My guess is because the small block Chevy has always been known as the "Mouse". Probably natural to start calling the big block the "Rat" when it came along.
Now, is anybody able to tell me why the SBC got the "Mouse" name ?
Daffy2
My recollection is that the SBC has ALWAYS been known as the "mouse motor". It is small and powerful, especially for it's size. "Mighty mouse" and the "Mouse that Roared" come to mind. When the big block came along, it was simply a larger rodent. Hence, the RAT!
Figured the Hemi was called an Elephant and when it got beat by a little Chevy...they called it a Mouse as Elephants are afraid of mice. With the big block coming out...like was said above, it was called a Rat.
I don't know where Elephant came from though... :D
Location: Brandywine, Chester and Ridley Valleys Pennsylvania
Re: What is a rat motor anyway? (No Go)
I could be wrong but I thought the Hemis were called elephants because they sorta look like an elephants head, ears, trunk, etc, looking straight ahead at the timing cover.
This is what years of breathing race fuel and exhaust fumes will do to your brain. Engines look like elephants, Chevy symbols look like bowties. :lol: :chevy
Corvette Store
What is a rat motor anyway?
