Final GM Big Block produced at Tonawanda Plant
The last GM “big block” engine was produced at the Town of Tonawanda, NY engine plant the week of December 14. The engine, first produced in 1958, has a long and significant history within GM, particularly for their performance vehicles of the 1960′s and 70′s. And yes, this includes the Corvette, which had various versions measuring from 396 CI to 454 CI over the years.
According to the Buffalo News, the last L18 engine, used for GM’s medium-duty Chevy Kodiak and GMC TopKick trucks, was hoisted by plant worker Willie Ray, Jr. off the line and into a waiting metal cart amid cheering from onlookers. Upon news of the engine’s demise, many customers ordered several years worth of inventory.
In the Corvette, the big block was always an optional engine, and today cars originally equipped with them command a lofty premium over their small block brethren. In 1965, the first year for big block Corvettes, 2,157 cars were produced with the 396. Displacement grew to 427 CI in 1966, with various configuration options offering up to 425 HP. 1967 saw the introduction of the 427/435 (a $437.00 option) and the legendary L88, rated by GM at 430 HP with a nudge and a wink to knowing racers and enthusiasts. Big blocks continued to be offered in the C3 Corvettes, in 427 and ultimately 454 CI versions. Engine designations like L71, L89, LS6 and ZL-1 make any Corvette fan stand up and take notice. With OPEC looming and ever-increasing emissions and insurance restrictions, the big block option was a distant memory by 1975.
