Stupid Question
 

Okay, here's a stupid question by the newbie. The majority of my wrench turning growing up was on VW engines. What's the difference between a small block and a big block? Quit laughing and just answer!:o

About 100 cubic inches..:D

Do you mean short block and long block? A short block is block without heads or intake...a long block is a complete block WITH heads and intake.

-Jeff

small block 302-400 big block 396-502+ yes they over lap, you can tell the difference by looking at the engines, the big blocks have noticably larger vavle covers/heads.. as well as the block itself. a small block though a v8 looks small in 73-87 engine compartments.

Oh sure, you edited it on me.

Anyways...what Jon said. :)

Hmmm, from memory...
BBC specs
typical bore size 4.25 max is 4.310"
4.84" bore spacing
9.80" deck height

SBC specs
typical bore size 4.00" max 4.150"
4.40" bore spacing
9.025" deck height.

These guys have done a good job on the technical details. Let me give you the mono-brow perspective:

Small block V8s and big block V8s are different designs of engines. As such, their internal components aren't generally interchangeable. Accessories such as alternators, carbs, distributors, can generally be swapped with a like-type from the other engine, but not much else.

Internal parts within a design are generally inter-usable, but you have to be careful with the 400 SBC, because of the siamesed bores and altered water passages.

Brian

Yes Jeff, I did edit the long block to big block. It just didn't look right after I re-read it. I knew the short and long difference. Thanks for the info guys. That clears it up.

You can't pick either of them up like you can a bug motor. Or build one on the kitchen table.