Is a Chevy 348 a big block?

Is the Chevy 348 a Big Block?
The Chevy 348 cubic inch V8 engine, introduced in 1958, is considered the first version of the big-block V8 by Chevrolet. Referred to as the W-series, this engine was designed for use in passenger cars and light trucks. It is often overlooked but has been placed in countless hot rods, customs, and street rods. The 348 was the largest and most powerful Chevrolet engine available from 1958 to 1961. Therefore, the Chevy 348 is indeed considered a big block.
The 348 cubic inch V8 engine was designed for duty in Chevy’s bigger trucks as well as its rapidly-growing cars. It was a departure from the small-block Chevy design and had a rather radically different design, with a 16 angle on the top of the cylinder block and perfectly flat heads. The 348 cubic inch engine was part of the W-series, which was the first big-block V8 by Chevrolet.
In summary, the Chevy 348 cubic inch V8 engine is indeed considered a big block and was designed for use in passenger cars and light trucks, making it a significant engine in Chevrolet’s history.

How can you tell a 348 from a 409?

The most obvious is the dipstick location. The 348 has it on the left, or driver side; the 409 has it on the right, or passenger side. However, since the pans are interchangeable, it’s a simple matter to make one look like the other. Another telltale indicator is the crankshaft flange.

Was the 348 a good engine?

As things happen, the 348’s cylinders ended up being just about impervious to pre-ignition / detonation due to having no casting irregularities or hot spots. Yes, the block was very well engineered for its intended use – hard core, low vehicle speed / high engine rpm grunt work.

What was the last year of the Chevy 348 engine?

First appearing in 1958, the 348 was available through 1961 in cars and 1964 in trucks. It had a bore of 4.125 inches and a stroke of 3.25 inches and was offered in an assortment of horsepower ratings.

How can you tell a Chevy 348 from a 409?

The most obvious is the dipstick location. The 348 has it on the left, or driver side; the 409 has it on the right, or passenger side. However, since the pans are interchangeable, it’s a simple matter to make one look like the other. Another telltale indicator is the crankshaft flange.

What engine is in the 348?

Ferrari 348
Engine	3.4 L Tipo F119 V8
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,450 mm (96.5 in)

How much horsepower does a 1960 Chevy 348 have?

The 348’s highest stage of development appeared for 1960 – two four-barrel carburetors good for a rated 355 horsepower.

How much horsepower can you get out of a 348?

You can make good power with those heads. There are a couple of guys on the 348/409 forum making more than 450 hp with those heads on 409 ci engines. I used to have a 348 that was stroked out to 437 ci that made 650hp with the help of a lot of aftermarket parts so the 348 certainly has potential.

Why did Chevy stop making the 409 engine?

But in stark contrast to the Methuselah-like life span of the Chevrolet small-block, as early as 1963 it was clear that the 409 had reached the end of its developmental rope, due primarily to shortcomings in the design of its iconic scalloped heads.

What is the difference between a 348 and a 409 engine?

One half of the move from 348 to 409 was an increase of . 1875 inches in the cylinder bore. A stock 348 has a bore of 4.125 inches and a 409 has the bigger bore of 4.3125 inches. The other half was the stroke change from 348s to 409s that went from 3.25 to 3.50 inches for a net gain of a quarter inch.

What is the horsepower of a 348 Chevy engine?

The 348 was originally scheduled to be used only in Chevrolet trucks. More cubic inches were needed in the passenger cars so the 348 was used there as well. In the first year, two versions were available; the 4-barrel 250hp and the 280hp equipped with 3-2 barrel carburetor’s.