been reading articles on the LS2, LS7, and a blurb on the LSX which is supposed to be capable of being built out to 511 c.i.d.
http://www.streetfire.net/2006/12/want-83-liter-small-block-for-your.aspx

The LS seriers of engines, the LS1, LS6, LS2, and so on, whether they are stock displacement or bored or stroked, 300hp to 600hp, are all called small blocks.  So my question is, what is the quantitative difference between a "small block" and a "big block"?

I've read enough answers like, a big block is, uh well big, and a small block, is well small.  Or a big block looks bigger.  Please don't post answers like that, I can get them all say long from everywhere else.  I want simple, numerical answers, if there is one.  Or is it just a generalization that's never been defined?
Thanks.

Big Blocks are the RAT motor 396 and beyond and the earlier "W" motor 348, 409, 427. All other V8s are small blocks regardless of displacement.

Bogie