Chevrolet big-block engine

Chevrolet big-block engine
Chevrolet big-block engine
	454 big-block in a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1958–present
Layout
Configuration	Naturally aspirated 90° V8
Displacement	348 cu in (5.7 L); 366 cu in (6.0 L); 396 cu in (6.5 L); 402 cu in (6.6 L); 409 cu in (6.7 L); 427 cu in (7.0 L); 454 cu in (7.4 L); 496 cu in (8.1 L); Aftermarket only:; 502 cu in (8.2 L); 572 cu in (9.4 L); 622 cu in (10.2 L); 632 cu in (10.4 L);
Cylinder bore	3.935 in (99.9 mm); 4.094 in (104.0 mm); 4+1⁄8 in (104.8 mm); 4+1⁄4 in (108.0 mm); 4.31 in (109.5 mm); 4.466 in (113.4 mm); 4.56 in (115.8 mm); 4.6 in (116.8 mm);
Piston stroke	3+1⁄4 in (82.6 mm); 3+1⁄2 in (88.9 mm); 3.65 in (92.7 mm); 3.76 in (95.5 mm); 4 in (101.6 mm); 4.37 in (111.0 mm); 4+3⁄8 in (111.1 mm); 4+3⁄4 in (120.7 mm);
Cylinder block material	Cast iron
Cylinder head material	Cast iron, aluminum
Valvetrain	OHV 2 valves × cyl.
Compression ratio	8.5:1, 9.0:1, 10.25:1, 11.0:1, 12.0:1, 12.5:1, 13.5:1
Combustion
Fuel system	Carburetor; Fuel injection (Since Gen. V)
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled
Output
Power output	250–1,004 hp (186–749 kW)
Torque output	385–876 lb⋅ft (522–1,188 N⋅m)
Dimensions
Dry weight	517–761 lb (235–345 kg)

The Chevrolet big-block engine is a series of large-displacement, naturally-aspirated, 90°, overhead valve, gasoline-powered, V8 engines that was developed and have been produced by the Chevrolet Division of General Motors from the late 1950s until present. They have powered countless General Motors products, not just Chevrolets, and have been used in a variety of cars from other manufacturers as well - from boats to motorhomes to armored vehicles.

Chevrolet had introduced its popular small-block V8 in 1955, but needed something larger to power its medium duty trucks and the heavier cars that were on the drawing board. The big-block, which debuted in 1958 at 348 cu in (5.7 L), was built in standard displacements up to 496 cu in (8.1 L), with aftermarket crate engines sold by Chevrolet exceeding 500 cu in (8.2 L).