and the displacements fit into each family.
I mean, really, I'm not sure why there's any debate anymore regarding what a big block is versus a small block. We've all seen enough weird variations to know that these terms don't really have a lot of meaning anymore. There's a 443ci "small block" chevy, and a 348ci "big block" as well. When there's that much variation on the theme, the terms lose their meaning.
My 434 is still just a 335 series engine. It's not big block, it's not small block (although I'll probably tell people that it's a small block 434 just to confuse them
).
Then again the Ford 400 isn't a big or small block either, as those terms are typically GM. Ford has families of engines (335, 385, FE, etc.), and the displacements fit into each family.
I mean, really, I'm not sure why there's any debate anymore regarding what a big block is versus a small block. We've all seen enough weird variations to know that these terms don't really have a lot of meaning anymore. There's a 443ci "small block" chevy, and a 348ci "big block" as well. When there's that much variation on the theme, the terms lose their meaning.
My 434 is still just a 335 series engine. It's not big block, it's not small block (although I'll probably tell people that it's a small block 434 just to confuse them
).
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 2
From: chicago burbs
a true '396' is a rare bird, the first prototypes and Smokey Yunick's protested race engine were 396's... the production version is referred to as a '402' in most manuals
the Pontiac 326-455 blocks aren't identical/interchangeable but do share the same external dimensions. the internal casting's are very different, a 326 can't be bored to be a 455, and i believe the mains are different too. heads, intakes, oilpans & front covers all interchange though. aside from casting marks and stamped codes you can't tell what block you're looking at
i used to think that Olds was the same way but i guess they have 2 different deck heights for their blocks, heads interchange but intakes are block specific
the Pontiac 326-455 blocks aren't identical/interchangeable but do share the same external dimensions. the internal casting's are very different, a 326 can't be bored to be a 455, and i believe the mains are different too. heads, intakes, oilpans & front covers all interchange though. aside from casting marks and stamped codes you can't tell what block you're looking at
i used to think that Olds was the same way but i guess they have 2 different deck heights for their blocks, heads interchange but intakes are block specific
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sam's1967
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Feb 10, 2020 10:56 AM
3twinridges
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
0
Jun 4, 2017 05:12 PM
sheppard
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
38
Oct 19, 2015 01:35 PM
