Well fair enough, that’s maybe stretching the truth somewhat, but I did get to install both sets of tappets!

You see, along with invited guests and a few fellow journalists, I was in Wixom, Michigan this week to witness (and assist) in the building of this iconic piece of automotive history.

Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan

One hundred million is a colossal number when you think about it, but you have to remember it’s been 56 years since the small-block Chevy V8 made its first appearance. Back then, it boasted just 162 hp and was designed to supply affordable performance to the entry-level sedan market. Over the years, it’s changed and evolved in any number of ways, but the basic concept has remained true; it still provides power to the masses.

The small-block engine has been used in GM vehicles around the world and is currently found in global Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac vehicles, as well as Vauxhall in the United Kingdom and Holden in Australia.

Here in North America, the small-block V8 is in its fourth generation, powering Chevrolet’s full-size trucks, SUVs and vans, midsize trucks and the Camaro and Corvette performance cars. In fact, the 638 hp supercharged LS9 monster powerplant which we’ve just assembled would normally find its way into a brand-new, 329-km/h Corvette ZR1. However, this one won’t be going into anyone’s vehicle. It will be held for posterity, as is befitting, and will most likely end up in the GM museum.

I must say that I was delighted to be invited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It gave me a whole new insight into how these engines are built, and it was a pleasure to meet the team who assemble and affix their personal nameplates on these engines.

The Performance Build Center at Wixom was founded in 2005 and today employs 23 full-time employees. Using state-of-the-art tools, including torque wrenches which not only adjust to individual settings via a bar code system, but also keep count of how many bolts/nuts have been torqued, these LS3/LS7/LS9 engines are hand-assembled by one person from start to finish. They then go through a rigorous inspection process, including cold testing and bench running, before they are finally sent out for fitment.

Photo: Kevin ''Crash'' Corrigan