Since its introduction in 1955, Chevrolet’s Small Block V-8 has carved itself a niche that could otherwise never be filled. Affordable, lightweight and offering great performance for its size, the Small Block is to the automotive world what the Apple iPad is to tech-heads.
Now, with ever-hardening CAFE regulations and overinflated fuel prices, one would think the Small Block’s time had finally come. Not so, according to Mark Damico, GM’s small-block design system engineer.
Though there’s been no official confirmation from GM itself, Mr. Damico swears that the fifth generation Chevy Small Block is currently under development. In fact, Mr. Damico claims that as much as US$890 million is being spent on its development.
The previous generation powers everything from Chevy’s Silverado and Suburban models to the Camaro SS and Corvette ZR1.
Not much is known about the new engine at this stage except that solenoid actuators will be used in place of the more-expensive piezo-based units, and that there will be a renewed push to reduce weight and increase fuel economy.
For this reason, it’s more than likely that the new engine will use an aluminium block instead of cast-iron. The engine is also likely to have the same two-valve per cylinder, one pushrod per valve and overhead cam layout that it’s used for so long.
As Mr. Damico explains: “The 2-valve technology is not a disadvantage in terms of performance. We can make the engine lighter and the packaging better. You can’t put a DOHC engine in a Corvette.”
Jamie Meyer, GM Performance Parts’ product integration manager estimates that as many as one-third of the 40,000 or so classic cars at Detroit’s recent Dream Cruise event were using GM Small Block technology – even under the hood of competitor’s cars.
The engines are produced in such diverse places as Ontario, Michigan and Mexico, and production of the fifth-generation engine is expected to create some 1,600 new jobs.
By Tristan Hankins
Story source: Wards Auto
