Car Buyer's Notebook

To kick off the year, General Motors will sponsor a small-block seminar at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, March 11. A who's who of individuals who have raced, engineered and built GM small-block engines will participate in a panel discussion moderated by David E. Davis, Jr., founder and editor emeritus of Automobile Magazine. Panelists include legendary NASCAR driver and team owner Junior Johnson; Richard Childress Racing NASCAR engine builder Spenny Clendenen; Ed Koerner, GM Powertrain vice president; retired director of GM Racing, Herb Fishel; and Brian Redman, three-time F5000 race series champion. They will share personal stories about their history with the small-block and perspective on the significance of the engine, as well as take audience questions.

"The GM small-block has touched many lives during the last 50 years," said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Powertrain. "Our presence at heritage events this year will highlight why the small-block engine was so successful and remains relevant today. It's attributable to an innovative yet simple and elegant design and continual technological breakthroughs and enhancements over time."

A presentation on the history and future of the engine will proceed the small-block panel discussion. A LS2 V-8 small-block crate engine will be given away during the event. A collection of GM small-block-powered cars will be on display at the Amelia Island Concours, as well as a display chronicling the evolution of the engine.

The genius of the small-block's enduring design is its versatility. The small-block has been repeatedly adapted to new situations. When Americans demanded more performance in the '50s, the small-block quickly grew from 265 to 283 cubic inches. Its growth accelerated in the '60s as the engine expanded to 327 cubic inches, and then to 350. The '70s saw the small-block reach a displacement zenith with the arrival of a 400 cubic inch version. The '90s brought about the advanced Gen III design. The current decade provides us with Displacement on Demand and the largest, most powerful small-block ever produced - the Gen IV 500 horsepower 7.0L LS7.

GM will continue its small-block history road show at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, U.K; Monterey Historic Races in Monterey, California; Concours d'Elegance at Cranbrook Concours in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; and other events throughout the year.

More information on the history of the GM small-block can be found at http://smallblock.gmblogs.com/