although i may look like quite a fool i have to start somewhere, i have a few questions that you might think a 5 year old should know, if anyone could please give answers to any of them i would really apreciate it. 1. what is the difference between a big block and a small block and furthermore what is a "block" 2. the z25 ss 396 is a optional package for a ss right?, is the 427 just an improvement of that or what? 3.this one is very dumb and i think i know most of it but if you have enough patience then please do answer, can anyone break down some of the parts of the engine and their functions in the performance? well thats a start, i know that they are very dumb but like i said i have to start somewhere, well thanks for your help, really apreciate it airTITO123@hotmail.com

Use the search functions for things like cams, blocks, carbs, horsepewer, intake, ect.... There is a wealth of info in the archives. Click click click........read read read.....

There is a website which is supposed to be good like "www.howthingswork.com" I think.

I'm sure others here will have some helpful links.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/category.htm?cat=Eng
Have fun learning. In Chevrolet language a 'small block' refers to engines derived from the design introduced in 1955 (265 cu inch V8) and a big block refers to engines derived from the design introduced in 1965 (396 cu in V8). The 'small blocks' include (but not limited to) 265, 283, 327, 350 and they mostly look the same. Big blocks include (and also not limited to) 396, 427, 454, 502 again, look similar and are "larger" physically. There's also "Fat Blocks", 348 / 409 with 'odd' looking heads. The 'block' is the cylinder block that contains the rotating mass that you will learn about at the above site.

How stuff works is great link thanks Dave

I think the best thing for you at this point is to go to your local bookstore and browse the automotive section. I have done this for years and have learned extensive amounts of info from just spending 10 to 15 minutes in the evening looking and reading thru a book. You should be able to find a book describing the ABC's of automotive engines and specifically Chevrolet engines. The reason I say get a book is so you can refer back to it while learning and soaking up all this info. Remember, no question is too stupid. If you already knew, you would not have to ask. This is a great hobby/profession and there is lots to learn. Good luck and happy reading. :D

New Learner,
The first new car I purchased was a 1966 Malibu,(Dec.65)
I have been with Team Chevelle from 1998. I learn something from This site everyday, Most is good, :D

OLD Learner

Well for an absolute beginner id definately subscribe to Hot Rod, Car Craft, and maybe Chevy hi-performance a total of about 36 bucks a year. This way youll have pictures to go along with what your reading. This can give you a MUCH better understanding than just paragraph after paragraph of writing. Second go to a couple of cruises and look under some hoods, ask a few questions and you will IMMEADITELY see the difference between a big block and small block. The "Fat Block" or W motor {348/409} is very distinct also being that the cylinder heads and valve covers look like an upside down W. BUT you probably wont see alot of them.
I guess the best way i can simply break a motor down would be this. Your Carb is like the mouth of a motor they suck a bunch of "food" {air/fuel} in, the intake manifold and cylinder heads are like the throat, they show the "food" where to go, the cylinders are like a "stomach" taking "food" in and "digesting" {combustion of air and fuel}. and when the "foods" "digested" you blow it all out your "ass", thats your exaust. And all of this is controlled by a "Brain" called a camshaft. The cam shaft tells the motor how it will act. If none of that made sense or it sounds stupid i understand but i just tried to relate it to somthing simple and basic. Good luck bro-

hey nickel,
nice analogy!! graemlins/waving.gif

I think one of the better ways of learning this stuff is with those old automotive textbooks- like "Automotive Mechanics" or something like that from the '70s/early '80s. They have TONS of illustrations, AND troubleshooting guides you can actually use (dont ask how I know..Im using them right now tongue.gif graemlins/angry.gif ). Hit the used bookstore (or Ebay) and pick one up for a few bucks. It may not have all the fancy stuff of todays cars in there, but then again, your nick isnt "ILOVEmy99Toyota"... ;)

I agree with everything above. I read 1960's era Hot Rod and other mags my dad had. It made me learn I wanted a big block. In 1965 they had an article about the new engine. The 425 HP 396 in the Corvette. I was hooked. Except for the article on how great the 66 Toronodo was.

If you want you can ask me I know some not as much as others here. E-mail me at Chevelle45466@hotmail.com

I'll help as much as I can. But posting here for the last 6 or 7 years has taught me volumes. Also trying and failing has taught me a lot. My dad said even if it is a costly failure you still learn from it even though it sucks. Best of luck.

Whittaker