BraMas

Ya but by trying to make it simple someone will read your post and think a long block is a complete engine.

Stang9946

Big blocks start at 396ci I believe, BUT a 400ci isn't necessarily a big block. It's all f**ked up if you ask me.[:'(]

FDNYBullitt

Good point, it is screwed up a bit. An old 361 Mopar is in the big block family while the later 360 is a small block. A 400 chevy is a small block while a 396 is a big block and a 352 Ford falls right in the middle and the NEW 427 chevy is based on a small block 350. What we do, for swap purposes is ask what the motor started out as or what block it started life as and this just helps us with physical size. Now, back on point, BraMas has it described best as to what is a short block and long block.