GM Tonawanda pulls plug on V-8

[BayouSS]

http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffa...&ana=e_article

The end of the line — and end of an era — has arrived for what has been a staple product for more than 50 years at the General Motors Tonawanda engine plant. On Friday, Dec. 18 the last variation of the “big block” class of V-8 engines that were made since 1959, is scheduled to roll off the line.
A late morning ceremony is planned to primarily honor those of the plant’s more than 800 employees who worked on the latest version, which has been produced since 1999.
The big engine was developed in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s and was used to power millions of Chevrolet vehicles over the years.
“As American automobiles grew in size and weight the engines powering them had to keep pace,” said Nina Price, a spokeswoman for the local plant.
The first big block V-8 engine, the W-Series, was first produced in 1958 with the next version, the Mark IV series, being introduced in 1965.
“Following this was the Mark V series big block V-8, which started production in 1989, and finally the L18 V-8 (Vortec 8100) engine started production in 1999,” Price said.
The plant’s current V-8 production equipment was installed for the Mark V series, Price said.
The V-8 was the plant’s longest-running engine line, but new trends in the auto industry made GM’s trademark automotive engine obsolete.
Currently the plant's main engine line is the L850. It also makes inline 4- and 5-cylinder engines.

[shmoov69]

That blows!

[Rick D]

A moment of silence please!!!

Heres to you Tonawanda!!

[67 ls1 vert]

just to get this right... is it the end of all big blocks or just at that plant?

[Randy67]

It sounds like it is the end of GM big-blocks. I'm sure the aftermarket will keep it going. Maybe it's time to buy up used BBC engines?
"Green" people (they at least had some part in this) along with the government and GM bean counters.

[twosaturns]

It sounds like it is the end of GM big-blocks. I'm sure the aftermarket will keep it going. Maybe it's time to buy up used BBC engines?
"Green" people (they at least had some part in this) along with the government and GM bean counters.

I'd say sales are mostly to blame. my brother had a suburban w/ the 8100. it was REAL hard to find, most all dealers stocked small block versions. the 6.0 and 6.2 are really more power than most people need, and if you need it to tow, well, the diesel is a better deal .

[Throttle]

I have a couple of BBC sitting around.. The Big BLock really hasnt been the cream of the crop for many years anyways when it came to factory, that stopped in the mid 70's.. I think this is why I decided to build a Big Block this time around.. I see everybody going Stroker small blocks and LSX here latley, so I built a Stroker Big Block.. :D

[moreHP]

Thats sad to hear. Nothing like a big block.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

What does this mean for the 502HO and ZZ502?

[megaladon6]

they'll probably keep them around since they're race blocks not production. i'm surprised that GM kept the big block as long as they did. they didn't sell too many the last few years and with the environmental issues...

[JEFFTATE]

Hmmm...
So , does that mean No More 427 , 454 , 502 GM Crate Engines ??
I'll have to check into that ..
I work here and I'm the last to know...sheesh ...

[Vegas69]

They don't build all big blocks........

[Damn True]

Do-do birds, dinosaurs and big blocks.

[MonzaRacer]

Obamma thinks big blocks caused Global Warming

[JEFFTATE]

They don't build all big blocks........

Good point...
I'm checking into this..

[LowBuckX]

arent the big HP big block made at Mercury or Mercruiser or what ever that boat engine companys name is..

[Nine Ball]

GM crate engines are under the GM Performance Parts division, they have nothing to do with production car engines.

[silver69camaro]

A couple sources I have say all big blocks (marine or crate) are from Tonawanda. I can't imagine GMPP having their own casting division, but the plant isn't shutting down for good. Interesting to see what happens.

I guess there is always Dart and World.

[JEFFTATE]

GM crate engines are under the GM Performance Parts division, they have nothing to do with production car engines.

Well , there are no "production" Big-Blocks anymore.
They don't have a 454 or 8.1 in a New Suburban or 3500 Dually anymore.
So , all Big-Blocks are for the GM Performance Parts performance line of crate engines nowadays..

I called a guy at GM and he confirmed that the big-block production at Tonowanda will cease , but the GMPP Big -Blocks will continue to be made at a different plant... ( He didn't know where )

[MarkM66]

Not to worry.

There are at least 10 companies making BBC blocks, and 100's making parts.