The Long Road to the All-Aluminum Small-Block Chevy
Image Credit: Photo by K. Scott Teeters
Meet the Grandfather of the All-Aluminum 377 SBC: the 427 ZL-1, the 430 Can-Am, and the LS-Series Engines: The Mighty Allison V-12 Aircraft Engine
The story of Zora Arkus-Duntov’s all-aluminum 377 racing engine begins twenty-five years before Harley Earl conceived of a Chevrolet sports car while attending the 1951 Watkins Glenn Grand Prix. First, we need to look at the mighty Allison V-1710 aircraft engine.
Harley Earl wasn’t personally interested in sports cars, but he clearly saw the enthusiasm and passion from the attendees. His conclusion launched the entire Corvette experience. Image Credit: GM Archives
The roots of the Allison Engine Company date back to 1904, when James Allison, Percy C. Avery, and Carl Fisher formed the Acetylene Company. They made acetylene headlights for automobiles. By 1919, the Fisher Brothers (“Body By Fisher” coach-builders) sold 60% of the company to General Motors.
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