This discussion came up at work. The topic was GM decision to have a “corporate” engine and do away with every brand having its own engine line.

I vaguely recall one of the GM instructors for a training class telling us the warranty cost per unit for the Oldsmobile 307 was just a little better than the 305 Chevy. The reason GM “updated” the Chevy engine with the one piece rear main, center valve covers, and other improvements was to cut warranty work costs once the Chevy engine became the “corporate” engine. The biggest reason GM eliminated the Oldsmobile engine from the lineup was the Corvette. History has shown the bow tie boys don’t like it when their flagship is outdone (the Grand National and TTA is a perfect example). You couldn’t have a Corvette without a Chevy engine.

Any truth to this? I’d love to have some actual data to verify if true.