The V8 Engine. . . .


Chevy Small Block

As simply as can be stated, the Chevy Small Block is a self-perpetuating marvel of automotive history. The very excellent design of the engine, the solid advancements Chevy made and the sheer prolific nature of the motor made them rise quickly to the top.

Whilst some of the other automakers did what they could to make their engines (and associated control systems) complex for complexity's sake, Chevy chose the route of solid engineering that the end user could modify, tweak, swap and configure to work in a variety of Jeep vehicles. What's more... they fit, where other motors would not.

As early as Chevrolets were on the road, they were developing a reputation as cars with an edge on performance. Chevy's first V8 was actually introduced in 1917. It was a 90 degree, overhead valve engine. It lived for only two years, as Chevy got into four and six-cylinder power instead for the "smaller" cars they were then producing.

In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the Small Block V8. So called because of its compact design, this first V8 featured 265 c.i. of displacement and produced 180 hp. The motor was an instant and popular success. Within a couple of years, the Small Block was delivering 283 hp - one hp per cubic inch.

It soon became known as the "Mouse" motor and this reputation as a light, compact powerhouse soon propelled the V8 into the forefront of a burgeoning hobby of "engine swapping."

Chevy V8's have come with stock displacements of: 262, 265, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350 and 400 cubic inches. Other variations exists within performance and aftermarket circles.

Ford Small Block

The 351 Windsor also belongs to the Ford Small Block family - not to be confused with the 351 Cleveland, a different engine of the 335 family. The Modified engines are also in a different vein, and not generally as well suited for Jeep conversions.

Small Block Ford V8 engines are the 260, 289, 302, and 351 cubic inch engines. These Ford V8 engines are lighter and narrower than the Chevy V8 engines, however they are about 1.5" longer than the Chevy V8.

The 302 evolved into the 5.0 and 5.0 HO. These motors, especially the latter, were outstanding powerplants. With the benifit of fuel injection and other refinements.