For most classic car enthusiasts listening to the engine run is the best part of attending vintage car events. It seems the most popular of those engine sounds are the American V8 engines which brings us to the age old question “Do I want a car with a small block or big block V8 engine?” Over the years I have owned classic cars with both, and I have found that each has its benefits and draw backs. For many the need to understand the small block (mouse) or big block (rat) V8 engine is the key to success in building your classic car.
For American muscle cars, the engine is just about the most important aspect. After all, “What’s that have in it?” might be the most common question you will get when showing off your car after “What is it?” If you choose to modify your car or construct it from the ground up to be a racing machine, you might have an easier time picking a sports team to root for than narrowing the choices down to a specific engine to drop into your build. No matter which direction you go with your new V8 engine make sure you go thru a proper break-in process.
A Little American V8 Engine Big 3 History
Modern muscle cars do not have this dilemma as the engine choices are fairly limited out of the factory. But when it comes to vintage cars from the 1950s until the 1970s, your imagination (and ability to weld or fabricate) is the limit. Engines from the Big Three (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) generally fall into two categories: big blocks and small blocks. Although it made many iconic cars like the Gremlin, Javelin, and Eagle, the American Motors Corporation did not offer or manufacture any big blocks in its muscle cars.
Small Block V8 Engine (Mouse): Cheap Power
If you want to go fast, and you want that ability right now with very little cost, a small block may be right for you. Generally, small blocks have a displacement of less than 400 cubic inches. In the 1960s, long before efficient four-cylinders became commonplace, engine options for the family hauler were either a six-cylinder or a small-displacement V8. As such, examples are extremely easy to find. The average small block V8 pulled out of a 50-plus year old station wagon will need some work before it is ready for the track, but it will be cheap. Plus, car customizers today have the advantage of the Internet where no matter what V8 engine you are working on, there are likely hundreds of available aftermarket accessories.
General Motors offered the perhaps most versatile engine in the world in the form of the Chevy Small Block. The most popular displacement by far is 350 cubic inches. but it was also commonly offered with a displacement of 327 cubic inches. For the Chrysler fans, you will most commonly see either a 318 cubic inch engine or a 360 cubic inch model. These engines were in everything from the Barracuda muscle cars to work vans. Ford made the 302 Windsor V8 and two different 351 cubic inch V8s often called the Cleveland and Windsor, respectively. There were dozens of other small block V8 engines manufactured in the golden era of muscle cars, but these displacements are the most common in circulation.
Big Block V8 Engines (Rat): No Replacement for Displacement
Today no modern muscle car offers what would be classified as a big block. Even the most hellacious variations of the Dodge Challenger Hellcat top out at a displacement of 392 cubic inches. But if you had a big block in 1970, it was akin to an atomic weapon at any informal drag race. Generally, big blocks can put out significantly more power than small blocks in their stock configurations. Big blocks are also heavier and dimensionally larger than small blocks, meaning that you should either have the prerequisite amount of engine bay real estate handy, or you will need to get ready to do a lot of cutting and welding to get the engine in place. If you want big power, a lot of noise, and you do not care about weight, space, or cost, a big block is the way to go.
Chrysler (Mopar) made the 440 cubic inch big block and the famous 426 HEMI. Ford has the 427, the 429, and the 460, and General Motors had the Chevy 454 and a smattering of other less commonly seen big blocks from Oldsmobile, Buick, and Pontiac. Chevy currently offers big block crate engines with a displacement as large as 632 cubic inches. There are plenty of sources today for replacement V8 engines either thru your local machine shop or even ordering a new crate V8 engine.
The Last Word on V8 Engines
According to most gearheads, the best “bang for the buck” engine is the Chevy 350 cubic inch small block … if you do not care about brand. It has the best aftermarket support of virtually every engine ever made and is capable of handling gobs of horsepower and torque. If you want an absolute bargain-basement cast-iron model, look no further than your local junkyard. You will likely find multiple examples if you know where to look. Chevrolet still manufactures the crate engine if you want a brand new one, and there are literally hundreds of aftermarket parts stores dedicated to making parts for that engine.
Big blocks are fun, flashy, and very good at converting gasoline to tire smoke and noise. If you want cost-effective performance with as few unnecessary headaches as possible, look no further than Chevy which seems to be used in most hot rods. For those who want to keep their classic car “manufacturer correct” then there are still plenty of great V8 engine options out there. The small block is the way to go if you are racing with either a budget in mind or maximizing every possible metric with an Excel spreadsheet.
At the end of the day no matter which V8 engine you choose make sure you get all the builder’s information so that you get what you paid for as far as the performance of your new engine.
No such engine as a Ford small or big block
These are chevy words.
Ford never in the history or future has made any “small block”!
Ford makes engine series. FE, Windsor, 429/460 and so on…
None of these are small blocks or big blocks
Know what your writing about before posting this bullshit
Thanks
J
Why so rude? I agree that, traditionally, we’ve all used SB and BB for the 2 basic Chevy V8 sizes, but in recent years I’ve also heard those terms being used more and more for Ford and Chrysler engines as well. Have you ever looked at a Ford 260 or 289 and then at an FE series engine, or a 460? How about a 273 or 318 Mopar, and then a 440 wedge or a Hemi? In either case, the visible differences in the blocks just about scream big block vs. small block. While you may not agree with carrying those designations beyond the Chevys, you’re way out of line when you label someone’s work BS, and accuse them of not knowing what they’re writing about. Comments like yours just take the fun out of these discussions.
That said, there is one correction I would make. There were actually 3 Ford 351 engines: the Windsor, the Cleveland, and the 351 M, which was a lot like the 400. They were, I believe, the lighter weight thinwall casting replacements for the FE 352 and 390, and were similar to the 460.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Your posts are always well-delivered and engaging.
Fe, 385, SOHC and Boss 9 are all big blocks! Yes they made windsors! 221,260,289,302 and Boss 302 were all small blocks. Do a little research before posting your bill shit! Chevy ever win Lemans? Ford did! 427 Big block!!! Dumb Ass!
Dear classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Thanks for the detailed post!
Sounds like Bill needs a nap. Or maybe he has had to many nightmares of 632 BIG BLOCK pulling up beside him at light. Love the article
Hello classicautoadvisors.com admin, You always provide helpful information.
Hello classicautoadvisors.com owner, Nice post!
Hello classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Thanks for the great post!
To the classicautoadvisors.com admin, Your posts are always on point.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com owner, Nice post!
Hello classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Keep up the good work!
Dear classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Thanks for the well-researched and well-written post!
Hello classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Thanks for the well-researched post!
Hi classicautoadvisors.com owner, Thanks for the comprehensive post!
To the classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Your posts are always informative and well-explained.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com admin, You always provide practical solutions and recommendations.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com webmaster, Great post!
To the classicautoadvisors.com owner, Your posts are always well-received and appreciated.
To the classicautoadvisors.com owner, Your posts are always a great source of knowledge.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
Dear classicautoadvisors.com admin, Thanks for the well-structured and well-presented post!
To the classicautoadvisors.com administrator, Your posts are always well-written and easy to understand.