Couple of simple-questions for BIG-BLOCK GURU's!!

[GMCbigblock]

Hi,

In one of the biggest GMC Truck Forums in our Region (hosting several thousands Members), a long series of discussions took place and still ongoing with no 'clear end', so far! This discussion was triggered in response to 'double-fold question' as follows:

1) Has GM ever built, assembled and made 511 Cubic-Inch Big Block Engine in the production-form?
The same question applies for the 502 Engine?

2) If so, when was that? And, in which specific truck/car this "511 BB-Engine" was offered by GM (indicating whether it was offered for public use, military, special-duty/purpose etc.).
The same question applies for the 502 Engine.

Note: In case other 'GM-Approved Vendors' were/are making those BB-Engines (511, 502 or bigger), then who are they (by name, please)?

Since am residing far away from the 'source of origin' and the famous 'detroit plant', I'll be eager to witness the "undisputed definite truth" and listen to your responses right from the 'formal & credible sources' that you know and believe in.

I trust in your help, and I advised them that I will bring the truth from its source!

 

[b454rat]

I remember years ago, reading the classifieds in the paper about an RV dealership listing an 8.1 liter engine for their new motor homes. This was over 20 years ago, so would be in the late 80s are real early 90s. Not really knowing much at all about cars/trucks in general, I asked my dad what size it was. He figured around 500CI. I've heard about a 510, but not a 511. Not that 1 CI would matter anyways.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Good to hear this, thanks.

In fact, I forgot to add that we opened one of the old GMC Truck's Bigblock engine (in stock-form & factory conditions) and found that its piston has a bigger one than that of 502 (which we put in its bore but was having some play!!). So, we are sure it's a bigger engine than 502 CI (8.2L) but not sure What exactly! Anyway that engine was sold to one of the guys, who saw this surprise and didn't want to miss the chance of such a "big-catch"!

Meanwhile, will be waiting for more.

 

[Stomis]

Alright, **cracks knuckles**, what Im about to tell you is to the best of my knowledge base on work, net research, and experience of my fellow mechanic at work who has 40+ years experience (although I seem to wind up knowing more than him about the obscure sometimes from the web).


The MK4 (traditional big block) was offered in both the standard and tall deck configurations from the factory. Just throwing that out there.

GM 502 production motors as said were offered in RVs, motorhomes, and probably found their way into some medium duty trucks in the 80s and early 90s. Im not sure if these were tall decks or not, I would imagine they were.

This is the biggest big block seen in automotive production applications to my knowledge.

The Gen 6 496 seen in the last OBS trucks (2000-2002) was a completely different top end with LS motor style heads and injections. I often times say and stand by that motor being the best workhorse gasser ever made.






Now on the flip side of the coin production licensed marine stuff like Mercruiser who was still producing new big blocks under GM licensing up until a few years ago offered larger motors that 502s. Im fairly certain they has 540s and may even have had 572s.

 

[GMCbigblock]

Alright. The info am hearing so far is really interesting, showing logic and encouraging digging for more and opening that "bigblock treasure chest"!

 

[454 blazer]

Salam from Bahrain !

 

[GMCbigblock]

Hello neighbors!

Hope you and other CK-Members can benefit from the discussion and collected info. in this Thread.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Ok, unless you posted this question in multiple places I KNOW I responded but my response isn't here now. GM did install the 502 into motorhomes when they first came out and it was and still is offered as a perfromance crate engine. I've never heard of a 511 though.

 

[diesel4me]

Biggest GM engine I've seen other than that "twin six" V-12 they put in some GMC's over 2 ton trucks,was the 637 V8 that I saw in many school busses back in the 70's...none were ever put in anything under a 2 ton truck as far as I know though.....I've seen 401 and 478 V-6 gas engines in large GMC trucks also too..they had pistons as big as coffee cans!...

 

[Keitha]

The 502's were made in the Tonawanda factory near Buffalo NY. Bore =4.466" Stroke = 4.00"

 

[GMCbigblock]

Cool, and am positive about the 502 as I had one earlier of 502HP.
However, the 511 was not heard of, as I knew of late. But could it be other shops are/were making it?

Note: I posted the same Thread in other section, but was advised to re-post it here, as having higher traffic and active participation, which am witnessing. Thanks and staying tuned for more!