Is an FE a Big Block?

[68stangcjfb]

So, how would that guy referenced in the first post refer to a Pontiac V8 from the 1960s/70s?

326, 350, 389, 400, 428, 455.  Which are small blocks and which are big blocks? 

Answer: None are either.  They're all the same block-size Pontiac V8s.

What else do they all have in common?

All real Pontiac V8's (not corporate engines) since 1955 have had the same bore spacing. From the 287 (1955) and 317 (1956) all the way up to the 455 (1970).

He did. I didn't want to muddy up this discussion with Pontiac. Although, one can attempt make the argument that 265 and 301 Pontiacs are small blocks (lower deck height but same bore spacing) and 326 to 455 are big blocks!  Grab your weapon of choice and CHAAAAAARGE!!!!!!

[shelbydoug]

Maybe we should talk about the 351 C "big blocks".

351C is a small block, it uses a small block transmission bolt pattern, the small block cylinder spacing and the small block engine mounts, overall dimensions and bore dimensions are smaller than the 385 series engines (429/460) and the FE engines, which are the two Ford engine types that are commonly referred to as "big-blocks. In Australia they use the 351C block to make a 302 also.

Maybe we need a new class of Giant for the Modular engines

A Cleveland is a 9.2" deck height. A 289-302 is a 8.2". The two are not anywhere near the same.

It really in effect is a "medium" sized engine. Having the timing chain cover cast in does not help it's identity as the little guy.


The reality is that the "289" series is just a really compact design. Few others come THAT compact.


Since there was never a factory designation of small block v. big block and the descriptions are just that, descriptions, there is no way that anyone can say with a straight face that a Cleveland is even remotely in the same family as either a 289-302 OR any FE.

[pbf777]

     Stop attempting to quantify this, as it is solely "slang" speech.   

     Copy-paste from Merriam-Webster:  "SLANG":  "an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech."

     Next:   
 

Maybe we need a new class of Giant for the Modular engines

      O.K., without wandering to far astray into other makers, and keeping the subject to those V8 engines perhaps more period relevant to this web-site (old shyte ), this before the "Modular" era to current "new-shyte"; but since you did bring up "Giant", perhaps we could even expand this technical absurdity of "Small","Medium" & "Big" block labeling with "Giant Blocks"?  And, I guess maybe this could be the colloquialism applied to the  Ford "SD" series engines, as they certainly would fit the bill in the context of the others?   

      But,...........then if we open that door, what do we do about the real 'elephant in the room'........................ the true colossus, the Ford GAA (& GAF, GAN etc.) V8 engine?      That's it!........................"COLOSSAL BLOCK "   

      Scott.

[shelbydoug]

     Stop attempting to quantify this, as it is solely "slang" speech.   

     Copy-paste from Merriam-Webster:  "SLANG":  "an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech."

     Next:   
 

Maybe we need a new class of Giant for the Modular engines

      O.K., without wandering to far astray into other makers, and keeping the subject to those V8 engines perhaps more period relevant to this web-site (old shyte ), this before the "Modular" era to current "new-shyte"; but since you did bring up "Giant", perhaps we could even expand this technical absurdity of "Small","Medium" & "Big" block labeling with "Giant Blocks"?  And, I guess maybe this could be the colloquialism applied to the  Ford "SD" series engines, as they certainly would fit the bill in the context of the others?   

      But,...........then if we open that door, what do we do about the real 'elephant in the room'........................ the true colossus, the Ford GAA (& GAF, GAN etc.) V8 engine?      That's it!........................"COLOSSAL BLOCK "   

      Scott.

Do you mean like an "Elephant" engine?


Drake Viscome of Vindicator Racing, tried to can the phrase "Bulldog" for his Fords in retaliation to the Rat, Mouse and Elephant but it never quite caught on?

We are in a new era. Maybe we should call the modulars an "Epiphany" since they are intended to expand our minds into the unlimited? 

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Do you mean like an "Elephant" engine?

So we finally got to the Hemi - Is a 254 Hemi a small block - where to they become big blocks? 354 or 392?

[98SVT - was 06GT]

A Cleveland is a 9.2" deck height. A 289-302 is a 8.2". The two are not anywhere near the same.

Same motor mounts, same bellhousing as the 289/302 which means it's designed to use weaker small block transmissions not heavy duty big block ones. By applying a deck height standard a 351 Windsor with its 9.5" deck height is a big block....... That uses the same motor mounts, same bellhousing as the 289/302 which means it's designed to use weaker small block transmissions not heavy duty big block ones.

[shelbydoug]

Do you mean like an "Elephant" engine?

So we finally got to the Hemi - Is a 254 Hemi a small block - where to they become big blocks? 354 or 392?

It becomes an "Elephant" when it looks like an elephant hiding in a bowl of M & M's.

A 351c is like Chales Atlas v. the 118 pound weakling. They may wear the same size shoes but Atlas isn't gonna' fit into the weaklings shirts.

A Cleveland is a medium sized engine. Remember, these are descriptions not factory designations. And as the "saying goes" if it walks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, it isn't a small block. 

[98SVT - was 06GT]

A Cleveland is a medium sized engine. .... if it walks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, it isn't a small block. 

So the 351W has to fall into the same category - or just if you make a Clevor with 351C heads?

[shelbydoug]

A 351w is bigger then a 289 which is small.

Call it a bigger block if it pleases you.

[pbf777]

A Cleveland is a 9.2" deck height. A 289-302 is a 8.2". The two are not anywhere near the same.

Same motor mounts, same bellhousing as the 289/302 which means it's designed to use weaker small block transmissions not heavy duty big block ones. By applying a deck height standard a 351 Windsor with its 9.5" deck height is a big block....... That uses the same motor mounts, same bellhousing as the 289/302 which means it's designed to use weaker small block transmissions not heavy duty big block ones.

     Sooooo......... what about the 335 series 400C engine, as in it's earlier renditions the block possessed both the "S.B." & "B.B." bell housing patterns, that on each single block?   

     Does that mean it's AC/DC?   

     Scott.

[tesgt350]

Maybe we should talk about the 351 C "big blocks".

The 351C is the last of the SB's.......... the 351C/Modified 400 is a BB though..........

[98SVT - was 06GT]

     Sooooo......... what about the 335 series 400C engine, as in it's earlier renditions the block possessed both the "S.B." & "B.B." bell housing patterns, that on each single block?   

Ford trying to maximize parts fitment by over engineering rather than imitating Chevies simple one bellhousing fits all (ok not some V6 + 4 cyl) from a 235/265 I6 - 265/400 SB - 396/512 BB. I said Chevy so we don't have the BOP discussion.

[68stangcjfb]

  DONT LOWBALL ME! I KNOW WHAT I GOT! 

[crossboss]

All this gibberish is amazing. FE and 385 series IS a big block. 260-351 (Yes, W and C) are small blocks. Medium blocks are 351M and 400--with unique motor mounts, AND big block 385 series bellhousings.

[98SVT - was 06GT]

All this gibberish is amazing. FE and 385 series IS a big block. 260-351 (Yes, W and C) are small blocks. Medium blocks are 351M and 400--with unique motor mounts, AND big block 385 series bellhousings.

Here Endeth the Lesson