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Is the Pontiac 400 a big block engine?

Yes, the Pontiac 400 is considered a big block engine. The Pontiac 400 is a V8 engine that was produced by Pontiac from 1964 to 1979 and is classified as a big block engine due to its large displacement and physical size.


What is a Big Block Engine?


A big block engine refers to a large-displacement V8 engine, typically with a displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters) or more. These engines are characterized by their large physical size, heavy-duty construction, and high-performance capabilities. Big block engines are often used in high-performance and heavy-duty applications, such as muscle cars, trucks, and boats.


The Pontiac 400 Engine


The Pontiac 400 is a V8 engine that was produced by Pontiac from 1964 to 1979. It had a displacement of 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters), which qualifies it as a big block engine. The Pontiac 400 was available in various performance levels, with horsepower ranging from around 265 to 370 horsepower, depending on the specific model and year.


The Pontiac 400 was a popular engine choice for many Pontiac models, including the Firebird, GTO, Bonneville, and Catalina. It was known for its strong performance and durability, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.


Characteristics of the Pontiac 400



  • Displacement: 400 cubic inches (6.6 liters)

  • Configuration: V8

  • Horsepower range: 265 to 370 horsepower

  • Torque range: 390 to 500 lb-ft

  • Production years: 1964 to 1979

  • Used in various Pontiac models, including the Firebird, GTO, Bonneville, and Catalina


The Pontiac 400 was a significant engine in the history of Pontiac and the muscle car era. Its large displacement, high-performance capabilities, and durability made it a popular choice among enthusiasts and a key component of many iconic Pontiac models.

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.



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.



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.



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.



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 the Oldsmobile 400 a big block?


400. The 400 cu in (6.6 L) version was the second, tall-deck "big-block" Olds.



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.



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.


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.