Lateral-g Forums - Need some GM engine education

Also interesting : shows the original 265 smallblock against the LS2.

From article Zero to 90 Million in 50 Years Flat! (though edited for length)

Quote:

Since 1955, General Motors has produced about 90 million small-block -based engines for passenger car, light truck, marine, industrial, crate and racing applications. If you laid all 90 million small-blocks end-to-end, you’d have over 30,000 miles of potent V-8 at your disposal.

Here are some critical milestones in the history of the GM small-block:

1955: Small-block V-8 introduced in 1955 Chevrolets.

1957: Larger bore increased displacement to 283 cubic inches; Ramjet mechanical fuel injection was introduced, bringing horsepower to 283 – one horsepower for every cubic inch.

1967: The 350 cubic inch engine debuts in the Camaro SS as a 295 horsepower version.

1970: 400-cubic-inch small-block is offered – the largest-displacement small-block built.

1982: Fuel injection reintroduced with the cross-fire injection system on Corvette and the redesigned Camaro Z28.

1985: Tuned port fuel injection replaces cross-fire injection, ushering in the modern era of electronically controlled, port-injected engines.

1986: block changed to accept new single-piece rear main seal.

1987: Hydraulic roller lifters introduced.

1989: The H.O. 350 “crate engine” is developed, offering a ready-built performance engine from the factory. It would revolutionize the way hot rodders approach engine building.

1992: LT1 engine in the Corvette introduces Gen II small block design, which features reverse-flow cooling, revised cylinder head design, and crank-triggered optical distributor.

1996: Vortec V-8 engines introduced in trucks, featuring cylinder heads with swirl-inducing combustion chamber design to increase power and torque.

1997: Gen III 5.7-liter LS1 small-block introduced with all-new Corvette, featuring all-new deep-skirt block casting with six-bolt mains; redesigned cylinder heads with symmetrical ports and combustion chambers; and coil-near-plug ignition system.

1999: Gen III-based Vortec V-8 engines introduced in GM trucks; displacements include 4.8 liters, 5.3 liters and 6.0 liters.

2005: Gen IV small-block introduced 50 years after the original.

Fifty years, four generations and over 90 million copies.