Big blockblock11/20/2023 Technically, they could be had by anyone who knew the right codes to order them by. These were rated for anywhere between 410-425 horsepower, but often made much more on the dyno. The stand-out Ford big-block has to be the racing-special Ford 427 big-block, though. ![]() On the downside of things, the FE engine parts are unique to this engine, therefore not interchangeable with other engines. As delivered (and completed with your stock Ford truck ignition, fuel system, and induction), this Ford big-block crate engine delivers 225 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Other engineering innovations including a forged crankshaft on some later engines. ![]() This tech included higher proportions of nickel alloy in the block to make Ford blocks among the strongest engine blocks out there. The FE engines are also credited with modernizing the rest of Ford's V8s with the technology they pioneered through the six versions. ![]() The FE engines have not been produced since the 1970s but are still popular, and with some maintenance, quite functional. The sizes of the engines varied from 332 cubic inches (5.4-liters) to 428 cubic inches (7.0-liters). The Super Turbo-Thrust, with its uniquely shaped rocker covers, eventually grew to 409-ci (although an aluminum 427-ci V-8 was an RPO. Additionally, the combustion chambers were in the block. The FE engines are also credited with modernizing. The big block engines that Ford is most famous for are the 'FE' engines. The big-block first offered 250 hp with a single four-barrel carburetor, and the optional Super Turbo-Thrust produced 280 hp using three two-barrel carbs. The big block engines that Ford is most famous for are the 'FE' engines. But until the big block engine was replaced, it was king of the road. Which of course leads to the question of who made the best small block. Each company eventually succumbed to the needs of the consumer and the economy overall, which dictated that companies produce smaller engines that were just (if not more) as powerful and had better fuel economy. But the fact still remains that only one of these manufacturers has ultimate bragging rights.īoth Chevrolet and Ford had outstanding runs in producing big block engines that could power both cars and trucks. Expertly engineered for one purpose: to get a lot more done throughout the day. Updated February 2023: The jury may still be out regarding who made the best big block V8 engine of the time, with cost-to-power often being an important differentiator, as you'll see. At the time though, the primary issue with big block engines was the challenge in trying to fit them into small cars that simply did not have enough room. Modern tech means some big-blocks can push well over 1,500-2,000 horsepower with the right mods. The Chevrolet big block engine is a term for a series of large-displacement, naturally-aspirated, 90, overhead valve, gasoline-powered, V-8 engines. It’s still a fascinating piece of history-and check out the unique valve arrangement from the shaft-mounted rocker arms.Horsepower figures were officially in the low-400s at the time, but it wasn't unheard of for big-blocks to make several times more. ![]() NASCAR forbade the Ford SOHC altogether and banned the Chrysler Hemi after the 1964 season, so there was little incentive to continue work on this complicated big-block variant. A gear-drive system would have solved the problem, but at significant cost. That might have contributed to the engine’s lack of further development because, as Ford SOHC tuners found out, the inherent slack in the long chain made timing annoyingly finicky-typically requiring substantially staggered timing between the cylinder banks. Almost nothing is known about this experimental engine, which used a long, continuous three-row timing chain to drive both camshafts (note the placeholder gear in place of the conventional camshaft, which is directly connected to the crankshaft). No doubt inspired by the similar arrangement Ford introduced a couple of years prior-which was itself a response to the Chrysler Hemi used in NASCAR. This photo was buried in Chevrolet’s archives and shows prototype hemispherical heads with single overhead cams on an early Mark IV big-block, circa 1965-’66.
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