big block vs. small block?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 216
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big block vs. small block?
i know this has probably been answered before, but i searched and couldn't find anything. this is probably a really easy question too, but all the people i've ever talked to can't give me a very good answer. what is the difference between a big block and a small block? is there a distinct line where it switches? or is it just the "heavy dutiness" of an engine (wall thickness etc.)? i would love to find a good answer to this question.
thanks
thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 327
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From: Belleville USA
big block vs. small block?
I submit this to you for information.
Short Block: An engine WITHOUT the head(s). Usually includes the crankshaft, camshaft, and pistons.
Long Block: An engine WITH the head(s). Usually does not include the oil pan, valve covers, and manifolds.
Small Block: The smaller of a manufacturers two series of engines.
Big Block: The larger of a manufacturers two series of engines.
There is an overlap of small and big block displacements. Note also that a small block can be a long block. The terms define different characteristics of the engine. Doc.
Short Block: An engine WITHOUT the head(s). Usually includes the crankshaft, camshaft, and pistons.
Long Block: An engine WITH the head(s). Usually does not include the oil pan, valve covers, and manifolds.
Small Block: The smaller of a manufacturers two series of engines.
Big Block: The larger of a manufacturers two series of engines.
There is an overlap of small and big block displacements. Note also that a small block can be a long block. The terms define different characteristics of the engine. Doc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
big block vs. small block?
Big Block and small block are more of a chevy and dodge thing than a ford. We do refer to the 385 series and FE series as big blocks. The 220 - 351W blocks are considered small blocks. The 335 series is highly debated. Cubic inches or wall thickness has very little to do with it. Ford makes improved 351W blocks that will take a larger bore than my 390. Ford made many different V8 blocks and chevy only made 2 different styles. If you are racing your ford in a small block only event you will probably need a windsor series engine. The cleveland might also be accepted.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
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big block vs. small block?
Originally posted by lilpig88
thanks for the info. so there really is not a distinct big and small block, just a way that certain people refer to different blocks.
thanks
thanks for the info. so there really is not a distinct big and small block, just a way that certain people refer to different blocks.
thanks
The small block has a bore spacing of 4.380",
The 335 series is a small block, Bore spacing 4.380",
The FE is neither a big block, or small block, same
goes for the Y-Block...
The 385 series is a big block, bore spacing of 4.90"
But, the 351M/400, has a deck height nearly 385 series
tall, (10.302" vs 10.322") but the small block bore spacing.
Are we confused yet??
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Missouri
big block vs. small block?
The FE was a big block long before the 429/460 was around. Plain old fact.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
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From: Missouri
big block vs. small block?
Dart makes a block that they claim will take a 4.185" bore. It comes with a standard 4.125" bore. Not a whole lotta 390's out there that will safely run this wide but a very very few of them will.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,712
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
big block vs. small block?
I've read about that block, I was hoping you were talking about some long lost factory block. The experts at Car Craft said that the Dart block could probably go to 4.200" without any problems, but I think I'd be happy with whatever they'd recommend if I was gonna pay $2,000 for an engine block.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 251
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From: Phoenix USA
big block vs. small block?
How about we simplify this. If a 289 head will bolt on, it's a small block. If a 428 or 429 head will bolt on it's a big block. We can't go by bellhousing size or the chebbies would all be the same.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 695
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From: Metro Detroit
big block vs. small block?
FRPP Sportsmans 351 block 2 bolt main $1200. Siamesed 4 bolt main $1700-$1800. Prices may be wrong. Look up Ford Motorsports 351 block on Google and you'll find some info.