Big Block V8, Goodbye to a workhorse

On Friday GM cut the plug on the Chevy Big Block V8, marking 51 years of service to many large vehicles that made this country what it is today. Participating in getting goods across the nation, fighting the good fight during WWII or just part of an all American racing tradition on the 1/4 mile the big block V8 will be very much missed. Starting back in 1958, GM needed to produce an engine that could keep up with the needs of the day. Vehicles grew larger in sizes and and the engines needed to keep pace. 3/4 ton trucks could not be powered by the Small Block V8 with the amount of Torque it produced. Torque was and has always played a huge roll in larger cargo vehicles and the Big Block V8 delivered. The "W" series was the first generation. The engine was an OHV that were offset and had a unique scalloped Rocker covers. The first Generation was produced from 1958-1965 and were offered in 3 displacements. 348ci(5.7L), 409ci(6.7L), 427ci(7.0L). Average weight of the engine was 664lbs.

In mid 1965 GM released generation 2 or Mark IV series. Substantial power increase and a newly shaped combustion chamber, new Valves that opened away from the chamber and piston produced better volumetric efficiency above 6500 rpms. This prevented the engine from sagging at higher rpm's and keeping torque steady. The spark plugs has an angle of attack/ignition from the top. For the rest of the engine(Block, bearings, crankshaft) the "W" series designed carried over. There were also 3 displacement options offered, the 366ci, 396ci(6.5L), 402ci(6.6L). 427ci(7.0L part Mark IV design). These engines were produced from 1965-1972 with the exception of the 427ci, that was produced until the mid 90's. Gm went on to producing in 1970 the 454ci, 502ci(Late 80's early 90's) and 572ci offerings in 2003. The Mark IV generation saw duties in GM's on fleet of trucks, Blue Bird Corp, Transit Buses etc.

The last and final generation Vortec 8100 or MK VII is the refinement masterpiece of the Chevy Big Block. The major difference from older previous generations is that its stroked. The Vortex adapted its smaller brothers LS family, coil-on- plug ignition and the firing.



We will definitely miss the Big Block V8 for the history and technological advances it brought with each generation. What will GM have for us next? Will advances in V6 design kill off any plans for another V8? Can GM design for the floor up a new V8 that has technologies such as Direct injection, Quad OHC designs etc?? We'll see with time. For now, the TIME has come for Big Blocks.