- Description: Authored and designed by Ronald Tewes, this V8 engine comes with a battery box and an L-shaped large motor. Features include carburetors, dual-plane intake manifolds, hydraulic camshafts, hub-style pistons, and classic cylinder heads.
- History: The Chevrolet Small Block Engine is a series of gasoline-powered V8 car engines produced by General Motors' Chevrolet division from 1954 to 2003, utilizing the same basic engine block. Referred to as "small block" due to its smaller size compared to Chevrolet's big block engines, it was praised for its design led by engineer Ed Cole. The engine blocks and cylinder heads were cast at the Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Michigan.
The Chevrolet 305 and 350 small-block engines became the corporate standard for General Motors. Over the years, aside from Saturn and Geo, nearly every division of General Motors in the United States incorporated them and their successors into their vehicles.
Eventually replaced by the third-generation LS engine in 1997, production ceased in 2003 but continued to be manufactured by a General Motors subsidiary in Springfield, Missouri, for use as crate engines for replacements and hot rods. As of November 29, 2011, over 100,000,000 units of carbureted and fuel-injected variants of the small-block engine had been produced since 1955.
Assessment: During the peak of the muscle car era, small-block engines could deliver astonishing power. However, the early 1970s fuel crisis led to complexities in engine tuning, carburetion, emissions systems, and other restrictions, somewhat diminishing their prowess. Despite reaching the pinnacle of auxiliary complexity in the 1980s, the Small Block retained its basic design, reliability, and versatility, which kept it popular.
The Small Block engine series was recognized as one of Ward's AutoWorld's Top 10 Engines of the 20th Century. -
Design: The small-block engine features a short skirt for weight and material reduction, along with a simple yet efficient valve mechanism. Quickly earning the nickname "Mouse" motor for its lightweight, compact powerplant!
Over the years, the 350 underwent quite extensive changes, resulting in over 17 variants. However, one of the defining aspects of the Chevrolet 350 engine is its interchangeability. Many parts, such as connecting rods, pistons, and other internal components, are nearly interchangeable among any 350 engine. Updating pistons and rods can be done with minimal hassle.
.Background:
Manufacturer：General Motors
Also called ：Chevrolet Turbo-Fire
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