Is V-10 a big block?

[joseph cairnes]

I was just wondering if the 6.8L V-10 is a big block. I know it is supposed to be a 5.4 with 2 extra cylinders, but did they beef it up a little?
thanks.

[DirtFarmer]

Hi Joseph-

I would say "no". The 5.4 was derived from smaller motors used in front wheel drive sedans. Also, it's been twenty five years since Ford made a big block the size of the 5.4 (the old 352 HD).

So, although I'm no expert RE the new modular engines, I'd say the the 5.4/6.8 are both small blocks.

[BBrianR]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by DirtFarmer:
Hi Joseph-

I would say "no". The 5.4 was derived from smaller motors used in front wheel drive sedans. Also, it's been twenty five years since Ford made a big block the size of the 5.4 (the old 352 HD).

So, although I'm no expert RE the new modular engines, I'd say the the 5.4/6.8 are both small blocks.<hr></blockquote>

I would disagree..... Not that I have any technical data to support my opinion, but:
Define Big Block
For years Ch*vy had a 400ci small block and a 396ci big block. So, I believe cubic displacement is not the factor of a big block.
I believe that the physically largest engine in a production line for trucks should be considered a big block. I know that the 6.8 is just 2 more cylnders than the 5.4, but it is the largest Gas Engine that Ford makes for light duty trucks
All in all, it is just termonology. I referr to my V10 as a big block even though it is smaller displacment than a Dodge V10(8.0L)
Just my $0.02
Brian

[Homegrown]

Per some F**d engineering folks, "modular" also describes the machining line these motors are made on, meaning things like bore centerlines are the same on all motors so that the same tooling can be used. This reduces the number of machining lines needed to make a family of motors, since only the number and size of cutting tools changes (not the machines needed to do the work). [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[joseph cairnes]

I would disagree..... Not that I have any technical data to support my opinion, but:
Define Big Block
For years Ch*vy had a 400ci small block and a 396ci big block. So, I believe cubic displacement is not the factor of a big block.
I believe that the physically largest engine in a production line for trucks should be considered a big block. I know that the 6.8 is just 2 more cylnders than the 5.4, but it is the largest Gas Engine that Ford makes for light duty trucks
All in all, it is just termonology. I referr to my V10 as a big block even though it is smaller displacment than a Dodge V10(8.0L)
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr> <hr></blockquote>

I dont think it is termonology. I know that on a V-8 a big block is physically bigger than a small block-meaning it is wider, taller, and has more meat around the walls. I was just wondering how this applied to the V-10 given that it is naturally a cylinder longer than the other engines.

[spoon]

In terms of size, yes it is BIG.

However, it is a "modular" motor, meaning it shares components with other engines in the Triton series. This allows Ford to reduce their parts inventory as pistons, rods, etc. are used in a variety of motors.

HTH

[Eric Shaunfield]

In practical terms the answer is "yes, the 6.8 V10 is Ford's big block". Actually the idea of big and small blocks is becoming arcane, most manufacturers have adopted a more economical modular system as described in the previous posts. The term "big block" has nothing to do with displacement or power output but has been determined by the physical size of the casting. If you were to set a Chevy 454 (or Ford 460) next to a Chevy 350 (or Ford 351 Windsor) this distinction becomes clear. The same can be said with the Ford V10 (or Dodge V10) next to the Ford 5.4 (or Dodge 5.9). Lets call a duck a duck and refer to the V10 simply as that, "the V10", since the term "big block" generally conjures up huge V8 engine castings.

Historically people have had problems with these terms because of instances where small blocks have had more displacement than their big block brethern (Chevy 400's for example). In fact many people will say they want an old Pontiac with a big block which makes no sense at all since old Panchos were basicall an "all-block". The small displacement 301 is the same external size as a 400.

Just some food for thought,
-Eric

[Mark Usnick]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by joseph cairnes:
I dont think it is termonology. I know that on a V-8 a big block is physically bigger than a small block-meaning it is wider, taller, and has more meat around the walls. I was just wondering how this applied to the V-10 given that it is naturally a cylinder longer than the other engines.<hr></blockquote>

You are correct. A big block is not "the largest engine offered", nor based on displacement. It's the physical size of the block. When examined side by side, a bare block from a small block is MUCH smaller and lighter than a "big" block.

The claims that "the largest engine offered is a big block" is goofy. Using that logic, if, years ago, Chevy dropped the 454, then the small block 350 would then have magically been promoted to a Big Block, despite the fact that it would have been tiny compared to Fords 460.

[busdriver]

For most automotive enthusiasts "Big Block" is a term that is generally only used to refer to certain families of V8 engines that were originally designed in the '60s and possibly some derivatives thereof. "Big Blocks" generally include FE motors (352, 360, 390, 406, 427, 428, and a few others) and 385 series engines (370, 429, and 460) for Ford. Chrysler's Big Blocks Include the B (383?, 400 and maybe others) and the RB (413, 426, 440, 426 HEMI). GMs Big Blocks include primarily the Chevrolet Mark IV, Mark V, and Mark VI (396, 402, 454, and 502), whatever family the 409s were, and miscellaneous other large V8 engines from the '60s such as the Buick 430 and 455, the pontiac 455, the oldsmobile 455, the Cadilac 472 and 500. Anything outside of these engine families is generally not considered a "Big Block". There are many engines before and many engines after these that are bigger in the construction of the block and their piston displacement, but only these engines are generally known as "Big Blocks" and the V10 would not really be considered a "Big Block".

[robsd]

I would say neither. There's only one line of engines (v8) and they're all based on the same componuts.

In my old racing days (mid 70's) the only time we heard bi block or small block was when people were talking about Chevys. Two different series of engines. With Fords it was just called a 429 or 390. And the Dodges...well we didn't know what to call them. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Same with the Pontiacs. The 350, 400, 428 were all the same blocks, just different bores and strokes and heads.

Rob

[BobR]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by BBrianR:
I believe that the physically largest engine in a production line for trucks should be considered a big block. <hr></blockquote>

My neighbor has a Toyota Tundra with the 4.7L V8. That tiny motor, which first appeared in a Lexus sedan, is the largest engine in Toyota's truck line.

Is it a Big Block?

Added in edit: updated Lexus info (not FWD) per Crewsers info.

[crewzer]

I don't believe Ford has used their modular engine for FWD applications. The "small" modular engine, the 4.6L V8, is used in the Crown Vic, the Lincoln Town Car and the Mustang, all of which are RWD.

Similary, while Toyota's V8 is based on Lexus applications, the LS400 and LS430 sedans are RWD.

HTH,
crewzer

[Mark Kovalsky]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by crewzer:
I don't believe Ford has used their modular engine for FWD applications. The "small" modular engine, the 4.6L V8, is used in the Crown Vic, the Lincoln Town Car and the Mustang, all of which are RWD.
<hr></blockquote>

It's also used in the Lincoln Continental, which is front wheel drive. In the Continental it's a 4 valve engine.

[crewzer]

Mark,

I had forgotten about the Continental -- I stand corrected!

Thx,
crewzer