Loading

Is a Ford 427 a big block or small block?

The Ford 427 engine is considered a big block engine, not a small block. The 427 cubic inch (7.0 liter) V8 engine was a powerful and iconic powerplant produced by Ford in the 1960s and early 1970s.


What is a Big Block Engine?


A big block engine refers to a large-displacement V8 engine, typically with a cylinder bore of 4 inches or more. Big block engines are known for their high power output and torque, making them popular choices for high-performance and heavy-duty applications. The Ford 427 engine falls into this category, with its large 4.23-inch cylinder bore and 3.78-inch stroke.


Characteristics of the Ford 427 Engine


The Ford 427 engine was first introduced in 1963 and was produced through the early 1970s. It was available in several variants, including the 427 cubic inch (7.0L) S-Code and R-Code high-performance versions. Some key features of the Ford 427 engine include:



  • Displacement: 427 cubic inches (7.0 liters)

  • Cylinder Bore: 4.23 inches

  • Stroke: 3.78 inches

  • Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV) design

  • Power Output: Up to 425 horsepower in the high-performance R-Code version

  • Used in iconic Ford models like the Galaxie, Thunderbird, and Cobra


The Ford 427 was a powerful and legendary big block engine that played a significant role in Ford's high-performance lineup during the muscle car era.

Did Ford make a 427 big block?


The Ford single overhead cam (SOHC) 427 V8 engine, familiarly known as the "Cammer", was released in 1964 in an effort to maintain NASCAR dominance by seeking to counter the enormously large block Chrysler 426 Hemi "elephant" engine. The Ford 427 block was closer dimensionally to the smaller 392 cu. in.



What is the difference between a small block and a big block?


Big block engines have more metal and more or larger cylinders. They tend to produce more power and torque because of their weight. Small blocks are just that — small or smaller than big blocks. While small block engines still have metal and cylinders, they are typically smaller and fewer in number.



What is the smallest Ford big block?


370. The smallest-displacement engine of the 385 engine family, the 370 was introduced in 1977, replacing the 361 cu in (5.9 L) 360 Truck (FT) V8. Sharing its 3.59-inch stroke with the 429, the 370 was designed with a downsized 4.05-inch bore (shared with its predecessor and the 390 V8).



Is a 427 Ford a small block?


The 427 Ford Small Block Stroker engine is by far our most popular engine combination. We offer several different versions based on the 351 Windsor. This 500 HP version is designed for street driving.



Is a 427 a small block or big block?


With its big-block-style output, the 427 obviously makes efficient use of the passages in the new heads—220 is derived from the 220cc intake runners, which are about 30 percent larger than a stock small-block's (170cc) runners—necessary to feed the 20-percent increase in displacement.



What is the smallest Ford big-block?


370. The smallest-displacement engine of the 385 engine family, the 370 was introduced in 1977, replacing the 361 cu in (5.9 L) 360 Truck (FT) V8. Sharing its 3.59-inch stroke with the 429, the 370 was designed with a downsized 4.05-inch bore (shared with its predecessor and the 390 V8).



What size block is a 427?


This question really depends on Era of the vehicle… the 1960's era 427 is a Big Block Engine, which would be considered an “L71”. In 2014 Chevrolet began production of the “LS7”, which is a 427 Small Block producing 505hp.



Why was the Ford 427 banned from NASCAR?


The ban was a significant blow to Ford. Especially after they had invested. So much time and money into developing the engine with hopes of competing against Chrysler's Hemi and NASCAR.


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.