Last GM big block engine rolls off the line

[XcYZ]

I missed this Tuesday:

The Big Block. Rat Motor. Call it what you will, we can now officially add a final epitaph to the long-running engine's gravestone: R.I.P. The final L18 big block rolled down the assembly line at General Motors' Tonawanda plant in New York last week, and that engine was signed by all the workers at the plant and is on its way to the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

The first big block Chevy engine was introduced way back in 1958 and was used in both passenger cars and trucks. The engine's legacy includes such classic nameplates as Chevrolet Impala, Chevelle, Camaro and Corvette with displacements ranging from the venerable 396, 409, 427 and 454 to, finally, the 496-cubic-inch Vortec 8100 that ended the production run.

Naturally, the death of the big block brings with it other casualties as well, such as the 150 laid off hourly workers that are hoping GM sees fit to bless them with a new powerplant to build along with the RV and marine industries.

[MaxHarvard]

With as much power as they are getting out of the LS series motors it makes sense that this would happen.

Although, I will miss my buddies 8.1L Avalanche!

[Vegas69]

This doesn't effect the GM Performance. Only production vehicles.

[tones2SS]

Saw this on another forum I belong to. I agree with Todd. Doesn't affect the performance cars.

[Rybar]

I know alot of boats run 496's, so I wonder what they will run now?

[70rs]

Originally Posted by Rybar

I know alot of boats run 496's, so I wonder what they will run now?

Good question. If the performance side of things is not affected then maybe the boats and RV industries will go to the ZZ502,(502 HO) or some variation of it. I understand the need to drop the production 8.1 because they have the diesel and LS lines, but the aftermarket is something they should not ignore. With all of the other applications for BBC engines (everything from boats to delivery trucks and hot rods) it would not make sense to me to drop the entire line or production of all big block engines.

[redfire69]

hope this doesn't affect GM performance parts engines!

[mexMan]

^It won't, GM Performance big market is the Big Block engines users, for racing and stuff :p But in this site you won't find any of them

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

This doesn't effect the GM Performance. Only production vehicles.

RIGHT!! Only the dinosaurs....

[Vegas69]

Someone has to do it the hard and expenive way.....This economy needs me.