Best Engine

April 19, 2001

Okay, the Engine Room is getting a little quiet. I've been at a loss to juice it up, so General, I'm stealing your idea.

What do you guys think is the best engine GM produced and why? It doesn't have to be a Chevrolet or a truck engine, just GM.

Frank S · April 19, 2001

I'd have to say,and not just because it's a GM engine,that it would have to be the GM 350.

That is one of the most versatile and longest used engines in auto history.

General Lee 01 · April 19, 2001

Quote: so General, I'm stealing your idea.

You mean SOB! LOL just kidding.

As for best engine, I'd say the 454. (I'm a power person, I don't really care about longetivity, dependability, etc)

MountaineerTom · April 19, 2001

I think it's the 350 also.

76BBSub · April 20, 2001

LS1 - Max HP/cube across an incredible RPM range, but too technical for the average Joe to work on.

454 - Got one, love it!

350 - Got one of those too, love it too, but there's something about the sound of a hot cammed big block, especially when blown.

but the Small Block Chevy definitely revolutionized the automotive world when it was introduced.

Jeff

Shaners · April 20, 2001

I'm a big camaro fan, so I'm going with the DZ302. (wow what a screamer)

April 20, 2001

The best; the small block V-8. It was such a revolutionary hit in 1955 that it has not been bettered in 45 years! Changes, yes, but the design is the same. Parts interchangeability is the best in any line of engines; cubic inch diversity from 262 c.i. to 400c.i. on for the most part, the same block and heads.

Dependability and versatility are unmatched in any othe line of automobile engines.

Try using a 351C intake manifold on a 289.

Kansas Kid · April 20, 2001

I'm a little suprised no one has mentioned the 3800 V6 yet. I know you guys all like V8's, but the 3800 is by far the best passenger car motor GM has produced. Gets good mileage, and isn't to shabby performance wish when you slap the supercharger on it.

Just a thought.....

Jpshostr · April 20, 2001

350, no other engine from any brand has stood the test of time like that thing did. I shed a tear when they replaced it with the 6.0L.

I know you said only GM motors, but I think the best diesel in a pickup has got to be the Cummins. For heavy pulling you can't beat an I-6. Too bad there isn't much of a pickup or tranny wrapped around that wonderful engine.

TheScaryGuy · April 22, 2001

The 396 dropped into REAL cars, back in the days before I was concieved.

Kansas Kid · April 23, 2001

Good grief guys, I can't even get one measly response about saying the 3800 V6? Figured I would never hear the end of that....

Jpshostr · April 23, 2001

Well Kansas Kid, I can sure tell you the 4.3L in my Blazer isn't getting my vote. What a pig!

Never have driven one with that motor you are talking about, then again, I don't drive cars very often. Hence, no comment on them from me.

April 23, 2001

Never seen a 3.8. I've got a 3.1 in a '90 Olds, man that thing is nice. Good power, maintenance free.

MountaineerTom · April 23, 2001

My mom and dad had a Bonneville SSEi and a Grand Prix (the year before the current "Wide Track" body style) with the 3.8 and it moved both cars down the road very well. They now have a Buick Rivera with a Supercharged 3.8 and it REALLY moves. I can't remember for sure, but I think the Bonneville may have been supercharged also.

(Edited by MountaineerTom 99Z71 at 10:55 am on April 23, 2001)