* Bore and Stroke: Large-block engines generally have a larger cylinder bore (diameter) and/or a longer stroke (piston travel) than small-block engines. This directly leads to a larger overall displacement (engine size, measured in cubic centimeters or cubic inches).
* Deck Height: The distance between the cylinder head mating surface and the crankshaft centerline is typically greater in a large-block engine. This contributes to the larger overall size and often allows for a larger displacement.
* Cylinder Wall Thickness: Large-block engines usually have thicker cylinder walls to handle the increased pressures and stresses associated with their larger displacement and power output.
* Physical Size: As a direct result of the above, large-block engines are physically larger and heavier than their small-block counterparts.
* Manufacturing and Design: While not a defining factor, large-block engines often incorporate different manufacturing techniques and design features to manage the increased forces and stresses.
It's important to note that the terms "small-block" and "large-block" are largely manufacturer-specific and aren't universally standardized across all engine brands. For example, a "small-block" Ford engine is different in size and design from a "small-block" Chevrolet engine. The comparison is only meaningful within a specific manufacturer's engine family.
