The unique, by several millions, Chevy small block V-8 has been made in
countless applications. From a base size of 265 cubic inches, to its most
popular 350 cubes, it has filled in with 283, 327, and been expanded to 383 and
400. From 2 bbl. to dual quad to fuel injected, the variations seem endless, to
the point it is the V-8 of choice in several Ford based hot rods too. It seems
they are everywhere, and in everything, and everyone can identify with them.
Designed by Harry Barr and his engineering team, he took what he believed the
perfect formula for an engine and built it, sending it into production with
limited testing. And today that formula speaks for itself, as many larger and
more powerful engines have met against it and lost, raced against it and placed
second, and competed in the marketplace, and disappeared. In a muscle car
fueled world where there is no substitute for cubic inches, the Chevy small
block rewrites the rules. Hemis may sound romantic, the 409 was so fine, SD 455
Pontiacs were fast, and even Ford’s small block 221-260-289-302-5.0 are almost
as famous, but nothing comes close to a fine tuned 327 under the hood. Put it
in a Camaro or Corvette, and let the others fall behind.
Yet at one time in the calendar of muscle cars, 455, 454, 429,428, 426, and
440 cubic inch motors were available, and many were chosen for their brute
power, but lost some in the handling department as the extra weight on the front
end made them nose heavy, and steer harsh. Again the lighter weight small block
ruled, proving there was a replacement for displacement. Engine size may have
won arguments, but the small block won races, as power to the ground was more
important than power under the hood. Today we still find them everywhere and it
seems in every application. Easy to work on, an endless supply of parts, both
OEM and aftermarket, and a following second to none, the Chevy small block may
never be replaced in the lore of speed and racing.
Looking under the hood of my neighbor’s new 2016 Malibu, it has a 1500 cc
turbo charged motor, making some 170 horses. Appliance like, we are forced by
fuel economy regulations to go the smaller size, and add turbocharging to get
the most from the motor. Efficient yes, and even hot rodding, or adding
performance will not come from adding cubes, but from software programs. All 95
cubic inches of 4 cylinder straining to perform, based on how a computer tells
it to function. All hidden under a plastic shroud, hidden from public view, as
size matters still to many, and when asked “what’s under the hood?” many don’t
know, can’t or won’t say, and wouldn’t even if they did. No more Chevy orange,
or Ford blue found, just a motor which could be used to run a pump if needed,
let alone a car. Where are the songs about “my fast 95,” and even putting the
pedal to the medal is electric. I guess it is up to collectors, enthusiasts,
and gear heads to kept the old motors alive. Long live the small block Chevy,
for over 60 years she has reigned supreme.
So power still reigns, but in a different way. Getting it to the ground is
still the final measure, and traction is paramount to winning races. All the
power in the world is useless when the tires spin and the car not moving
forward. Burnouts are fun, and attract a crowd, but being first at the finish
line has always attracted a larger and different crowd. For years we have heard
recited the following verse in church, “not by might, not by power, but by my
spirit says the Lord of hosts,” and the teachings are numerous. So many times
in the Bible and in real life today, we think that size, horsepower, or might
makes right. Being shot by a .22 may not hurt as much as a .357, but it still
hurts. You may have the votes to write a new law and see it passed, it still
must be signed. You can threaten, posture, intimidate, and even ridicule your
opponent, but on game day, it is the spirit that intervenes. David versus a 12
fingered giant Philistine, when asked replied “he was with me against the lion
and the bear, I expect him to be with me now.” Speaking of the spirit. When
Gideon and his too fat to bend over and drink army were outnumbered, it was God
via his spirit who intervened, and provided the victory. A Sampson blinded by
love and blinded by having his eyes gouged out won a victory via God’s spirit.
In each case, they were underpowered, yet God used them to win, to claim the
victory. And in each case they gave him all the glory. It wasn’t about might,
the size of the motor, or the power, but what it put out. It was via the spirit
putting it to the ground that gave victory, and in each case it was different.
Only God’s spirit was the difference. Being right with God, being in the spirit
gave victory then, and still does today.
Before his crucifixion Jesus told his disciples he would leave a helper,
the holy spirit to guide them, and they would do even greater things. These 12,
then 11 men who were absent in the garden, absent at the cross, and huddled
afraid in the upper room after his death, were powerless in themselves. Yet
when the spirit came upon them, they all did mighty things, from Pentacost to
today, the spirit still gives life. And victory to those who need it when
called upon. It never has been about the size of the army, but the size of the
hearts of man, and the spirit dwelling within them. And that spirit is the same
today, as it was yesterday, and will be tomorrow.
Today many are still saved by the spirit, healed by the spirit, teach and
speak in the spirit that a loving God has given them via his son Jesus Christ.
The spirit tells us we need a savior, then reveals him as Jesus. And empowers
us to live a life in him. Yet many are still ego fired by pride, and think size
is best. From mega churches, to mega ministries, to mega money, without the
spirit of God within, they are powerless. Jesus told us “we can do nothing
apart from him,” yet we try and fail. When we don’t have to. If only we were
satisfied with what his spirit has provided, we would see more of God in our
lives, and more blessings to go with him. God even has a term for it, meekness,
power under control. The size of a big block God, contained in a smaller size
package, his people. And that power is available to all, but only by his spirit
will it ever see the light of day.
Which may explain burnouts, they look good for awhile, and attract crowds,
but when the flag is dropped, despite the power and might advantage, still
fail. The power found in the small block, the parable of the small block is
still alive in us today, it just takes the spirit to unleash it and bless us.
Today 200 hp bikes get around the track at speeds unheard of just a few years
ago, but have no better track times than a 100 hp 600cc racer. Power to the
pavement, handling and agility, we need them in life as well as on the track.
God calls it his spirit, and we may be small in stature and number, but when God
is for us, who can be against us? You plus God still makes a majority, and we
can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. By his spirit. Not by
might, not by power. What will it take to unleash the spirit of Christ in you?
That 12 fingered giant may be a nasty boss, an unhappy spouse, a bill with
no way to pay it, a trip to the doctor with bad results, or simply wondering
“how will I ever make it through another day?” By his spirit we are healed,
driven, protected, guided, and given a reason to go on. This wonderful
counselor Christ left us will guide us into all things, when we let him guide.
But being a gentleman, he never pushes his own will upon us. From the day of
creation, the same spirit that hovered over an unformed and void earth is still
creating today. Still bringing life, and changing lives. Where the spirit is
there is liberty, and life. Abundant. What drives you? Better yet, who drives
you? That what is really a who, and the who is the spirit. More famous and in
many more variations than a Chevy 350, but only in one formula-love. Get all
you need from God today via his spirit, walk in it, live in it, and know that no
matter who you pull up next to and wants to race, you have the spirit. And that
the race, just like the battles we face belong to the Lord. A simple formula,
but proven. By people just like us who trusted God to get them through when all
else seemed dark. One small block engine has fueled so many to victory, but
never can come close to the spirit of God. What’s in your heart is more
powerful than anything under your hood. God got it right from the start....by
his spirit. In the beginning, God by his spirit, and he still does today. The
substitute for cubic inches.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com