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Re: New gen v small block lt1
Very interesting, at least the displacement stayed up there, but sad no performance version available for Corvette C7, the end of the ZR1 and ZO6 for many years I bet.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New Mexico -
Re: New gen v small block lt1
"Will be built at Tonawanda engine plant; original small-block built there."
Really?? Some folks from Flint Engine will be rolling in their graves. I guess once you level the plant historical facts don't matter.TerryComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
IIRC, the 265 V8 was also built at Tonawanda in 1955, designated by a "T" vs. an "F" for the Flint built ones, as this ad states: 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air HT. A total frame-off restoration of an excellent 50,000 mile car. Everything on this car has been done. Exceptional India Ivory over Dusk Rose paint which is new and in excellent condition. Powered by a 265ci V8 . Engine code is T55F. Tonawanda, 1955 265 2 bbl, 162 hp, all of the engine components have been rebuilt including: block, heads, exhaust manifolds, carb, intake, water pump and generator. The two-speed Power Glide transmission and rear axle housing are all original t o the car and were rebuilt to factory spec. Vintage heat and air has been added for touring, but can be removed for show. All new 670x15 WWW tires including the spare. Mileage: 50214, Vin # C55K060153
This also gives the information on early V8 engine ID:
Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
When we (NCRS) had Danny Davis (or is it Denny Davis?) at the 1985 convention he gave a presentation on the development of the small block. He was one of the engineers involved. To the best of my recollection the initial development work, according to him, took place at Saginaw & Flint. Once production began both Flint and Tonawanda cranked those things out like widgets. That same year (1985) the National Chevelle Owners Association (now defunct) had a tour of Flint as part of their Detroit convention. I was disappointed that the folks at Flint didn't make a sound about the 30th anniversary of the small block, but they did pass out a booklet that made the same development claim. I know I have a copy of that booklet, but it might have to wait for my passing to turn up.
There was a story in The Restorer on the closing of Flint Engine (near term memory, so I can't recall the year) that claimed something like 56 or 59 MILLION small blocks were assembled at Flint. I don’t doubt Tonawanda produced somewhat the same, or maybe even more, units; but the beginnings of the small block were in Michigan.TerryComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
I guess the GM press people were just pointing out that Tonawanda was an original small block production plant, to tie to the new engine also being produced there. I doubt they have a clue (or care perhaps) where the development of the original V8 was done. Of course all things in automotive design and engineering used to be done within shouting distance of Detroit, but it seems even my good friends at Wixom will not be involved anymore in the Corvette power train, and that is sad. But "progress" marches on, even in this modern age from year to year.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
What can you say but, WOW!Comment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
looks like it does not have the same rod bearing inserts that were in the LS series that were the same as the original SBC as they did not point that outComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
Mike,
As I re-read what is there today on my day off -- as opposed to on my break at work yesterday -- They seem to be saying exactly what you point out. I miss read it to say Tonawanda was the origin of the small block, and that is not what the text says. My bad.
I absolutely agree with you that today's marketing people haven't a clue about small block history, and like you I too doubt they care. I have spent the last 30 + years in my hometown trying to interest twenty and thirty somethings about our local history with a remarkable lack of success, but then perhaps it is me. We do know some current Chevrolet engineers who do know that small block history better than I do and they do care, however.TerryComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
I'm wondering what the chances are of us (NCRS Members) getting an up close and personal, look, touch and feel of the new C 7 w/ it's all new small block LT! in Old Town this coming January?Comment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
i wonder why GM moved the corvette engine manufacturing from canada to the states ??ALL-NEW CORVETTE SMALL BLOCK
Corvette has been powered by small block engines for 57 years, and the all-new 7th generation is no different. The engine will be called the LT1 and be built at GM’s Tanawanda Engine Plant, which produced the original small block back in 1955. As we reported on Tuesday the C7 Corvette will be 99 percent new and so will the engine. The only carry over parts are the valve keepers and two starter bolts. The new features are direct injection, continuously variable valve timing, and cylinder deactivation. GM claims 450 plus horsepower, 450 plus foot-pounds of torque, and 26 plus miles-per-gallon.Comment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
Right you are about marketing people. I have been involved in a couple of industries over the years, automotive and wireless. Very few have a passion for what they are marketing and fewer for a real understanding. Same for accountants, HR, etc., but in marketing you have the responibility to understand the product, the impact of the product, and passionately and honestly convey the product to potential customers. Once in awhile you find someone outside design and engineering who live and breath the product and when they do it becomes a passion and something they live. 'Remember David E. Davis, Jr.?? He lived it, understood it, and turned out some of the best Corvette advertising. Something David E. told me at Amelia Island a few years ago, "if you don't love the damned thing why would you waste your time selling it?"
Cogito ergo zoom
SteveComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
While all of the component parts may be new, the basic design of the engine looks the same to me as the LS series engine which debuted in 1997. So, this is not really a "clean-sheet-of-paper" engine design as was the LS when it first appeared.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: New gen v small block lt1
Although the overall view may be very similar to the current LS-series, the fact that it is a "complete redesign" means there are hundreds, if not thousands, of small changes, and it all adds up.
The modest cam duration - only a handful of degrees more than our well known "300 HP cam" combined with an even larger LSA, and even accounting for the more aggressive dynamics afforeded by roller lifters and larger valve circumference indicates that effective overlap is likely in the same ballpark as the 300 HP cam. (Is there a message here?)
No indexing information is provided, but the fact that there is a clearance notch in the piston for the exhaust valve, but none for the inlet valve indicates that the range of phasing must be very late, even when the phaser is at full advance.
The big block sized inlet valve combined with the small block sized exhaust valve indicates that the E/I flow is likely less than 75 percent, which is why the exhaust lobe has more duration.
I'm surprised that displacement stayed at 6.2L, which is good. Most observers expected smaller displacement, which would mean less low end and mid-range torque.
Also, notice that it doesn't have roller tip rockers. Gee, I wonder why. Could it be... that they are WORTHLESS?!!!
DukeComment
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