I started learning to work on cars in the late 1970s by helping my stepdad turn salvaged mid-1960s Chevy Chevelles into street-stock-class race cars. Throughout that period, I had my hands on a number ...

Not all small-block V8s were created equal, but this one was destined to shine from the first ignition.

The small-block Chevrolet that enthusiasts still argue about was never supposed to be a legend. On paper it was a 290 horsepower V8 built for a showroom racing special, rated just below the big ...