Last Big Block

[BryanUT]

End of an era:

http://www.bangshift.com/blog/The-Last-Big-Block-Chevy-Was-Built-Today-at-the-Downsized-Tonawanda-Engine-Plant.html

[Tim M.]

On Dec 22, 11:55 am, BryanUT <nestl...@comcast.net> wrote:
> End of an era:
>

> http://www.bangshift.com/blog/The-Last-Big-Block-Chevy-Was-Built-Toda...

I will always fondly remember my 1990 454SS pickup while I drive
around in my current 2006 8.1 liter Vortec 2500HD. Big, broad
shouldered, brawny truck. Fun, in a truck sense. It's been a fine
steed during the past five ; days since we got the largest December
snowfall since they started keeping records here in noVa; 23 inches in
Herndon.

[Bob Nixon]

Indeed Tim, I remember when my childhood friend and I used to drag
race up a mile long fairly deserted hill in Castro Valley Ca. Me with
a 57 Ford with a pumped 352 modified BB engine & 750cfm $35 AFB 4
barrel and him with a 350HP 348 in a 61 Chevy with 3 deuce carbs & a
four speed (mime was a 3 speed automatic). Sometimes he'd win others I
would but at 18 we were so enthralled with our low 14 second 1/4 mile
60's technology we nearly pissed our pants.

Chevy's 396-502 BB engine has a similar canted valve head layout as
the 351 Ford Cleveland head model or nearly the best save the 392 or
later 426 Hemi engines or that era.The pushrod layout of the hemi's
was quite a messy affair but they were the fastest two valve/cylinder
back then. I've always wondered why none of the US V8 engines never
migrated to a 4 valve pushrod model that we know now is doable. But
then I don't know if it would have made much difference in overall
performance.

Bob..