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Did Pontiac make a small block 400?

No, Pontiac did not make a small block 400 engine. Pontiac's 400 cubic inch (6.6 liter) V8 engine was a big block design, not a small block. The Pontiac 400 was a popular and powerful engine option in many Pontiac models during the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a distinct design from the small block V8 engines produced by other automakers like Chevrolet.


Pontiac 400 Engine Overview


The Pontiac 400 was part of Pontiac's line of big block V8 engines, which were known for their large displacement and robust construction. The 400 was introduced in 1967 and was available as an option in various Pontiac models, including the Firebird, GTO, Bonneville, and Catalina. It was designed to provide high horsepower and torque for performance-oriented driving.


The Pontiac 400 had a bore and stroke of 4.12 inches x 3.75 inches, giving it a total displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters). This was significantly larger than the small block V8 engines produced by other automakers, which typically ranged from 283 to 350 cubic inches (4.6 to 5.7 liters) in displacement.


Differences Between Small Block and Big Block Engines



  • Displacement: Small block engines have a smaller displacement, typically ranging from 283 to 350 cubic inches, while big block engines like the Pontiac 400 have a larger displacement, usually 400 cubic inches or more.

  • Physical Size: Big block engines are physically larger and heavier than small block engines, due to their larger displacement and more robust construction.

  • Power Output: Big block engines generally produce more horsepower and torque than small block engines, making them better suited for high-performance applications.

  • Cooling Requirements: The larger size and higher power output of big block engines means they require more robust cooling systems to prevent overheating.


So in summary, while Pontiac did produce a popular and powerful 400 cubic inch V8 engine, it was a big block design, not a small block. The Pontiac 400 was distinct from the small block V8 engines made by other automakers during the same era.

Did Pontiac ever make a 350 engine?


350. In 1968 the 326 was replaced by the similarly 389-derived 350, which used a 3+7⁄8 in (98.4 mm) bore and 3+3⁄4 in (95.3 mm) stroke for a total displacement of 353.8 cu in (5,798 cc). Like the 326, it was offered in both 2-barrel and 4-barrel versions.



Was the Pontiac 400 a good engine?


That made the 400 the top engine in Firebird and GTO for many years as it received a wide range of high-performance cylinder heads and camshafts through various iterations of the Ram Air package. The most powerful version of Pontiac's 400 to ever reach production was the Ram Air IV.



What is the rarest V8 engine?


The Radical SR8 houses the rarest V8 engine ever fitted to a production car, boasting impressive power and performance stats. Only a limited number of Radical SR8s exist, with a rare few being road-legal, making this V8 engine even more exclusive.



Did Pontiac have a 409?


And the under hood componentry was effectively Chevrolet. So you had Chevrolet engines and transmissions. As well as chassis components on your Pontiac.



Did Pontiac make a 400 small block?


the true pontiac small block is the 301/267 configuration. the difference between the 317- 400 block and the 421-455 block should be referred to as small or large main journals. for those wanting to be really picky there wre also 2 different 400 engines in 67.



What's the difference between a 400 small block and a 400 big block?


So this is a 496. And this is a 350 making this a small block. And this a big block. Now there is one exception to the big block that's under 400 cubic inch and that's the 396.



Is Pontiac 455 and 400 the same block?


We took the question to David Butler of Butler Performance in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, for his professional opinion. He advises, "With the exception of the mid- to late-1970s PN 500557 casting, we consider all Pontiac 400 blocks functionally identical. The 455 blocks from 1970 to 1976 are also functionally identical.



What vehicles did the 400 small block come in?


The Chevrolet 400 was introduced in 1970, and used in full size (Impala, Caprice, etc. and midsize (Chevelle) through the 1976 model year. It was utilized in light duty trucks through the 1980 model year. They were quite common in early to mid 70's full size wagons.



What is the rarest Pontiac engine?


Pontiac 421 Super Duty Production Numbers
Only 88 Super Duty crate engines were ever sold to customers, making it arguably the rarest production engine Pontiac has ever made.



How much HP does a Pontiac 400 have?


The 400 remained in production through the 1978 model year, with 1979 cars receiving engines produced the previous year. In basic 2-barrel form it produced 290 horsepower and 428 ft.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.