GM small block V8

The General Motors Small Block V8 engine was introduced in the 1955 Chevrolet. It displaced 265 cubic inches.

To date, there have been four generations of this family of engines. All of these engines share a common bank angle and cylinder bore spacing, use a cam-in-block (aka pushrod) layout, and have large followings for aftermarket performance upgrades.

First Generation (1955)

• First engine to reach 1hp / cubic inch

Second Generation (1992)

• Reverse-flow cooling
• Opti-Spark

Third Generation (1997)

• Aluminum block and heads
• Composite Intake Manifold
• Revised firing order
• 15-degree valve angle
• Six-bolt main caps
• Coil-on-plug ignition

Fourth Generation (2005)

• Active Fuel Management
• Variable valve timing

A fifth generation is rumored for the future, supporting such advanced features as direct injection and separately variable valve timing for intake and exhaust.