No matter how you count them, 100 million is a big number — a really big number.
11-30-2011, 06:30 PM
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No matter how you count them, 100 million is a big number — a really big number.
Last Updated: November 30. 2011 1:00AM
Scott Burgess
General Motors' small block engine passes 100M mark
Wixom No matter how you count them, 100 million is a big number — a really big number. It's federal budget big, around-the-world-a-couple-of-times kind of big; just big enough to boggle your mind.
General Motors Co. rolled out its 100 millionth small block Tuesday to the applause of a small crowd of workers, executives and reporters — many of whom, including myself, were lucky enough to participate in building it here at the GM Powertrain Build Center, where engines are hand assembled.
The small block engine — most notably the V-8; there were a couple six-cylinder versions through the years — has played one of the biggest roles in building GM. It's the engine that saved the 1955 Chevrolet Corvette, a fledgling sports car in need of an edge. Fifty-six years later, it's still doing the heavy lifting for GM.
It's an engine so powerful that just saying "small block" can turn grown men nostalgic.
"There's an elegance and sophistication about this engine in its simplicity," said David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and son of Ed Cole, the chief engineer of the very first 263-cubic-inch small block V-8.
"Its easy to make things complicated, and it's difficult to make things simple," David Cole said after the 100 millionth engine rolled out to thunderous applause. Only in Metro Detroit does an engine get greeted with applause.
But this little engine, defined by its 4.4-inch on-center bore spacing, 90-degree V-8 engine, overhead valves and pushrod valve train, deserves every clap. It also powers generators, boats and even a few motorcycles.
The engine is tough, compact and powerful — characteristics any machine can appreciate and humans can admire.
And the legendary engine isn't going away any time soon, despite the growing concern over future fuel economy standards. No, the small block, through the years, has been one of the biggest contributors to fuel efficiency.
"It is still relevant," said Sam Winegarden, GM executive director for Global Engine Engineering. "Things like cylinder deactivation, friction reduction and combustion efficiency were first developed on the small block V-8s before migrating to other engines."
Added Dean Guard, chief engineer, GM Small Block/Big Block engines, "We don't think we have tapped all of the small block's potential."
That's why a fifth generation of the engine is in the works. It will feature direct-injection technology that will allow it to run more efficiently with more power. Officials won't say when the new engine will arrive, though an all-new Corvette is planned to come out next year — and what better vehicle to showcase the next family of small blocks.
Of course, the role of V-8s continues to evolve. Even for GM, the V-8 is no longer the go-to engine. This year, Buick stopped offering any vehicle with a V-8, and instead offers smaller powerplants. It's the wave of the future. But, that said, there are always going to be V-8s in our lives. Nothing moves metal better and certainly nothing sounds better at idle.
So where will the next small block stack up against other engines?
"It will be the best V-8 ever made," Winegarden said.
There are 100 million reasons Winegarden may very well be right.
sburgess@detnews.com
(313) 223-3217
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111130/...#ixzz1fEagfTrC
Scott Burgess
General Motors' small block engine passes 100M mark
Wixom No matter how you count them, 100 million is a big number — a really big number. It's federal budget big, around-the-world-a-couple-of-times kind of big; just big enough to boggle your mind.
General Motors Co. rolled out its 100 millionth small block Tuesday to the applause of a small crowd of workers, executives and reporters — many of whom, including myself, were lucky enough to participate in building it here at the GM Powertrain Build Center, where engines are hand assembled.
The small block engine — most notably the V-8; there were a couple six-cylinder versions through the years — has played one of the biggest roles in building GM. It's the engine that saved the 1955 Chevrolet Corvette, a fledgling sports car in need of an edge. Fifty-six years later, it's still doing the heavy lifting for GM.
It's an engine so powerful that just saying "small block" can turn grown men nostalgic.
"There's an elegance and sophistication about this engine in its simplicity," said David Cole, chairman emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and son of Ed Cole, the chief engineer of the very first 263-cubic-inch small block V-8.
"Its easy to make things complicated, and it's difficult to make things simple," David Cole said after the 100 millionth engine rolled out to thunderous applause. Only in Metro Detroit does an engine get greeted with applause.
But this little engine, defined by its 4.4-inch on-center bore spacing, 90-degree V-8 engine, overhead valves and pushrod valve train, deserves every clap. It also powers generators, boats and even a few motorcycles.
The engine is tough, compact and powerful — characteristics any machine can appreciate and humans can admire.
And the legendary engine isn't going away any time soon, despite the growing concern over future fuel economy standards. No, the small block, through the years, has been one of the biggest contributors to fuel efficiency.
"It is still relevant," said Sam Winegarden, GM executive director for Global Engine Engineering. "Things like cylinder deactivation, friction reduction and combustion efficiency were first developed on the small block V-8s before migrating to other engines."
Added Dean Guard, chief engineer, GM Small Block/Big Block engines, "We don't think we have tapped all of the small block's potential."
That's why a fifth generation of the engine is in the works. It will feature direct-injection technology that will allow it to run more efficiently with more power. Officials won't say when the new engine will arrive, though an all-new Corvette is planned to come out next year — and what better vehicle to showcase the next family of small blocks.
Of course, the role of V-8s continues to evolve. Even for GM, the V-8 is no longer the go-to engine. This year, Buick stopped offering any vehicle with a V-8, and instead offers smaller powerplants. It's the wave of the future. But, that said, there are always going to be V-8s in our lives. Nothing moves metal better and certainly nothing sounds better at idle.
So where will the next small block stack up against other engines?
"It will be the best V-8 ever made," Winegarden said.
There are 100 million reasons Winegarden may very well be right.
sburgess@detnews.com
(313) 223-3217
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111130/...#ixzz1fEagfTrC
