Corvette debuted in January of 1953 as a show car in the GM Motorama. It was a stylish two-seat convertible, designed to show the world that GM could create a sports car to compete with European nameplates like Jaguar and MG. All 1953 Corvettes were Polo White with red interiors. The response to the Motorama show car was overwhelmingly positive, and production began that June in Flint, Michigan. It would change the landscape of the American road forever. They were powered by the existing Chevrolet 235-cu.-in. 6-cylinder engine that was modified with a three-carburetor design and dual exhaust to give it more sports car-like performance.

       Which lead to the way for the development of the small-block engines such as the; (283, 327, & 350) or the mouse motor as it was referred to in the early hot Roding days in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Today 38 years after introduction the small-block is the most popular engine in the enthusiast market with the vast array of performance parts available to turn them into a mild 325 horsepower to a wild 383 stroker with 510 horse power. The big-block Chevy (396, 427, & The 454) or the rat motor as it was referred to in the early hot roding became the standard for brute power for the serious street machine to all out competition racing.

       If you are restoring your early corvette we can upgrade the horse power and still keep it looking original. Please call us for details.

          Whether your vehicle is a hot rod, street car, muscle car, race car, or even a timeless classic, here at Pro-formance Unlimited we are here to help design and build the combination that best suits your vehicles needs. Please browse our engine combinations listed below or custom design one of your own. Pro-formance Unlimited is best known for our precision custom designs. From that special built stroker engine to that turn-key drop in ready crate engines, call Doug or Steve we will be happy to answer any of your questions.