The Chevy Small Block V8 has been with us since 1955, powering everything American from muscle cars to lawn mowers. However, the more and more restrictive CAFE regulations and increasing fuel prices threaten the existence of the engine, but it seem that the powerplant is here to stay, as Mark Damico, GM small block design system engineer claims that the fifth generation of the engine is currently under development.
According to Wards Auto, there has been no official confirmation of this, but the engineer explained that the project is burning $890 million. Not that the engine needs any presentation, but we'll tell you that you could find it in vehicles ranging from the Corvette ZR-1 Nurburgring animal to the Silverado workhorse.
No exact data has been offered so far, but we do know that solenoid actuators will replace the expensive piezo-based units. Of course, the efficiency will have to be increased, while the weight must be lowered, which means that the block will probably be made of aluminum instead of cast-iron.
However, the small block is expected to keep its famous two-valve per cylinder, one pushrod per valve and overhead cam setup.
“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,” the engineer was quoted as saying by the aforementioned sourcsilve.
No exact data has been offered so far, but we do know that solenoid actuators will replace the expensive piezo-based units. Of course, the efficiency will have to be increased, while the weight must be lowered, which means that the block will probably be made of aluminum instead of cast-iron.
However, the small block is expected to keep its famous two-valve per cylinder, one pushrod per valve and overhead cam setup.
“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,” the engineer was quoted as saying by the aforementioned sourcsilve.
Google News