Tweet
38 years ago when Chevrolet released the ZL-1 427 engine, it was the very first Chevrolet all aluminum PRODUCTION engine ever. It wasn't GM's first all aluminum engine, though. As far as I know, that honor goes to the small V-8 first used by Buick about 1963 or 64.
For many years thereafter, all-aluminum engines were somewhat of a rarity in GM cars and trucks. Eventually, aluminum heads began appearing on more Chevrolet and GM engines, but cast iron blocks still "ruled the day". Not anymore, though. Now there are lots of all-aluminum GM engines. In fact, they're the rule rather than the exception. As a matter of fact, GM only has a few all cast iron engines left in their "portfolio". These are as follows:
1) 5.0L and 5.7L Gen I small blocks for marine, industrial and SERVICE. All of these are manufactured at Toluca, Mexico;
2) 4.3L V-6 for trucks, marine, industrial, and SERVICE. This is the 5.7L V-8 with 2 cylinders "lopped off". It will be discontinued for truck PRODUCTION applications very soon;
3) 3.8L V-6 for limited use in PRODUCTION cars and SERVICE. This is the old Buick V-6 which dates back to 1964. It has only a short time to go, too. At the end of the 2008 or 2009 model year, it will be discontinued and its manufacturing plant closed forever;
4) 8.1L V-8 for trucks, marine, industrial, and SERVICE (as well as some 7.4L for SERVICE only). This is the current incarnation of the Mark IV Chevrolet big block introduced in 1965. It hasn't been used in PRODUCTION cars since 1975. In fact, for 2007 and beyond its only truck applications are 4500 and larger MD and HD trucks. It's no longer available in pick-ups and SUV's;
5) ONE other all cast iron engine. Does anyone know what it is?
So, what was once common is now rare and what was once rare is now common. In a few years, there won't be ANY all cast-iron engines offered in ANY GM passenger car or light truck.
For many years thereafter, all-aluminum engines were somewhat of a rarity in GM cars and trucks. Eventually, aluminum heads began appearing on more Chevrolet and GM engines, but cast iron blocks still "ruled the day". Not anymore, though. Now there are lots of all-aluminum GM engines. In fact, they're the rule rather than the exception. As a matter of fact, GM only has a few all cast iron engines left in their "portfolio". These are as follows:
1) 5.0L and 5.7L Gen I small blocks for marine, industrial and SERVICE. All of these are manufactured at Toluca, Mexico;
2) 4.3L V-6 for trucks, marine, industrial, and SERVICE. This is the 5.7L V-8 with 2 cylinders "lopped off". It will be discontinued for truck PRODUCTION applications very soon;
3) 3.8L V-6 for limited use in PRODUCTION cars and SERVICE. This is the old Buick V-6 which dates back to 1964. It has only a short time to go, too. At the end of the 2008 or 2009 model year, it will be discontinued and its manufacturing plant closed forever;
4) 8.1L V-8 for trucks, marine, industrial, and SERVICE (as well as some 7.4L for SERVICE only). This is the current incarnation of the Mark IV Chevrolet big block introduced in 1965. It hasn't been used in PRODUCTION cars since 1975. In fact, for 2007 and beyond its only truck applications are 4500 and larger MD and HD trucks. It's no longer available in pick-ups and SUV's;
5) ONE other all cast iron engine. Does anyone know what it is?
So, what was once common is now rare and what was once rare is now common. In a few years, there won't be ANY all cast-iron engines offered in ANY GM passenger car or light truck.
Comment