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Is a 400 CI a big block?

Yes, a 400 cubic inch (CI) engine is considered a big block engine. Big block engines are generally defined as engines with a displacement of 400 CI or more, making the 400 CI engine a prime example of a big block.


What is a Big Block Engine?


A big block engine refers to a large-displacement internal combustion engine, typically found in American-made vehicles. These engines are characterized by their large cylinder bore and stroke dimensions, resulting in a high overall displacement. Big block engines are often used in high-performance applications, such as muscle cars and heavy-duty trucks, where the increased power and torque output is desirable.


Characteristics of a 400 CI Engine


The 400 CI engine is a specific big block engine that was produced by several American automakers, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Oldsmobile, during the 1960s and 1970s. Some key characteristics of the 400 CI engine include:



  • Displacement: 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters)

  • Cylinder bore: 4.12 inches (104.6 mm)

  • Stroke: 3.75 inches (95.3 mm)

  • Typical horsepower range: 300-375 hp

  • Typical torque range: 400-500 lb-ft


The large displacement and robust design of the 400 CI engine made it a popular choice for high-performance applications, particularly in muscle cars and heavy-duty trucks of the era.


Comparison to Other Big Block Engines


While the 400 CI engine is considered a big block, it is not the largest big block engine produced by American automakers. Other notable big block engines include:



  • Chevrolet 454 CI (7.4 liters)

  • Ford 429 CI (7.0 liters)

  • Chrysler 440 CI (7.2 liters)


These engines, with displacements ranging from 429 CI to 454 CI, are even larger than the 400 CI engine and are also considered true big block engines.


In summary, the 400 CI engine is indeed a big block engine, with its large displacement and robust design making it a popular choice for high-performance applications in the past. While not the largest big block engine, the 400 CI engine still represents a significant step up in size and power compared to smaller displacement engines.

What is considered a large CI?


If the interval is wider (e.g. 0.60 to 0.93) the uncertainty is greater, although there may still be enough precision to make decisions about the utility of the intervention. Intervals that are very wide (e.g. 0.50 to 1.10) indicate that we have little knowledge about the effect, and that further information is needed.



How many CI is a 383 stroker?


382.6
A 383 stroker has a 0.030 over bore of the stock 350, giving you 4.030 as a bore diameter. Putting the 400 crank in the 350 increases the stroke to 3.750. Other than that, all the other dimensions stay the same. If you do the math, you will get 382.6; round up and you have 383 ci.



What is 400m considered?


The 400 metres, or 400-meter dash, is a sprint event in track and field competitions.



What's considered a big block?


What is a big block engine? A big block engine is physically larger and weighs more than a small block. [4] Larger bores, longer strokes, bigger valves and ports can lead to truly astounding power production. If a small block is a quick and nimble welterweight boxer a big block can be devastating heavyweight.



Is the Pontiac 400 a big or small-block?


Unusual for a major automaker, Pontiac did not have the customary "small-block" and "big-block" engine families common to other GM divisions, Ford, and Chrysler.



Is a 400 Chevy a small-block or big block?


Referred to as a "small-block" for its size relative to the physically much larger Chevrolet big-block engines, the small-block family spanned from 262 cu in (4.3 L) to 400 cu in (6.6 L) in displacement. Engineer Ed Cole is credited with leading the design for this engine.



What is considered a big block Chevy?


This engine type is characterized by the following metrics: Displacement: Big block engines tend to have displacements of 400 cubic inches or more. There are exceptions to this rule, such as the Chevy 396 engine which is referred to as a big block engine due to its architecture.



Is a 400m a big block?


One oddity of the 400 is that, although it is technically a small-block, the transmission side of its bellhousing mimics the 429 and 460 big-blocks.



What CI is considered a big block?


The big-block, which debuted in 1958 at 348 cu in (5.7 L), was built in standard displacements up to 496 cu in (8.1 L), with aftermarket crate engines sold by Chevrolet exceeding 500 cu in (8.2 L).



Is a 400 SBC the same block as a 350?


The 400 small block was a light duty expanded version of the 350 that I wouldn't even consider buying. The bores were so big that they had to siamese the cylinders together on the outside. The stroke was too long to fit inside that block properly. The workaround was to use a rod that was too short to work well.


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.