Mike Mueller. Since its introduction in 1955, the Chevrolet small-block V-8 has been one of America's most popular, powerful, and desirable engines. Small-blocks have powered everything from Corvettes and hot rods to family sedans, stock cars, drag racers, Trans-Am cars, and racing boats. It remains the leading performance engine of choice and today generates as much as 450 horsepower in Corvettes. Chevy Small-Block V-8 50 Years of High Performance traces the long, rich history of this milestone powerplant. The detailed chronological record is complemented by sidebars that spotlight the engineers who created the engine and cover its place in pop culture, racing, and important cars. All of Chevrolet's premier, small-block-powered vehicles are featured, including Tri-Chevys ('55, '56, '57), Corvette, Camaro, Chevelle, Impala, pickups, and more.