The big-block engine has played an integral role in the muscle car arena for over sixty years. The question remains - who made the best big-block engine? The answer can be somewhat subjective.
But first, what constitutes a great big block engine? It is certainly not low emissions or increased fuel efficiency. Big block engines are all about power and how quickly that power can be accessed. Back in the '60s and '70s, when it came to engines, bigger meant better for the most part.
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. Modern tech means some big-blocks can push well over 1,500-2,000 horsepower with the right mods. 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.
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. But the fact still remains that only one of these manufacturers has ultimate bragging rights.
Both Chevrolet and Ford had outstanding runs in producing big block engines that could power both cars and trucks. 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. Which of course leads to the question of who made the best small block. But until the big block engine was replaced, it was king of the road.
What Made A Ford Big Block V8 So Good
The big block engines that Ford is most famous for are the 'FE' engines. The sizes of the engines varied from 332 cubic inches (5.4-liters) to 428 cubic inches (7.0-liters). The FE engines have not been produced since the 1970s but are still popular, and with some maintenance, quite functional.
The FE engines are also credited with modernizing the rest of Ford's V8s with the technology they pioneered through the six versions. This tech included higher proportions of nickel alloy in the block to make Ford blocks among the strongest engine blocks out there. Other engineering innovations including a forged crankshaft on some later engines.
On the downside of things, the FE engine parts are unique to this engine, therefore not interchangeable with other engines. The stand-out Ford big-block has to be the racing-special Ford 427 big-block, though. These were rated for anywhere between 410-425 horsepower, but often made much more on the dyno. Technically, they could be had by anyone who knew the right codes to order them by.
The Blue Oval's famous 427 big-block V8 can be found under the hood of the 1963 Ford Galaxie, 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code, 1967 Shelby Cobra and other legendary muscle cars.
Why Chevy's Big Blocks Are Still So Popular
The Chevrolet big block, also known as the 'Rat Motor' has been around since 1958. Like the Ford big block, it evolved over the course of time. Unsurprisingly, the small-block Chevy was called the Mouse.
The Chevy big block started off with the 'Mark I W' series, with sizes ranging from the 348 cubic inches to 427 cubic inches. These engines have been installed in cars such as the Corvette, Camaro, Impala, and many, many others. There was a 'Mark II' series, but they were used for racing only.
Looking back, Chevy big-blocks seem to have had more popularity on the street, as they were a dime-a-dozen, and therefore cheaper to buy if you blew your original motor. They were also cheaper to make more horsepower with, as off-the-shelf power parts were less expensive than modifying a Ford big block. But as we'll see, their popularity doesn't necessarily mean they were better.
This Settles The Argument For Best Big Block Engine
Both Chevy and Ford big block engines are long-lasting powerhouses and have lifetime followers. Both sides of the house can boast the fact that their engines are still highly sought after for authenticity purposes and since they are both top-notch engines. Each company produced similar engine sizes that were installed in several wildly popular vehicles.
However, it was only Ford that beat Ferrari in the 1960s at Le Mans with their 427 FE big-block engine in the iconic Ford GT40. Because of this extraordinary feat, the nod for the best block engine goes to Ford.