Is a Modern Hemi a big block or a small block?

[SilverBillet]

What determines if a motor is considered a big block or not? I have a 5.7 R/T and my 6.2 SC. Are they big blocks or small blocks?

 

[Hpindy]

Small block . The physical size is similar to the small blocks . Plus the small black transmission will bolt on to the back of the gen 3 blocks .

Sent from my BBF100-2 using Tapatalk

 

[1971demon]

What determines if a motor is considered a big block or not? I have a 5.7 R/T and my 6.2 SC. Are they big blocks or small blocks?[/QUOT

What determines if a motor is considered a big block or not? I have a 5.7 R/T and my 6.2 SC. Are they big blocks or small blocks?

Interesting question...it cant be a question of cubic inches...the predecessor to the 409 (which I believe is considered a big block..)..was 348 cu in..same block I believe..my guess...there is no standard or requirement..it was duly noted to be physically bigger...and it stuck...

 

[SilverBillet]

I know the B/RB 361, 383, 413, 426 and 440 are all considered big blocks by Mopar guys. The 271, 318, 340 and 360 are considered small blocks.
And now we have the 5.7, 6.1 and 6.2 all with the same stroke as each other and CID’s from 345 to 376 cu in. Do we call them small block Mopars or big block Mopars?

 

[Temporarily Insane]

I would agree with hpindy, the physical overall size and dimensions fall into line with the old small blocks of yesteryear if that is what we are comparing them to.
I consider my 6.2 as a small block with BIG holes!

 

[BULL]

I respectfully submit the following, from memory, forgive any minor inconsistencies with the truth...


When the 6.2 was released, this question came up, and the (fill in the correct important name here) responded with the fact that the things that made blocks "big" or "small" in the early days of engine design have been left behind.

His general response was that if you must compare the 6.2 with those concepts that it is in fact a hybrid of both.


"His" .02



(Don't shoot the messenger...)

 

[moparjim]

You missed one. There was a 350 cid B series big block. 🙂
I would also consider it a small block.
But it is a big motor for todays standards.

Nope still small block. Final answer.



Or is it. LOL

 

[Hickster]

What is the difference on this forum of whom has a big head and or small head, or just no head at all. Like at a bad biker bar??? No head.

 

[SilverBillet]

It’s just that a “HEMI” has always connotated a big motor. Can we still call it a elephant motor? It does trumpet just like an elephant!

 

[BULL]

It’s just that a “HEMI” has always connotated a big motor. Can we still call it a elephant motor? It does trumpet just like an elephant!

Sure, if you either swap, or bore to 426

 

[Temporarily Insane]

Sure, if you either swap, or bore to 426

And install hemispherical pistons

 

[BULL]

And install hemispherical pistons

Sure, but I'm giving out free passes to anyone with a 426cu displacement and a S/C...


Want one? They're free...







EDIT, Mopars only

 

[SilverBillet]

And install hemispherical pistons

Don’t we have hemispherical combustion chambers? I don’t think it’s the pistons. It’s the heads. The pistons can’t be domed with the compression we have. If they are not wedge shaped chambers then it is a Hemi.

 

[Linda's Hell Cat]

5.7 and 6.2 Hemi is considered a small block.


Linda

 

[Hickster]

Bulli ished, I have 3 for boat anchors,, never been better.

 

[Temporarily Insane]

Don’t we have hemispherical combustion chambers? I don’t think it’s the pistons. It’s the heads. The pistons can’t be domed with the compression we have. If they are not wedge shaped chambers then it is a Hemi.

You are correct, we do have hemisphereical cylinder heads - but the pistons are flat topped. The original hemis from 64- 71 also had domed piston heads for a true "hemisphereical " design. I know it just a matter of semantics, I was only bringing to light that in my opinion only our modern hemis are not 100% hemis like the originals. I know Mopar says they have the hemi architecture but I'm not sure how they define that.

 

[Markp]

I always thought over 400 was big block under 400 was small block?

 

[SilverBillet]

A 348 Chevy and a 383 Mopar are considered big blocks. It may have something to do with the actual physical size of the motor? Our Hemis definitely fill the whole engine compartment.

 

[jroyk]

A 348 Chevy and a 383 Mopar are considered big blocks. It may have something to do with the actual physical size of the motor? Our Hemis definitely fill the whole engine compartment.

Big heads take up a lot of the room.

 

[Hickster]

That 400 was definitely a big ass back in Tenn in that out house for 3. Didn't work. Got a smaller out house and smaller wife. I thought it depended on the displacement not necessarily the size. Kinda,, like me. Many different variables recorded with in the definition. Coming from the 70's.