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What’s the difference between Big Block and Small Block Engines for Classic Cars?

What’s the difference between Big Block and Small Block Engines for Classic Cars? How much horsepower are in each.

I’m also looking for any kind of info about differents engines in different cars in the mid 60’s and early 70’s.

About 150 hp

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5 Responses to “What’s the difference between Big Block and Small Block Engines for Classic Cars?”

  1. There are a myriad of different power levels for both small and big block engines. The indication big or small block refers to just that…the block. A big block typically has a wider bore spacing, larger bores, larger bearing journals, taller deck height and just a generally larger overall dimensions. Reason I say the power can vary, is there were 160hp big blocks and there were 350hp small blocks. Also, mind you that big block doesn’t instantly mean large displacement either as some people think. A couple examples:
    Chevrolet:
    302, 305, 327, 350, 400 are all small blocks
    396, 427, 454 are big blocks
    Buick
    All buick V8s are the same block
    Oldsmobile
    All V8s are the same block
    Pontiac
    All V8s share block dimensions
    Ford
    289, 302, 351, 400 are small blocks
    352, 390, 427, 428, 429, 460 are big blocks
    Dodge/Plymouth
    273, 318, 340, 360, 400 are small blocks
    351, 383, 413, 426, 440 are big blocks.
    Dodge also had what was known as "Poly" blocks, which have a similar bore spacing to a big block, but in a small displacement size. I believe there was only a couple of these, the 318, 413 and 400 I think.

    Generally speaking, big block engines did have larger displacement, and as such made more torque and overall more power than small blocks, but they had a weight disadvantage as well.
    References :
    http://www.allpar.com
    http://www.musclecarclub.com/main

  2. i dont have the several days needed..so…as much as i hate/love it wikopedia yahoo search [small block chevy] good/great start there.
    References :

  3. There is a difference in a classic car and an old car.
    There were no classic cars even made during ’60s-’70’s
    There were however a lot of cars that are just old cars that were built….
    References :

  4. About 150 hp
    References :
    I own classic car wrecking yard…and sell project cars n trucks…..james b

  5. Well most of the cars in my life have been small block Chevy and Fords in the 60’s the ole trust worthy small bock was the 283 chevy and the 289 Ford. The big blocks were many but most common were the 396 Chevy or 383 Dodge and the 390 Fords.
    References :

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