Re: Did Chevy consider Packard V8 BB Design?

Posted by PackardV8 On 2009/2/22 7:58:38

55packardguy writes:
"and how a "big block" gets defined as such vs. a "small block."


To answer your question:

The term big block in most cases refers to production engines of greater displacement than 350-400 Cubic inches. Certainly anything over 400 CID is a big block in just about any arena. There is some wiggle room on this depending on manufactureer.

i never remeber the terms "big block" and "small block" ever as a reference prior to about the late-60's when engine displacement suddenlty started jumping near 400CID and over.

"big block" and "small block" are more or less hot-rodders slang terms that have caught on over the years and usualy some knowledge of the entire V8 line of engines for any particular manufacturer is a prerequisite to understanding the meaning.

In all cases a big block engine will be dimensionaly larger than a small block in overall exterior dimensions and weight.

Big block vs small block terminaology is strictly within a particular manufacturer.

Since Packard V8's are all the same block, with ONLY a bore change then the term "big block" or "small Block" really does not apply to the Packard V8. However, since the Packard V8 is a very heavy and relatively large displacement engine, then it could be refered to as a big block depending on the scope of the conversation between participants.