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Originally Posted by i82much
I think big block and small block are just terms that are used within engine families that have two blocks with completely different dimensions, and tall deck/short deck are used within engine families to refer to individual blocks that are identical with respect to external dimensions besides differences in deck height.
I agree that a Pontiac is closer to a "big block" than it is to a "small block." For my part, I just accept the standard practice of referring to a "Pontiac block" without need to clarify other than to specify if it is a "short deck." But in that case, given that you're talking about a pontiac, isn't calling it a "big block" redundant? And of course even that isn't simple enough, as there are plenty of different castings.
Anyway, it's not that you're "wrong" in a pure semantic sense. At worst, it's a bit redundant and you'll get some odd looks. No big deal.
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Yeah, agreed. And more to the point it's a functional problem in Pontiac conversation. How many Pontiac guys are hotrodding a 301/303/265? How many are working with the larger block? So yeah it's redundant to define it as a big block in our circles.
If a non-Pontiac person says 'Hey! Nice big block 389 Pontiac with a 6 pack!' Well, I think it's a compliment. A person should look past the ignorant parts. I'm saying let's stop harping on the big block comment in general we have no real grounds for it.
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Originally Posted by Evil Stu
Here in Canada they are often referred to as the "blue block" 350/400/455, or even the American block" 350/400/455.
At least I know what engine they're talking about, even if they insist my 70 should have a "six pack".
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I didn't know that, cool! American block! I assume compared to what we call 'corporate' blocks?
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Originally Posted by 455Grandville
I'd say the aluminum Buick 215 sure was a small block -
Id say the Olds 350 & 455s are the same family (just like the 301 455 Pontiac); you can exchange the cylinder heads. Can't do that on a SBC & BBC
Like all the Ford guys calling the 351M/400 a big block because they had a C6 tranny bolt pattern, yet you can still bolt 302 W heads on it.
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Yep, but you splitting hairs on me here. Interesting factoids for sure! But it doesn't really apply here. I bet that 351M BBF thing gets some Ford guys going though!
The Olds thing is true and just happened that way probably to save engineering cash. The Buicks are similar in design but not a swap.
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Originally Posted by Lightfoot
I believe you mis-read his post. He was refering to the 303: developed for racing only, not the 301.
You forgot about the 260 Olds, 1975-1981. Millions & millions produced.
Also, Buick had a 340 small block in the mid sixties.
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Actually, the conversations started on 301s and the 303 from what I understand was what they were based off of. But anyway, the 303 was not a good argument so I stuck to the 301 aspect. They made 5 of them or something? Like you are saying
Yes, so you agree with me, the 260 is included in there too.
340? Now we are comparing engines from closely related families across different eras? Fine. Does this example prove or disprove something about BBP?
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Originally Posted by goatwgn
Olds "short deck blocks" 260,307,330,350,403. Buick SB 215,300,340,350. Olds "tall deck blocks 400,425,455. Buick BB 400,430,455. And of course Buick had the nailheads,(264,322,364,401,425) and Olds had the "first generation design" engines as well ('49-'64 303,324,371,394). It is understandable that non-car people would assume a "Large Displacement" engine relative to another would be a "Big Block". I think what we see funny here is someone "acting" like they are an expert on something, then making a stupid sounding statement around people who actually know better.  |
Yes I agree. Saying 'big block Pontiac' does mark a person real quick.
All said I would not say big block Pontiac to describe my 350 er 354! I just don't see what the big deal is for others to say it.
Did Pontiac have a 301 V8? yes. Did they also have a V8 that was bigger in size during the same era? yes. Is this engine also large compared to other makes? yes. Stuff like that.