[big2bird]

Okay. When does a small block become a big block?








(I can't wait to hear these responses)

 

[Darrow]

Okay. When does a small block become a big block?








(I can't wait to hear these responses)

AFTER IT TURNS 16

 

[TimAT]

After they add another 100 pounds or so cast iron to the mold..

 

[SMYDA]

As soon as the Small Block is removed and the Big Block is installed.

 

[grumpyvette]

its possiable , if your useing a aftermarket block to build a small block chevy thats close to 480-500 cubic inchs while that might impress most people its still a small block arcitecture reguardless of the displacement.

big blocks are designed with a totally differant arcitecture and while 366 bbc is the smallest factory displacement, (unless you want to stretch and call the 348 W series a BBC) again aftermarket blocks will allow in excess of 700 cubic inches.
yet, displacement has zero to do with the basic engine family designation, or the bore spacing or basic deck height, bearing size, crank to cam centerline distance, and other limiting factors

 

[Dragonracer]

When the block weighs more than I do!:rolling:

 

[mrvette]

When the block weighs more than I do!:rolling:

hehe....you got that straight, I had a 389 Poncho engine in the trunk of my '67 GP, as I recall, in the trunk of one of my series of Ponchos anyway....and so.....me and a buddy lifted the full assembled short block outta the trunk, just the two of us.....neither one of us lifted or moved for a week solid.....tore my stupid ass UP.....him too....never again....

I"m betting on 450 lbs or so, naked crank/rods/pistons, cam, chain, but no heads, obviously....fully assd' they were about 800 lbs, and would bounce like a basket ball on the end of the hook we later on acquired....yeh welllllll NO ****!!!

:devil: :spanked: :spanked: :WTF :cheers: :huh:

 

[TimAT]

Years ago, I was working in a truck shop- we'd get s 350 long block in and 2 of us would slide it out of the pickup and set it on the floor. UNTIL we tried that with a flathead ford. Gee it's about the same SIZE as a small block. We found out it's TWICE as heavy.

 

[raidmagic]

When it gets married.:laughing:

 

[Darrow]

Does any realy know ?????

 

[SMYDA]

Why ask Why? or When?

Kinda like asking when does a Ford become a Chevy
or a Cat become a Dog.

I think the question was more for Entertainment.......... RIGHT!
There really is no answer.


:cheers:

 

[TwinTurbo]

never

 

[big2bird]

I am just posting a question presented to me. So, let's rephrase it.
What defines a small/big block.
Grumpy and Tim have the correct line of thinking. Safe to say 400 cubes or less? 400 cubes and more? Is it just slange for the casting, since 427 can be attained either way? Does a BB just have a heavier casting?

It's just interesting to hear the answers.

 

[gtr1999]

How about when you can't get your hands in to change the plugs, or get the steering box out, or work around things before your back starts to hurt and there is a ball peen stuck in the windshield? You black out only to wake up and find the car on fire? Or you park it out back for a little while:laughing:

I know, anger mangement works wonders these days:rolling:

 

[Turbo84]

I am just posting a question presented to me. So, let's rephrase it.
What defines a small/big block.
Grumpy and Tim have the correct line of thinking. Safe to say 400 cubes or less? 400 cubes and more? Is it just slange for the casting, since 427 can be attained either way? Does a BB just have a heavier casting?

It's just interesting to hear the answers.

Cubes and weight have nothing to do with it. It's the basic design that determines bb versus sb. There's bigger displacement small blocks running around (434 versus my 427), and heavier small blocks (my new block is 110 pounds) than my big block. Apples and oranges. Never had to discuss or explain this in a Chevy group before.

 

[73 Mike]

I think that Gary has the right idea. If it fits in the engine compartment, it's a small block. If it spills out of the frame, hood, wheel wells... then it's a big block.

Look at Norval's car. There are so many cubes that the extras are sticking out the top.

 

[kwplot34]

when you have so many stickers that you need the extra ponies to overcome the weight and the drag.:rolling: :rolling: :rolling:

 

[Steve J]

I say a block isn't a 'big' block until it has a smaller sibling to beat up on, meaning that regardless of physical dimensions it requires there be a similar casting of lesser dimensions.

steve

 

[Dragonracer]

Ok in all honesty I never thought it was about displacement so much as the
size of the slugs :thud: (ie pistons) and/or the throw of the crank.artyon:

 

[big2bird]

Looks like the major diff is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.:rolling: