Thank you Zora Arkus-Duntov…
In 1955, Chevrolet introduced the small block overhead valve 265-cubic inch (cu in), 162 HP motor; it was the engineering brainchild of Ed Cole and dubbed “Mighty Mouse”.
Chevy small block 265-cubic inch. In 1956, a “Power Pack” kit was available and produced 205 HP. A special package was put in the 1956 Corvette which produced 225 HP @ 5200 RPM.
In 1957, the 283-cubic inch motor was introduced with a fuel injection package with a Duntov cam. Then came the 327 and a host of other small block combinations 302, 305-307, 400 cu in.
In 1967, Chevy introduced the 350-cubic inch. The little “Mighty Mouse” contributions were a quantum leap in the automotive industry in passenger cars, commercial, and the racing sector. These “Small Blocks” were used in every facet of racing from Indy cars to Drag racing. They were also used in Car Racing and Hot Rod building and Zora Arkus-Duntov was a big part of that success.
Zora Arkus-Duntov, an engineer with GM Chevy Division. Duntov was considered the brain trust behind the High-Performance packages that were introduced to the small block. Duntov was called “The Father of the Corvette”.
While some manufacturers were getting horsepower out of big blocks, the little “Mighty Mouse” was getting more power out of a smaller, lighter motor. Aftermarket manufacturers started to produce high-performance parts that made the motor perform with outstanding results with horsepower and durability.
So, the B did more for the car industry than any other motor in its class.
So, thank you Zora Arkus-Duntov!
(12-25-1909 – 4-12-1996)
Bill
Keep them Rolling!