What makes an engine a 'big block'?

[xs29j8]

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

Not sure about the Chrysler engines. I don't think the new hemi shares anything with any of the older Chrysler engines. Anyone know what the Viper's V10 was derived from?

Like was stated earlier, the Viper's V10 was based on the Chrysler small block "LA" series engines... "loosely" based is probably a good assumption. Likewise the modern Hemi was derived from the "LA" series as well, and even the first Chrysler V6 was a direct development from the LA... basically lopping off two cylinders.

Starting with the first Chrysler Hemi V8s in the early 1950s, the 331/354/392 (and all the other CID variants) led to several replacement attempts like the "Spitfire" semi Hemi, and then to the loosely derived "Polysphere" 318. This "early" 318 was superseded by the LA Series 273/318/340/360 engines.

The first Big Block Mopar engine was a 350 CID, then followed quickly by the better known 361. The "regular" Big Block "B" Series 350/361/383/400 had a long run, and spun off the "raised deck" Big Block "RB" Series 383 "high deck" (different from the std 383)/413/413MaxWedge/426/426MaxWedge/426Hemi/440/440SixPack engines which are basically "B" Big Block designs with raised block deck heights...

There were other attempted spin-offs of the ""B" & "RB" Series, like the "Ball Stud" Hemi which very nearly made production, only being stopped a the very last moment. The A925 DOHC Hemi was stopped far earlier in development when direct factory involvement in NASCAR ended.

I am sure that I missed some V8 engines developed by Chrysler, like the 305 CID variant for Trans AM Racing that comes to mind now. Also, I know little about the current Chrysler NASCAR engines...

XS

[SSRich]

Originally Posted by Apex Paul

My understanding is that Bore separation (spacing) is the defining character for a big block. I should have been as clear as you were when I posted earlier.

Now THIS is a big block...

LOL that pic is so fake he is standing about 20 feet back with his hand out lol

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by SSRich

LOL that pic is so fake he is standing about 20 feet back with his hand out lol

I suppose you're going to say this is fake too?

[SSRich]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

I suppose you're going to say this is fake too?

yep lol

[spyderbuddy]

Originally Posted by xs29j8

Like was stated earlier, the Viper's V10 was based on the Chrysler small block "LA" series engines... "loosely" based is probably a good assumption. Likewise the modern Hemi was derived from the "LA" series as well, and even the first Chrysler V6 was a direct development from the LA... basically lopping off two cylinders.

Starting with the first Chrysler Hemi V8s in the early 1950s, the 331/354/392 (and all the other CID variants) led to several replacement attempts like the "Spitfire" semi Hemi, and then to the loosely derived "Polysphere" 318. This "early" 318 was superseded by the LA Series 273/318/340/360 engines.

The first Big Block Mopar engine was a 350 CID, then followed quickly by the better known 361. The "regular" Big Block "B" Series 350/361/383/400 had a long run, and spun off the "raised deck" Big Block "RB" Series 383 "high deck" (different from the std 383)/413/413MaxWedge/426/426MaxWedge/426Hemi/440/440SixPack engines which are basically "B" Big Block designs with raised block deck heights...

There were other attempted spin-offs of the ""B" & "RB" Series, like the "Ball Stud" Hemi which very nearly made production, only being stopped a the very last moment. The A925 DOHC Hemi was stopped far earlier in development when direct factory involvement in NASCAR ended.

I am sure that I missed some V8 engines developed by Chrysler, like the 305 CID variant for Trans AM Racing that comes to mind now. Also, I know little about the current Chrysler NASCAR engines...

XS

Hey thanks for the update on Dodge/Chrysler they have some pretty awesome engines

I had a 383 RB in a 73Charger, then me and my dad put a 440 six pac in it
that was back in the late 70's that was one bad ass car

[Sax1031]

Dodge made the Hemi. nuff said.