The Chevy small-block V-8 is an engine that has touched so many lives that, no matter where your car brand loyalty lies, chances are good that you’ve got a personal story about one. It has powered tens of millions of passenger cars, trucks, race machines and boats. Calling it an American icon would not be an overstatement or hype. To celebrate 60 years of this icon, we took one apart and put it back together, and we recorded the process to share with you.
Thanks to our sponsor RockAuto.com. RockAuto.com is an auto parts retailer founded in 1999 by automotive engineers with two goals: Liberate information hidden behind the auto parts store counter (by listing all available parts, not just what one store stocks or one counter-person knows), and make auto parts affordable so vehicles of all ages can be kept reliable and fun to drive. Visit to order auto parts online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and have them conveniently delivered to your door. Need help finding parts or placing an order? Visit our Help pages for further assistance!
Special thanks to Thirlby Automotive in Traverse City, Mich.
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Like what you see? Watch our other series including:
Redline Rebuild | Engine Time-lapse videos from start to finish
Barn Find Hunter | Tom Cotter searches the country for abandoned cars
Hagerty's Daily Driver | Industry news, buzz, and interviews
Chip Foose Draws a Car | Reimagining popular cars with new designs
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