Is the Pontiac 400 a big block engine?
The Pontiac 400 engine is a significant part of automotive history, particularly known for its performance in muscle cars during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a car enthusiast and owner of Kevin's Autos, I often get asked about the classification of this engine. In this article, we will explore whether the Pontiac 400 qualifies as a big block engine and what that means for car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Understanding Engine Classifications
To determine if the Pontiac 400 is a big block engine, it's essential to understand the definitions of engine classifications. Generally, engines are categorized into two main types: small block and big block. The distinction primarily lies in the engine's physical dimensions and design characteristics.
What is a Big Block Engine?
A big block engine typically refers to a larger displacement engine that is designed to produce more power and torque than its small block counterparts. Here are some characteristics of big block engines:
- Larger Displacement: Big block engines usually have a displacement of over 400 cubic inches.
- Physical Size: They are generally larger and heavier than small block engines.
- Power Output: Big blocks are designed for high-performance applications, often found in muscle cars and trucks.
The Pontiac 400 Engine
The Pontiac 400 engine, produced from 1967 to 1979, has a displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters). While it is often considered a high-performance engine, it is classified as a big block engine due to its size and design features. Here are some key points about the Pontiac 400:
- Displacement: At 400 cubic inches, it meets the displacement criteria for big block classification.
- Design: The Pontiac 400 shares its architecture with other Pontiac big block engines, such as the 455.
- Performance: It was widely used in performance vehicles like the Pontiac GTO and Firebird, showcasing its capabilities.
Conclusion
In summary, the Pontiac 400 is indeed classified as a big block engine. Its larger displacement, design characteristics, and performance capabilities align with the typical attributes of big block engines. For car enthusiasts and collectors, understanding this classification can enhance appreciation for the Pontiac 400's role in automotive history and its impact on the muscle car era.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Did GM make a 400 small block?
According to Wikipedia, the Chevrolet 400 small block was produced from 1970 to 1980. Ten years. It was used in A-bodies, B-bodies, and light trucks. There was a 402 cid motor on the Mark IV big block from 1970 to 1972.
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.
Was the Pontiac 400 a big block 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 modified a big block?
The 400 was intended as a replacement for Ford's aging big-block designs. The block's architecture borrowed heavily from the Cleveland, including the bore spacing, but 1.09 inches of additional deck height were added to allow a 4.00-inch stroke and the potential for plenty of torque.
Is the Oldsmobile 400 a big block?
400. The 400 cu in (6.6 L) version was the second, tall-deck "big-block" Olds.
What Pontiac engine was a big block?
The original 1970 Pontiac 455 'big block' V8 was good for between 360 and 370 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. At first glance this didn't transcend the 370hp on offer by the Ram Air IV version of the 400 V8 available in the GTO that same year, or even Pontiac's 366 horsepower Ram Air III 400 motor.
Is a GM 400 a small block?
And a small block chevy 400 is the siamese bore that was used by gm to achieve the larger bore and stroke combination specifically larger bore combination.
Are the Pontiac 400 and 455 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.
Is a 400 a big block?
It's a 400M, small block. You got a C6 tranny, pull the 400 and drop a 460 in there. *edit* the 400M is a Windsor with a 4" main journal. There are other differences, but the mud racers up in MI don't like the Ms at all, don't know exactly why.
