- ⚙Authorized and designed by Ronald Tewes.
- ⚙With a total of 2358 premium & rich-in-lustre parts.
- ⚙Model Description: Designed and authorized by Ronald Tewes, this model is a faithful restoration of a real engine. It includes a battery box and an L-size motor, with fully reconfigured cylinder heads, a new oil pan, upgraded brackets, and camshaft. The product structure is realistic and carefully designed, having undergone multiple adjustments and reviews to ensure a sturdy build and an enjoyable assembly experience.
- ⚙Background:
Background:
Manufacturer: General Motors
Also called: Chevrolet Turbo-Fire Nascar
Production: 1954–2003 Flint North
(engine block and heads)
Saginaw Metal Casting Operations
Configuration: 90° V8
Valvetrain: OHV 2 valves × cyl.
DOHC 4 valves × cyl. (LT5)
Successor: GM LS-based small-block engine
History: The Chevrolet small-block engine is a series of gasoline-powered V8 automobile engines produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors from 1954 to 2003, utilizing the same fundamental engine block design throughout. Named “small-block” due to its relatively smaller size compared to the Chevrolet big-block engines, the design was led by engineer Ed Cole, who was praised for his contribution to its development. The engine blocks and cylinder heads were cast at the Saginaw Metal Casting plant in Saginaw, Michigan.
The first generation of Chevrolet’s small-block engine began with the Chevrolet V8 engine in 1955, initially found in the Corvette and Bel Air models. This engine quickly gained popularity among racers, earning the nickname “Mighty Mouse” after a popular cartoon character of the time, later shortened to simply “Mouse.” It offered optional Rochester mechanical fuel injection and a high-lift Duntov camshaft. From 1954 to 1974, the small-block engine was known as the “Turbo-Fire” or “High Torque” V8. Equipped with a spiral supercharger, it was widely used in everything from station wagons and sports cars to commercial vehicles, boats, industrial equipment, and even (in highly modified forms) airplanes. This versatility made it one of the most widely used small engines of all time.
The combination of its compact size, low cost, and dependable durability has made it a favorite in the global tuning community, with a nearly universal appeal. Over the years, the engine has undergone some extensive changes, resulting in more than 17 variations. One defining characteristic of Chevrolet engines, however, has been their interchangeability. Many parts, such as connecting rods, pistons, and other internal components, can be used across nearly any 350 engine, allowing newer pistons and rods to be added with minimal hassle.