What's the difference between a big block and a small block engine?

Question

I have 2 engines, a 350 (small), and a 454 {big}. Where does one draw the line?

Answer 1

Small block and big blocks where Chevy is concerned are so named because of the physical sizes are so different. The Chevy small blocks generally ran from the early 265 cid all the way up to the 400 cid engine. The big blocks ran from a 396 version all the way up to the 454. Now a 396 may displace less than a 400 but put them side by side and you will NOT mistake one for the other. The 396 is a larger engine with respect to external dimensions.

Here's a 396:
http://camaromuscle.com/396%20REBUILD0.jpg
http://www.oldcarandtruckpictures.com/hantscountycarshows/windsor2004/1969_Pontiac_Beaumont_engine=KRM.jpg

and here's a 350:
http://www.manoian.net/jeep/images/350_engine_complete_no_filter2.jpg
http://www.350chevyengine.com/images/chevy_TBI_Engine.gif

Look at the size of the valve covers between the two, the 396 is much larger.

From Wikipedia:
There are Small-block and Big-block engines. These families differ in respect to the distance between cylinder bores, but not necessarily in engine displacement since the latter is defined by bore and stroke.

Answer 2

They are two designs for engine blocks. One is smaller than the other. Back in the day, technology permitted the size of a small block to about 350 cubic inches. Now, they can bore out the block further by making a stronger block, and using more exotic metals like titanium. The difference between a small bock and a big one is the distance between the dead center of each bore. Chances are, a 427 vette with a small block will be lighter, have more horsepower, but have a narrower power band with a little less torque. It will also be capable of significantly higher rpms because of the stronger metals; and the fact that they get the larger displacement from added stroke, instead of bore. The old school big block will have a wider powerband, but will be a lot bigger. Assuming both cars have the same overall specs (including weight, which will almost never be the case), the big block will win off of the line, but the small block will gain that back at higher speeds.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the difference between a big block and a small block engine?
I have 2 engines, a 350 (small), and a 454 {big}. Where does one draw the line?

Answer 4

Right around 400 cubic inch is where Chevy went from small to big block which is a totally different block unlike Pontiacs which were all the same. Stock Chevy small blocks were 265, 283, 302, 307, 327, 350, 400 siamese bore---big blocks were 396, 402, 427, 454.

Answer 5

Anywhere you'd like to draw it. Some would consider a 305 small and a 350 big.

Answer 6

the angle of the bores , small block 66 deg big block 90 deg

Answer 7

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