What is your definition of a small block ?
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Holy shit that's 3CI over the SB limit! You are disqualified as a SB owner..
Seriously, I guess there are two general opinions here, one based on CI and the other based on block size. To me it seems pretty simple, BIG wide heavy block = BB, small not-so-wide lighter block = SB.
Perhaps this block size thing is outdated and should be relabeled over or under 360CI regardless of the block used...
Major grey area here yes?
Slower Than Dial-up...
Joined: Dec 2003
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I am going to have to agree with shawn on this one... the actual dimensions of the exterior block making it a small block.. and now-a-days.. I do not truly think there is such thing as a small or big block since it is done in "liters" and not c.i.
My 2¢
My 2¢
Bondsman
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Small block/ big block is what it is when it come to a factory block because of its bore/stoke limitations. When you start talking aftermarket blocks whole different ball game. Anyone that has plenty money & a little knowlege can put a "aftermarket everything" in a chassis and make it run without trying.
-eats the last cookie.
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I with the exterior dimensions guys. You look at a 460 or 454, thats just a big block. Grandpa's 71 chevy farm truck had a 454 in it, and I still remember how cartoonishly big that motor was.
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Daddy-O
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I believe I read that it has to do with the bore spacing...
427 Small block will have a smaller bore spacing than a 427 BB...
427 Small block will have a smaller bore spacing than a 427 BB...
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Last edited by Strokd85; Jan 30, 2008 at 09:04 PM.
Donut Killer
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Need To Get Quicker
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I believe it will be easier for you to distinguish between big blocks and small blocks by using their actual physical size. The problem with going with a cubic inch limitation, is policing everybody's combination. For example, the only way to tell the difference between a 358 and a 408, which both rotating assemblies fit inside a 351 block, is to P&G the engine. I'm not sure if you want to go through the trouble of buying a pump and then checking each car before the race.
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
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POTENTIALLY FAST
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originally based on physical size of motor due to bolt on interchange of accessories. (chevy had a 400 small block and a 396 big block also called a 402 if bored .30 over at factory. don't recall any chevy 400 big blocks other than the 396/402's, but I totally got out of chevy's when I turned to mustangs.)
BOPS had 400's which was the same physical size as their 350, and Ford had 400's.
BOPS had 400's which was the same physical size as their 350, and Ford had 400's.
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going by external dimensions, you gonna go by external dimensions of the block or by the external dimensions of an assembled long block? Cause then a 4.6 4-valve would be a big block since it is bigger than a 460
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