When it comes to small-block engines, two iconic American brands come immediately to mind. Chevrolet and Ford were trailblazers in the automotive industry throughout the 1960s, allowing them to produce their own versions side by side. The compact nature of the engine revolutionized cars, as it allowed for a large amount of power to be utilized in vehicles that were much smaller and lighter.

Previously, if you wanted speed and power in a straight line, a heavy big-block was needed. However, with the creation of the small-block, manufacturers were now free to push sports cars and muscle cars to a whole new level.

But throughout the ages, the question has raged as to who, out of Ford and Chevrolet, actually made the best Small-block. To answer that question, we must first consider a number of factors.

Chevrolet Were The Originators

A 1960s Ford Small Block engine On display
Via OnAllCylinders

First doesn't always mean best, but it would be remiss of us to not disclose the fact that Chevrolet was the original innovator. As early as 1955, the company was producing the small-block 265 cu V8, that was initially offered in its Bel Air and Corvette models. This was a break away from the big-blocks of old, as it made the vehicles much lighter. It goes without saying that the quality of small-blocks improved over the coming decades, but in terms of getting there first, that accolade very much goes to Chevy.

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Ford Wasn't Far Behind

Ford-Mustang-1968
via Speed Doctor

Ford returned with their very own small-block seven years later, releasing a 3.6L in their Fairlane model. Originally produced with a displacement of 221 cu in (3.6 L), it soon increased to a maximum displacement of 351 cu in (5.8 L), but was most commonly sold with a displacement of 302 cu in/ 5.0 L, with engines of that displacement offered from 1968 until 2000. It rose the bar for what a small-block could be, and thus, was a worthy contender to Chevrolet's first attempt.

1963 Was A Game Changer For Ford

A Small Block Chevrolet
Via YouTube

One year later, in 1963, Ford produced a legendary engine that would put Chevrolet on notice. Their 289 V8 was a popular addition to Ford models like the Falcon and the Galaxie 500 - but in the Mustang, the engine found a famous home. After the Mustang's release it 1964, the 289 was fitted, making for a deadly combination. The V8 provided great performance without excessive weight being added to their new muscle car, making it a solid rival to the Chevrolet Corvette.

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The Corvette Utilized The Engine Best

C2 Corvette Dragster Blue
via: CorvetteForum

In summary, it's hard to look past Chevy when it comes to who produced the best small-block. Aside from being the first to master it, they also utilized its advantages to a greater degree than Ford. Its lightness, compared to the big-blocks of old, massively improved the 1968 Corvette's handling. While Ford's version was ideally suited to the Mustang, in terms of an engine being maximized to limits, it's hard to look past Chevrolet - and specifically their 350 small-block, for how it enhanced the overall performance.

Sources: Hotrod.com, onallcylinders.com, hagerty.com.

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