What are you talking about!

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.

Quote:

The 440 owes it's lineage to the 350,361, of 1958, which are "low blocks", "B" engine, and the 413 of 1959, which was a raised block, or "RB" engine. When Chrysler wanted to increase stroke, they just added it to the deck surface of the block.

Of all the intake manifolds I've come across over the years, Big block Chrysler is the closest I've come to find to fitting the Packard V8. The only real problem in getting one to fit a Packard is the angle on the heads where the intake bolts. On a Packard it's a perfect 90 degrees, on a Mopar engine, it's more like 72 degrees.

The big block Chevy got it's valve arrangement directly from the old Polysphere 270 that came out in the 1955 Plymouth. I've yet to see an original idea to come out of GM, other than how to NOT run a company, but this I feel they stole from Packard. For example, a Polysphere Mopar head:






And a BB Chevy head:

Nice to hear good things about Macintosh. I've been using Macs since 1984-85 when I worked in an ad agency. Word 1.0 was one of the first software programs I learned (not too tough). Long-time DOS and Windows users might not recognize that low number, because Apple got the original Microsoft Word release.

I now use a desktop G4 Cube, which is outdated, but man is it the coolest. Don't know why they made them such a short time. It is a TRUE desktop because you can just sit it on an out-of-the-way corner of a desk. Plus, no buttons, touch the lexan top in the right spot and bing! One CD slot on top next to the passive ventilation port (power supply is on the end of the power cord--no fan)!

The most expensive one-slice toaster I ever bought, and one of the last Cubes sold new. The Cube was among the first new Mac designs launched after Steve Jobs returned to Apple.

PS I am NOT a computer wizard, and code remains just that to me. Something in code-- ie for qualified code breakers only.

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Carl,
Can do without the snow thanks. Summer was hot until 2 weeks ago then we had had rain and cooler weather, now starting to warm up again. And the bushfires were in Victoria hundreds of miles south of us.

Congrats on seeing the light and moving over to the wonderful world that is Mac. I'm sure you'll find it very pleasing to work with. This picture pretty much sums up the difference between Mac and P.C.:

Gosh, thanks guys, but all I really wanted to know was the difference between the 331 Cadillac and the "Kettering" Olds V8 and how a "big block" gets defined as such vs. a "small block." Also, the wedge head or wedge shaped combustion chamber of the Packard, and whether it was prevalent in early OHV V8's, seeing that Chrysler Corp. made such a beg deal out of it in the 60's.

Not really yes-no questions, and just a hint of a prayer for an answer.
Nothin' here about a pump at all. Anybody here say pump?

As for whether I can take "no" for an answer, well yes.

By the way, this is the spittin' image of our old 400, from the paint to the upholstery.

Just thought we needed a picture here for variety.

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<p>Normally, I don't care for other posters to answer for me. But in this case I endorse Jack's answer.</P>
<p>
Craig
</P>

Priority Packard Parking.

As you can see, my wife's truck and my Packard have priority over my buick, and the 3 inches of snow we received last night drive home the point.

Kev, how's the weather in southern california? Mal, how about summer in Australia? Either of you want some snow?

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<p>The only apparent way to solve this "which is better" argument is to bet two expensive Packard V-8s. Set up one with a rebult-bywhoever and another with the PV8C Melling Olds HV pump and adapter kit. Then run both at Bonneville at max speed until one expires due to oil system failure.
</p>
<p>The other is the winner.</p>
<p>Craig</p>