Why is the first generation Pontiac 400 engine referred to as a big block, whereas today's performance engines built by many "engine shops" around the country have "400 cu. in." engines that are always referred to as small blocks?
This "big block/small block Pontiac" train of thought probably came from "Chivy" fans who are unaware that there is no visual difference in a Pontiac engine. Where the difference lies is in the size of the crankshaft. 326, 389, 350, & 400 cid Pontiacs used a 3" main journal, stroke was the same all of them, too. 421, 428, & 455 engines have a 3.25" mains. All Pontiacs used the same rod journal size. Block deminsions are externally the same. If you look at a Chevy you know if it's small block or big block. Makes me laugh to read magazine articles on Pontiac cars and the author refer to the engine as a "big block Pontiac"!
Modern GM V-8s are the Chebby design, and they only make one size of those anymore - small. So, when a "crate" motor is listed as a "400 CID small block," it's a modern day small block chebby ... and not much else.
Pontiac's last V-8 was built in 1979.
Q
PS: Like Brett says - "...the only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask."
And compared to Chevy`s, all Pontiacs are big blocks ,also second gen birds... w Chevy`s you do have big and small blocks....as Steve said , you laugh when people talk about "big block Pontiacs" , that was the only way they came ...and as Quenton says , nowadays its all Chevy engines .... Bjorn
Errr...Pontiac's last 400 cid V8's were built in 1978. The few leftovers were installed in roughtly 2000 4-speed cars in the 1979 model year.
The last Pontiac V8's period were built in 1981. My 301 Turbo might be a dog, but its does count.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
I was referring to the standard Pontiac V-8 configuration that was initiated in 1964/1965 and continued up to early 1979. The 1979 engines may all have been cast and assembled in 1978, so I also give you that one. Score: Salmon: 2, Q: 0
