• American automobile manufacturer General Motors has a lengthy history of automobile and parts production. With a variety of models available with several types of engines built by GM, the small block engine has become one of the most popular motors offered to consumers. Production of the small block began in 1955, and development of the engine's design progressed throughout its existence. In 1967, GM unveiled the 350 cubic-inch small block engine V8, which was available in everything from sports cars to heavy duty trucks to passenger boats.
  
  

L-48

• Throughout its production life, the small block, 350 cubic-inch V8 featured 4-inch bored cylinders set to a 3.48 inch stroke. The small block 350 made its debut in the Chevrolet Camaro SS model, boasting 295 horsepower and 380 ft/lbs of torque, as advertised. This motor, named the L-48, was manufactured for a broader line of Chevrolet models the next year and continued until 1980. This is the original engine that GM built on its small block, 350 cubic-inch platform.
  
  

ZQ-3

• The 350 cubic-inch ZQ-3 model GM engine was used primarily for the 1969-1970 Chevrolet Corvette. While the engine initially put out an advertised 300 horsepower, production of the engine throughout the mid-1970s continually saw a decrease in power until its manufacture was halted in 1975.
  
  

LT-1

• The LT-1 model small block was built purely for the performance advocate. Designed in 1970 for the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro Z-28 models, this motor featured heavier duty parts, such as a high performance camshaft, Holley four-barrel carburetor, and a low restriction exhaust. At maximum power, this engine put out an impressive 370 horsepower and 380 ft/lbs of torque.
  
  

L-81, L-82, L-83, L-98

• From 1973 through 1984, the L-80 series engines became the standard 350-cubic inch motors for consumers that desired performance in their vehicles. When the L-82 was introduced in 1973, it produced 250 horsepower and 285 ft/lbs of torque. While the output of the engine seemed diminished compared to earlier small block engines, the weight of the automobiles allowed for more fuel efficient engines to provide the same amount of acceleration numbers as predecessors. For 1981, the small block saw a decrease in power output, dropping to 190 horsepower and 280 ft/lbs of torque. This was the L-81 model, produced for one year. Succeeding the L-81 was the L-83, which saw a slight uptick in performance to 200 horsepower and 285 ft/lbs of torque in its first year, and 205 horsepower and 290 ft/lbs of torque the following year. There were fewer than 50 Corvettes produced for the year 1983, so that year was skipped for L-83 consumer production. From 1985 through 1992, the L-98 engine was introduced for Corvettes. Adding a tuned-port fuel injection, which improved both performance and fuel efficiency over previous carbureted engines, gave the Corvette 230 horsepower and 330 ft/lbs of torque.
  
  

LM-1

• The four-barrel, carbureted LM-1 motor was available in GM passenger automobiles until 1988. It was a standard engine available to consumers. Performance varied, depending on which parts GM chose to include with the motor and which automobile received the power plant.
  
  

L-05

• Replacing the LM-1 motor, the L-05 throttle-body injection motor is seen most often in GM light and heavy duty trucks and sport utility vehicles. Its production continued through 1996, finding its home in commercial sedans such as the Chevrolet Caprice in addition to larger trucks. Performance numbers were tuned to specific vehicles and emissions standards.
  
  

L-31

• The L-31 small block engine from GM was the last motor seen in production vehicles, although GM Goodwrench still manufactures a 350 cubic-inch for consumer purchase. Starting in 1996, the L-31 is most commonly referred to as the Vortec 5700 and produced 255 horsepower and 350 ft/lbs of torque. This engine is most often found in GM model trucks and sport utility vehicles, because emissions became stricter for passenger vehicles between 1996 and 2005.