Guys, get off your Pontiac high horse...
It's a big block.
The Pontiac has over a 10" deck height and potential for large displacement as well as large mains. (and larger mains)
" all the same size block..." BS. Pontiac made a small block and it displaced 265/301 cubic inches. Had a 9" deck height and shared the same design.
This Pontiac culture of saying it's not a big block doesn't make it anymore special. It's special all on it's own without your help arguing about it. And it doesn't help distance it from Chevrolet or Ford engines to get your panties in a knot about it.
This 'Pontiac is not a big block' crap needs to die. Put your Pontiac 400 next to an SBC, SBF, Poly, Olds 350, Buick 350, etc. It's a lot bigger! Bigger bore spacing, taller deck, larger piston pins, longer rods, bigger main bolts, larger rods and mains, wider block etc. Many of these items are the same size or larger than other 'big block' engines. The mains and deck height alone peak the BBC. Even if Pontiac didn't make a 301, it would still be true. Did you know there is a BBC that displaces less than 400 CI? Actually two. Next argument.
Let the Pontiac V8 out of the closet already!
=)
now prove me wrong....