Thread: I need some help...what's the diference between a big block and short block?

Tweet

Zak, You 've actually brought up two different subjects.

If you are talking about Chevrolet engines, there are two basic design types.

"Small block": an engine that was released in 1955 as a 265 cubic inch, then later was enlarged to 302, 307, 327, 350 and 406 cubic inch variations, of the same design.

"big block": a totally different design, the original showed up as the 348, 409, and 427 sizes, then was redesigned using a few of the same dimensions, and was made in sizes of 366, 396, 402, 427, and 454 cubic inches. Very few of the parts will interchange between the first and second versions.

On the subject of replacement engines for any make or model...

.."Short block" mean the basic engine, complete with crank, rods, pistons, and cam, but no cylinder heads.

"long block" means the basic engine, including the cylinder heads.


Looks like you got an answer from two people. :-)