A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

On C&G an idea was brought up for GM to produce a new smaller V8 series. The idea was to give people the appeal of a V8 while being smaller in external dimensions and displacement. Something along the lines of the old Buick 215 cu in V8. It would certainly just be a smaller version of the Gen IV so engineering wouldn't be to hard to do and by incorporating AFM it could get fenominal gas mileage.

So does this idea have merit, should it be something GM should consider?

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Wasted resources..........when good V6's are already available.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Yep. 300hp V6's are coming soon, no point.
And size of the engine and engine displacment are 2 very different things.

The Northstar motor is a 4.6 Liter, the LS2 is a 6.0 Liter. The 6.0 displaces more internal volume as the volume per cyl is higher, but PHYSICAL size, the Northstart is a massive engine, while the LS2 is rather small.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Wasting your breath since GM seems hellbent on replacing any V8 less than 400hp with the HFV6.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

I want a 2.5L open wheel racer style V8 that revs to 15000RPM.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Al I understand the difference between external volume and internal displacement. If even considered this engine would be OHV for compactness. But since you bring up the 4.6 N*, could the rotating assembly (crank, rods, and pistons) be used in a new OHV block with less external volume than the LSx V8s?

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Ditto.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

All of GM's recent V8 efforts have been world class efforts. I do like this out-of-the-box thinking. If GM develops a mini-block V8, I have no doubt that it'd eclipse any of their V6 offerings in terms of power, efficiency, smoothness, or any other metric used to describe an engine. Plus, it'd be a significant marketing advantage over the competition. Imagine the buzz created by a V8 powered G6 or Malibu with a sticker in the low 20s. Japan Inc would have no answer for that.

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

Imagine a V8 powered Cobalt SS!

Re: A mini block V8 from GM, does the idea have merit?
 

i agree gm needs to offer things the import market cant