GM Builds 100-Millionth Small-Block Engine:
Few would argue that GM’s small-block V-8 is one of the most famous engines ever. At least aside from some race engines, like the Offenhauser or Cosworth DFV.
When it made its debut in the 1955 Chevy lineup, the new V-8 engine was physically smaller, 50 pounds lighter and more powerful than the Stovebolt six. At the time Chevrolet believed it was not only a better engine for its cars, but it represented a better way of building engines, with a minimalist design that took advantage of streamlined production techniques.
The first 4.3L (265 cu. in.) engine in 1955 produced up to 195 hp with an optional four-barrel carburetor. Today, the LS9 6.2L (376 cu. in.) supercharged small-block in the Corvette ZR1 is rated at 638 hp, making it the most powerful engine ever installed in a regular-production Chevrolet or GM vehicle.
Did you know that the fuel-injected small block, introduced in 1957, became so dominant in NASCAR that it was banned?
Did you know that the small-block wasn’t known as the small-block until Chevrolet introduced the big-block engine family in 1965 – previously, versions were known simply by their cubic-inch designations, i.e. 283, 327, etc., or simply as the Chevy V-8.
The fact that the small-block’s 4.4-inch bore centers – the distance from the center of one cylinder to the next – has not changed in the past 56 years is amazing. It was the dimension around which the Gen III small-block was designed in 1997. The small-block is currently in its fourth generation The small-block engine has been used in GM vehicles around the world and is found in global Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, as well as Vauxhall in the UK and Holden in Australia.
GM has also announced that the fifth-generation small-block under development will feature a new direct-injection combustion system that will help enhance efficiency over the current-generation engine.
And, yes the Gen V engine is guaranteed to have 4.4-inch bore centers that has been part of the small-block’s architecture from the beginning.
The 100th million small-block engine – a 638 hp LS9 — was hand assembled this week at the GM Performance Build Center in Wixom, MI. It will not find its way into a Corvette, but will be added to GM’s historical collection.
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