Gen IV Chevy small block engines get more hi-tech


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The workhorse Chevy small block engine is ready for another overhaul. GM invested $890 million to produce cleaner and more efficient next-generation Chevy small block engines. The current fourth-generation small block engine is widely used in many GM vehicles such as the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac CTS-V and the GMC Yukon.

The current Gen IV small block engines are already carried a bunch refinements and advanced technology such as variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management. Variable valve timing enables improved torque, fuel economy and emissions. Active Fuel Management disables the combustion process of half the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions, and plus many Gen IV variants can run on gasoline and/or E85 ethanol.

The next generation small block engines will have even greater fuel efficiency through the use of direct injection and an all-new advanced combustion system design.  Gone away is the cast iron block, the new small block engines will be built on aluminum to shave off excessive weight. The new small block engine is not only designed to be very fuel efficient in mind but also compact as well.

Here’s a bit of history of the Chevy small block engine development:

The Gen II small block was introduced in cars including the Corvette in the early 90’s, which was known as the LT1 and, later, the LT4. The Gen II small block engine featured low-friction internal components and reverse-flow cooling to enable the efficient and great performing small-blocks. Some Gen II features, including the low-profile, and high-flow intake manifold.

The Gen III small block engine was introduced later as the LS1 5.7-liter engine in the 1997 Corvette. The Gen III engine had replicated cylinder head ports, six-bolt mains, gerotor oil pump and composite intake manifold that was designed earlier in the Gen II small block engine.