More than 100 million Chevrolet small block V8 engines have been built since it was launched in 1954. And it may have recently hit 65, but it’s far from ready for retirement just yet. Offered in sizes ranging from 265 cubic inches up to 400 cubic inches, it’s been used in just about every form of transport possible.
It might have ceased full production in 2003, but the small block is still being made in small numbers for those who want to enjoy its charms in hot rods and sports cars. Here’s our run-down of the best Chevy small block-powered cars in chronological order:
This is where it all started for the Chevrolet small block V8 and it’s little wonder the company advertised this car as the ‘Hot One’. The old six-cylinder engines persisted, but newly affluent buyers flocked to specify the V8 motor that first came in 265 cubic inch guise and then 283 cubic inch forms, with the larger engine appearing in 1957.
These were modest capacity engines by US standards and the 265 motor provided a genteel 162 horsepower, but this could be upped to 180 horsepower with the Power Pack option that included a four-barrel carburetor. There was also a Super Power Pack to give a further 15 horsepower.
View Price on AmazonChevrolet quickly made its novel small-block V8 available in its new Task Force range of pickup trucks. Starting in 1955, the 265 cubic inch V8 was available with a two-barrel carburetor and an output of 145 horsepower. That figure grew to 155 horsepower in 1956 and 162 horsepower the following year.
The Corvette was launched in 1953 and was notable for being the first production car in the US with a fiberglass body. It really came of age in 1955 when Chevrolet dropped in its all-new 265 cubic inch V8 motor to give it the power and performance to match its looks. There was the option of a three-speed manual transmission and together this and the engine instantly knocked 1.5 seconds off the 0-60mph time.
Almost as soon as Chevrolet introduced its small block engine, it started to be used in competition. In the USA, that meant drag racing and the small block has been a key pillar of this branch of motorsport ever since. Thanks to its light weight and compact size, the small block was quickly adopted by the likes of Bill ‘Grumpy’ Jenkins and Richard Harrell.
Source: autocar.co.uk
