Chevorlet's V8 options

Does anyone know if an engine was built that would be a V8 but was built with some kind of manual override that would allow the driver to use the engine as a V6? Such as a cylinder shut off that killed the spark for two cylinders all together leaving only Six to burn. I don't know the terminology for this, but I thought that there was such a beast out there in either the Chevrolet or Ford technology in a previous make and model. Does anyone out there have any information as to the terminolgy used, specs, resource material, and reason it is no longer utilized? Just curious for my project with my Chevrolet. I am looking to possibly experiment with many, and I mean many, options with my engine controls, transmission, and four wheel drive. Any information would be greatly appreciated.