GM Performance Parts three new, power-packed, engine packages

FOR RELEASE: February 13, 2002

GM Performance Parts Unveils New Crate Engine Lineup For 2002

Detroit, MI.- With an expanded crate engine lineup for 2002, GM Performance Parts will announce the availability of three new, power-packed, engine packages - the 350 HP Factory Stock and the 355 HP Limited Late Model Circle Track engines, and the HT 383 Truck and Performance engine. These all-new crate engines will be unveiled at the Circle Track Racing Expo to be held in Daytona, Florida, Feb. 12-17. Consumers are expected to seize the high-power, high-value engines with the same kind of speed the powerplants deliver in a street machine or racecar.

"GM Performance Parts values customer's needs above all else," said Bill Fitzgerald, GM Performance Parts manager. "These new Circle Track crate engines are designed to meet and exceed customer needs, while reducing the cost of racing. And the HT 383 offers great value to truck enthusiasts."

GM Performance Parts crate engines are engineered and manufactured using GM's vast resources, stringent specs and testing demands. These engines offer factory-developed technology that has been proven on the world's racetracks.

Factory Stock 350 HP
Saturday night Factory Stock Street Stock racers need look no further. Value, power and durability are what you get from the Factory Stock 350 HP. Based on the small block 350 HO crate engine, the 350 HP circle track engine has earned a solid reputation for durability. This factory sealed crate engine package, complete with a high rise dual plane intake manifold, stamped steel valve covers with racing style breathers, and 8-quart single kick-out circle track racing pan, doesn't sacrifice power over durability. The 350 HP just pumps up the value and makes it easier than ever to power a race car.

Additionally, the Factory Stock 350 HP crate engine features a nodular cast iron crankshaft, iron Vortec heads with 1.94-inch intake vales and 1.50-inch exhaust valves, flat tappet hydraulic lifters, and a HEI distributor. The part number for the 350 HP Circle Track crate engine is 88958602.

Limited Late Model 355 HP ZZ4
For those Saturday night racers who want even more than what the 350 HP has to offer - look to the Limited Late Model 355 HP ZZ4 circle track engine. GM Performance Parts continues to improve its successful family of engines with the all-new 355 HP ZZ4. Similar to the 350 HP, the 355 HP ZZ4 is a factory sealed crate engine package that provides many of the same outstanding features, including stamped steel valve covers and a 8-quart dual kick-out circle track racing oil pan. A 1053 forged steel crankshaft, aluminum heads with 1.94-inch intake valves and 1.50-inch exhaust valves, hydraulic roller lifters, and a normal rotation iron water pump make the 355 HP a great value-priced small block package. The part number for the Limited Late Model 355 HP ZZ4 Circle Track crate engine is 88958603.

Small Block Power To Tow or To Go: HT 383 ci
For those consumers interested in displaying more power on the streets - look to the HT 383 ci engine. Whether the HT 383 is used for towing or four wheeling, the key factor is high torque. And the all-new GM Performance Parts small block crate engine packs a walloping 400 foot-pounds of torque from 2500 and at 4000 rpm, with a peak of 435 foot-pounds of torque. The specially tuned for torque engine, with its 3.80-inch stroke and Vortec cylinder heads, delivers great power for a truck or street rod. Developed with a roller cam, special heavy duty forged powdered metal connecting rods, "4340" forged crankshaft and hypereutectic pistons, the HT 383 produces an impressive 340 horsepower at 4500 rpm. The HT 383 is the ideal replacement for any carbureted 1977 and older vehicle. The part number for the HT 383 Truck and Performance crate engine is 12497317.

"The all-new crate engines have undergone the same rigorous development and validation testing practices that GM Performance Parts uses with all of our parts and components to ensure quality, performance and long-term durability," said Fitzgerald.

Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Winston Cup Driver, will be on hand to promote the crate engines at the Circle Track trade show. Attendees also will be invited to win a HT 383 crate engine as part of GM Performance Parts efforts to generate enthusiastic customers. Attendees will be able to participate in the engine giveaway by stopping by the Chevrolet booth and filling out an entry form. Harvick will be signing autographs in the Chevrolet booth on Friday, Feb. 15, from 6p.m.- 7p.m., and will pull the winning ticket for the HT 383 engine at 7p.m.

In 2002, GM Performance Parts will be participating in several events geared towards enthusiasts. These events provide GM Performance Parts an opportunity to meet with customers in order to understand their needs and an opportunity to raise awareness of their products by demonstrating and displaying a sampling of product offerings. A few of the enthusiast events include, Back to the 50's in St. Paul, Minnesota, the National Street Rod Association Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Super Chevy Sunday in Montgomery, Alabama

SPO, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Mich., markets automotive replacement parts and accessories worldwide under the GM and ACDelco brand names. For more information, visit the GM Goodwrench Service Plus web site at Goodwrench.com or visit your local GM Dealer.

General Motors , the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide. In 2000, GM earned $5.0 billion on sales of $ 183.3 billion, excluding special items. It employs about 372,000 people globally.