The Chevrolet small block V8 engine is easily one of the most iconic internal combustion engines ever produced. Having existed in some form since 1955, no other engine has been more popular, longer lasting or as powerful in General Motors history. It has evolved to numerous sizes and outputs since its debut but it’s philosophy has remained the same: power, price and efficiency. By the end of 2011, Chevrolet will hit a milestone as the one millionth small block V8 will be built.
“The introduction of the Small Block changed everything,” said Jim Campbell, vice president, GM Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “The Small Block was an instant success because it offered customers high performance and an affordable price, in a compact design that was very easy to modify. The Small Block also started a wave of innovation – and escalating performance – that transformed the cars Americans drove on the street and the track.”
The original Chevrolet small block displaced 283 cubic inches and found home in numerous vehicles, including the Corvette. As horsepower numbers increased by the day and the aftermarket realized the potential of this gem, the small block V8 found a home in a plethora of high performance vehicles. Even today, the Chevy small block can be found in cars outside of General Motors. General Motors Performance Parts still sells the most popular small block of all time: the 350 cubic inch variant. Able to make more power just by breathing on it, the 350 can be found in custom Japanese and European sports cars due to its light weight and compact size. The current production small block can be found in all types of General Motors vehicles. It is able to do remarkable things such as achieve 30 mpg on the highway and then rocket propel a Corvette to unheard of speeds.
Source: Chevrolet
