Re: SO who came up with the GMC V6's???
The economics of replacing a well regarded engine design with something cheaper has not been only with the GMC V6 family.
In the 1950s Chrysler produced many trucks under the Dodge brand which were fitted with the Chrysler double rockershaft engine, a highly regarded design which became popular for drag racing where they were known as "Hemis". These strong, well built engines were long-lived and very durable. But the complexity of the valve layout and the machined combustion chamber made this an expensive engine to produce--more than the other competitors in the luxury car market.
The replacement was a big block engine which shared a lot of design elements of the small block Chevy V8 and was used from 1958 until 1978. Though nice engines, they weren't anywhere nearly well regarded as what was replaced.
I look at the GMC V6 and I am impressed with the 100% great design incorporated into the engines. I guess 14 years was a good run, though. And here we are, all singing the praise!
-Andy Carlson
Ojai CA
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