LSX Block - Small or Big Block?
I think most would consider it a "small block" based on the physical size of the engine; it's closer to a SBC than a BBC. Displacement really has nothing to do with it. There have been production SBCs larger than production BBCs in the past (400ci vs. 396ci, respectively).
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If some small blocks are larger than certain big blocks(in displacement) and vice versa are there any hard and fast rules that seperate them? Generally, the big block heads are physically wider(if not longer) than small block heads, but that doesn't necessarily mean the displacement is greater than all engines with smaller heads(small block). If it's not the bore than what about the bore spacing. Larger bore spacing numbers make the heads physically bigger even if all the available bore isn't taken advantage of with the extra space between the bore centerlines. I've always figured it comes down to physical demensions, but are far as a specific definition that would be a good test question.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: North Carolina
BBC are physically larger. The LSX series has the size of a SBC, but the bores are all out bigger I believe 4.125 instead of the regualr 4.000. The LSX chambers are actually sleeves. The sleeves can be bored or replaced to larger bore sizes and thus, maybe not necessarily out of a LS1, but the LS2 can be made all the way up to a 427 and even a 455 if I am not mistaken.
You can increase the bore and stoke all day long as long as the block has the clearance and the strength to do so.
You can increase the bore and stoke all day long as long as the block has the clearance and the strength to do so.
If some small blocks are larger than certain big blocks(in displacement) and vice versa are there any hard and fast rules that seperate them? Generally, the big block heads are physically wider(if not longer) than small block heads, but that doesn't necessarily mean the displacement is greater than all engines with smaller heads(small block). If it's not the bore than what about the bore spacing. Larger bore spacing numbers make the heads physically bigger even if all the available bore isn't taken advantage of with the extra space between the bore centerlines. I've always figured it comes down to physical demensions, but are far as a specific definition that would be a good test question.
