Seven decades after its debut, the General Motors small block V8 remains a legendary engine. This year, 2024, marks its 70th anniversary and the arrival of a new chapter. The story begins in 1954 with the Task Force pickup truck, which received the very first iteration, the G1 265 cubic-inch V8, for the 1955 model year.
This “Taskmaster,” as Chevrolet called it, offered 180 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, joining the inline-six engine options (Thriftmaster and Jobmaster) and the larger “Loadmaster” V8s. The Task Force, nicknamed “the gentleman’s pickup,” even boasted an industry first design with the Cameo Carrier fleetside bed.
This versatile engine’s journey extended beyond trucks, eventually powering sedans, coupes, convertibles, wagons, and even SUVs. A legend lives on! Debuting in 1955 with 195 horsepower in the Chevy Corvette, the GM small block revolutionized performance.
Today, it remains a powerhouse, powering trucks like the Silverado with the 6.2L L87 V8, the strongest naturally aspirated V8 in its class. Over 113 million units strong, a new generation is on the horizon. GM invested heavily, with $579 million going to a Michigan plant to assemble the next iteration of this iconic engine.
This comes at a time when V8s seem to be fading, but GM remains committed. The Corvette ZR1 boasts a monstrous 755 horsepower twin turbo V8, showcasing the potential of the platform.
While details are scarce, a new generation promises improved power and efficiency while meeting stricter emission standards. From the current 5.3L to the 6.6L options, the GM small block continues to be a versatile and powerful force.
