Actually, we as enthusiasts make it complicated. GM has no problem differentiating between them. Every engine has a very specific code assigned to it and in the everyday world those are the acronyms used to describe what engine we are working on. In the after market world and on the Internet/magazines is where the confusion comes in.
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.
Last edited by Diognes56; 10-11-2005 at 05:02 PM.
Reason: because of length
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
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That's why I need help.......all I know about is the FE and the mod motors (and not very much).
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