That's a lot of engine changes over the years!

I am a student of 4th gen knowledge, and I like to think I know a lot about 4th gen setups. But one thing that has always puzzled me was why the 3rd gen had so many engines offered over the years!

4th gens = 4 engines total (L32, L36, LT1, LS1)
3rd gens = (LG4, LU5, L69, L98, LC1, LQ9, LO3....my head is starting to hurt )

Does anyone know why 3rd gen engines were changed so much?

I figured I'd post this in 3rd Gen Tech because in the Lounge there would probebly be some "turd gen" comments instead of serious ones

 

The 80's thirdgen era was a transitional period for all car manufacturers. They had to deal with increasing emissions and gas mileage laws. GM was researching many different engines to try and find the one that was the cheapest to make while still passing emissions and getting good gas mileage. The best thirdgen engines are the L98, LB9 with 5-speed, and L69. The latter is carbed while the former two are TPI.

 

There were lots of reasons that GM offered so many choices of engines for the Camaros and Firebirds. That was the way things used to be done. Years ago you could get an Olds Cutlass with a 250 cube straight 6, a 350-2bbl, a 350-4 bbl, a 350-4bbl hi performance, and, if you checked the 442 option charts... a 400-2 bbl or 4bbl, or maybe even a 455 4 bbl. Lots of choices from all of the manufacturers. That was expensive. The Big 3 automakers eventually started using shared drivetrains within their lines. Cadillac is the only marque today within GM that has its very own engines. Of course, the Vette gets its very own LS1 version in the Z06, but the basics of this engine are shared within the GM family.
So, cost cutting put a damper on engine choices. So did the EPA. Engine options require massive amounts of testing and proving emissions certifications. Less engines=less testing=less cost.
Another reason is marketing. GM needed to sell a bunch of F Bodies to justify their existance. My 1986 IROC retailed at over $19,000.00 back then. Optioned nicely, but no tilt wheel or cruise control. However, a plain Jane Camaro would have easily sold for less than 12,000.00, and it would have been affordable to the masses. (They sold over 48,000 IROCS in 1986) The cafe FUEL ECONOMY STANDARDS were a major hurtle to overcome. The feds mandated that car makers have a corporate average fuel economy at a specific mile per gallon average. If they didnt meet it, they got fined ( That is why there were 4 cylinder F Bodies.....)
Today, with the awesome engines and electronic technologies, we can have efficient and powerful cars that are easy on fuel. We all know that the new 3800 motors run nicely (200 hp) and the LS1 is a screamer. My IROC was one of 6 American made cars in 1986 that actually made over 200 horsepower.
Also, the Japanese cars put huge pressures on Detroit to make better and more efficient cars too. The auto industry if always in a state of change. I read a story once about how the GM engineers said that they could not build a decent performing V8 that would be economical and produce low emissions. HONDA asked the brass at GM if they could put on a demonstration for them. They came to GM with a small block Chevy with Honda engineered heads and engine management. It ran clean, with power and economy. They say the GM engineers were quite embarassed!
I wish that GM would have put the 350 in my Camaro. I like the 305 TPI, but the 350 sure would be nice....
Jess

 

Ouch!! Those GM engineers got badly!

Thanks a lot Jess, that really helped me understand. I totally forgot about how auto manufacturers had different engines. A Pontiac 350 is different than a Chevy 350, for example.