It can be so easy to take for granted the common automobile. These once-simplistic forms of transportation now hold more computing power than every manned mission to the moon combined. The assembly of engines has no doubt changed over the years as machine and man work side by side.

We came across this brief video giving us an inside look at GM”s Tonawanda Engine plant, specifically the assembly of the L-850, better known as the “EcoTec” family of engines. No, it isn’t some high-horsepower V8 engine…but much of the processes remain the same, starting with the blank engine bits that arrive at the factory, ready for machining.

There are numerous versions of every GM engines, whether its the 6.2 liter V8 or the 2.0 liter EcoTec. So each engine block, crankshaft, and cylinder head takes a different path through the factory, machined to different specs depending on its ultimate purpose in life.

Having rebuilt engines ourselves, it makes us a little jealous to see how streamlined GM has made the engine assembly process. Difficult jobs like installing the rear seal, assembling the pistons and rods, and other time-consuming jobs take mere seconds at the GM engine plant.

Not every job can be done by machine though, like installing the timing chain kit; that requires a human touch. The ten-minute video gives great insight into the whole assembly process, and if you’re into mechanical stuff, you’ll probably find this video as interesting as we did. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.