Formula 5000 (1968)
Spiralling costs in single-seater racing prompted the introduction of Formula 5000. Using older single-seater chassis fitted with a 302cu in (5.0-litre) V8, it made for cheap, fast motorsport. Chevrolet small block engines came to dominate as they gave an easy 500 HP and could rev to 8000 RPM.
The series was established in the USA, but spread to other parts of the world. Many famous drivers made their names in F5000, including Mario Andretti, Brian Redman, Jody Scheckter, Al and Bobby Unser.
Chevrolet Blazer K5 (1969)
Pre-dating the Range Rover by a year, the Chevrolet Blazer K5 offered superb off-road ability allied to on-road comfort and plenty of power. This last element came from the small block V8 motor in 307 (5.0-litre) and 350cu in (5.7-litre) forms, as well as a wheezy six-cylinder engine.
Choose the top-line 350 V8 and you had 258 HP on tap and a choice of three-speed auto or four-speed manual transmissions. With the relaxed torque from either V8, the Blazer was ideal for trickling over tough terrain. Successive generations offered more of the same with the small block at its heart until the line ended in 1995.
Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am (1969)
Immortalised in the Smokey and the Bandit films, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was an uprated version of the standard Firebird coupe. Right from the start, the marker was laid down with the Trans Am being the most powerful model available with 350 HP from a 400cu in (6.5-litre) motor.
Little did buyers know this would be the high point for factory engine power as emissions regulations took hold in the 1970s. However, a rare dealer-fit option could take the engine to 500 HP and unleash the true potential of this motor.
Holden Commodore (1978)
As the Australian outpost of General Motors, Holden was quick to use its parent company’s engines when it launched the Commodore in 1978. The home market was a willing audience for the small block V8 and the Holden-ised version started off as a 253cu in (4.1-litre) unit.