Big Block Chevrolet Engines: Big Block Chevy Specs and information
Chevrolet started producing the big block V8s in 1958, and the same basic engine, with many changes was produced in different sizes until the 1970s. The sizes of these big block engines went from 348 cu in (5.7 liters) to 427 cu in (7.0 liters) in the first series, but later the capacities were from 396 cu in (6.5 liters) to 572 cu in (9.4 liters), the larger units being used mainly in trucks.
Unusual design
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Although the original design of the big and small block motors had a 90 degree angle between the cylinders, and four-bearing crankshafts, they were unusual in that the top deck of the cylinders were machined at a small angle to the normal. This meant that when the piston was at the top of the cylinder, there was a wedge shape combustion chamber formed by the difference in the angles.
In fact, the pistons had a crown that was parallel with part of the flat face of the cylinder head, so a small wedge-shape chamber remained – but within the cylinder. In those days wedge shape combustion chambers were popular in the USA and Europe.
These engines were good for 6,000 rpm, and developed 250-300 bhp, and so started the era of muscle cars. One of these bigger engines in an ordinary car, and with some minor modifications could result in a few quick car.
2nd Generation Big Block engines
In 1965, GM introduced the Second Generation Big Block engines, which were called the Mark IV. This was the Chevy 396 big block motor, with a displacement of 396 cu in (6.5 liter V-8). It was very similar in design to the earlier big block engine, except that the combustion chamber and cylinder heads were a different design, but still retained wedge-shape combustion chambers.
Now, though, these were within the cylinder head in the conventional manner. The engine was over-square, with a bore and stroke of 4.09 x 3.76 in (104 x 96 mm), which allowed large valves to be used, and the engine to rev freely.
The original 6.5 liter unit developed 415 bhp, and could rev to over 6,000 rpm. There was also a 427 cu in unit, introduced in 1966, which produced 425 bhp and masses of torque.
The most exciting of these was the ZL1 which was designed for CanAm racing and was used in some of the leading cars, such as the Chapparals and McLarens of the time. These engiens were built specially, with aluminum cylinder blocks and heads, intake manifolds and water pumps, which reduced the weight by about 75 lb to 575 lb (261 kg).
The power output varied according to the camshafts, exhausts and carburetors, but were in the region of 375-525 bhp. In top racing trim, as used in the CanAm cars, the power output was reckoned to be 600 bhp, thanks to very high lift cams and fuel injection.
The ZLX was a later development of the ZL1, and led to the production of a large number of racing components produced not just by GM but by many after-market companies, and many big block modifieds engines were in use.
These components included aluminum cylinder blocks and heads, for sale on their own, or built into engines like the 454 chevy engine for sale.
Eventually, GM stopped producing both big and small block motors, because the big block engines like the Chevy 454 engine used too much gas and emitted too many pollutants. Now, the small block engine range is the basis of GM V-8s.
Will a Chevy big block 454 fit a Ford transmission
I have a 1983 Ford f150 4×4 with a rebuilt c6 tranny and my Ford motor is shot but I have a Chevy 454 motor that I would like to swap with the old Ford motor any answers will be helpful, thank you.
The simple answer is NO…..but nothing is impossible. An adapter could be fabricated. One negative is the electronics will be different, although on a 1983 model you could get away with a lot more than todays vehicles. Another negative is the front suspension would need to be beefed up to accomodate the heavier block, and the rear driveshaft probably cut to fit. All in all, I’d say avoid this setup. It would be cheaper and less time consuming to get a motor that drops in.
I have a 55 chevy 3100 with a 78 nova front stub will a big block with hei clear the firewall? Thanks in advance. Chris
My 2 cents. I haven’t done it as yet to a 55,but I just stripped down my truck with the Nova front,I could have got a measurement from the spare 454 I have. I suspect it would fowl if you use the original mounts on the Nova front.I notice not a lot of people do it, maybe it is for this reason. You will probably have to move the mounts sightly forward until the oil pan sits close to the cross member and use a short pump and possible have to use thermo fans.
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