The Chrysler Hemi and Chevrolet big block did more than power quarter-mile passes. They became shorthand for two rival philosophies of American horsepower, each with its own mythology and fan base.

The GM Gen 6 Small Block is a family of gasoline eight cylinder engines produced by General Motors Company for use in various vehicles, including sports cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and possibly vans.

With prices of classic muscle cars like the Dodge Charger or Chevy's Chevelle SS heading for the stratosphere, a common way to cobble your own together on the cheap is to purchase a lowly six-cylinder ...