Chevy has divided these engines into categories so people can decipher their differences. The first of the small blocks is the generation 1 engines, which are the very first ones to be produced. They include the 265, 267, 283, and the 262. They are the pioneers of the small block line. Next, are the generation 2 engines, which include 302,305,307,327,350,and the 400. These are the most popular and powerful of their time respectively. These engines were produced closer to the muscle car era of the late sixties, and early seventies. There are many of these engines still in service today. This group of engines were the main stay through the mid- eighties until Chevy switched to another type of induction on this same generation but almost completely different engine. Next Chevy would venture into a whole new realm of engines in the early nineties; this group of engines would be the LT-1, and the LT-4's. These engines were completely different in that they had the standard iron block but upgraded to aluminum heads and intakes as well as they were fuel injected. These engines enjoyed the advantages of the rock solid foundation of 350 cubic inches and new modern cylinder heads for increased output. And they also had a completely different ignition system, which was located in the front of the engine on the timing cover. This engine debuted in the 92" Corvette and later was put in the 93" Camaros. Next was the LS-1 engine family, which is completely aluminum. The block, heads, and intake are all aluminum, which is great for heat dissipation and weight savings. This engine is also built on the great bore and stroke combination of about 350 cubic inches, the LS-1 is actually 347 cubic inches because Chevy decided to decrease the bore size a little bit. This was so they could increase their stroke just a little bit due to economic purposes. This engine is Chevy's most advanced small block ever and they produced this engine for their performance cars on their production line.
