KlubFoot Posted January 1, 2005 Report Share Posted January 1, 2005 Who can tell me what the difference between a small block and a big block really is. I've heard so many different responses, I'd like to finally get an accurate answer. Thanks. Taran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jpurdy2003 Posted January 1, 2005 Report Share Posted January 1, 2005 Physical size. The physical size of a small block V8 inherently limits displacement. A big block is physically longer, wider, and taller, therefore permitting longer stroke, bigger bore, and subsequently more displacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desperado Posted January 1, 2005 Report Share Posted January 1, 2005 Well, it depends on the car manufacture. Dodge, CHevy and Ford, are phyicall size in addition to displacement, Poltiac, Buick nad the Olds motors were all real big. Fords, well, that's an interesting story in its self. The 289, 302 and 351 Winsor were all considered small blocks, the 351 Cleveland, 351 Modified and the 400 modified are big blocks, as is the 428, 429, 460 and *** 370 truck motor. But the 428 and 429 share few interchangable parts, but the 351 Cleveland heads could be put on both a 302 and a 351 Winsor. Meaning that they shared deck size, bolt pattern and cylinder spacing. Only the water jackets were different. The "M" series motors were also a small block size, but had a big block bell housing bolt pattern. There are probably other things with the fords but I ain't a ford guy so I don't know much else. Chevy bell housing patterms are the same. THe motors are a phyically differnt size and about the only direct swap part is the lifters. The rest is different. Chrysler= it's all different. Size is the biggie. Distributor placement (small blocks are in the back like a Chevy, big blocks are up front like Fords. The lower end is where the big block guys laugh and thumb there noses at EVERYONE else. The block design puts the crank WAY up in the block, the main cap bottoms are flush with the bottom of the block, they are supported on both sides by the block. Abd the lower ends are good to over 1000 HP with a factory forged crank coupling this to a stoke length of 3.38 (Less than a small block chevy) and you had one serious badass, high revvin big block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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