![]() ![]() Chevy used the LT-9 and LS9s to power their trucks, and most of the engines from the 1970s were discontinued.Ĭhevy dropped the 350 engine from the Camaro between 1982-1986, and the Corvette’s version languished between 205-240 hp. Emissions restrictions were still proving challenging for GM and Chevrolet to overcome, which meant continued low power and the prioritizing of fuel economy. The 1980s did not start out much kinder for the Chevy 350 engines. ![]() The End of the First Gen Chevy Small Block 350s The LT-1 is one of the most frequently restored small block engines, due to its superior performance and design. The LT-1 is one of the finest Chevy 350 engines they ever created, and the ZQ3 and L82s are both solid V8s. Really, the only small block Chevy 350 engines capable of any performance were the LT-1, ZQ3, and L82s. In 1975, the highest output Chevy 350 engine was the LM1 at a measly 155 hp. The LT-1 reached a peak of 370 hp in 1970, before the L65 cratered out at 145 hp from 1973-1975. Part of the decline came from the restricted tuning, but the change in horsepower ratings to SAE net made it seem worse than it was. Manufacturers prefer to use SAE gross because of the higher numbers, but SAE net has been the standard since 1972.Īlmost overnight, the most powerful 350 engines lost 150 hp. Rather than SAE gross figures, which are measured in more controlled environments that allow for better performance. SAE net figures, while lower, are more accurate measures of how much power engines produce under real world conditions. However, starting in 1972 they were forced to switch to SAE net figures, which are usually much lower. Previous to 1972, auto manufacturers labeled engine power output in terms of SAE gross figures. Lastly, was the switch in how Chevy was allowed to rate their engines. Second, was the switch from unleaded to leaded fuel, which increased the loss of power by necessitating more mild tuning with less advanced ignition timing. Unfortunately, the 1970s created multiple problems for Chevy 350 engines.įirst, was the increasing emissions restrictions, which choked power output for years. In the 1970s, Chevy launched another four 350s the ZQ3, LT-1, L82, and LS9 V8s. Both the LM1 and L65 350s made less than 200 hp, and were relatively undesirable versions. Both of them made north of 300 hp, with the L46 making 350 hp during its limited run. Chevy launched four different versions of the 350 in the 1960s the L48, L46, L65, and LM1 V8s.Īmong these engines, really only the L48/6 are widely regarded. Chevy immediately put the 350 in their 1967 Camaro SS, and by 1969 they had made it available in the Corvette, Caprice, Impala, El Camino, and Chevelle. They developed the 350 cid (5.7L) from the existing 327 small blocks they had made since 1962. Chevy 350 Common Problems and ReliabilityĬhevrolet initially introduced the small block engines in 1955, and they came out with the 350 cid version in 1967.Second Gen Changes to the Chevy 350 Small Block.Chevy 350 Small Block First Gen Designs.Chevrolet 350 Engine Production Years by RPO.Chevy 350 Small Block Vehicle Applications and Production Years.The Second Gen Small Block 350’s Return to Form.The End of the First Gen Small Block 350s.The 1970s Restrictions on the Chevy 350s.However, Chevy still offers a crate version today for any hot rodders looking for 350 small block power. Unfortunately, production Chevy 350 engines bit the dust in 2002 with the introduction of the LS-Generation of small blocks. Most famously, Chevy put several variants of them in the Chevelle SS, Camaro SS, and Corvette ZR-1. The 350 small block V8s had 17 different variants available spanning two generations, starting in the 1967 model year. Among the different versions, the small block Chevy 350 engine is probably the most well known and widely utilized. Incredibly, Chevy has manufactured well over 100 million small block engines since 1954. They powered everything from muscle cars, to sports cars, to economy sedans and vans, and even trucks and SUVs. For nearly fifty years, Chevy small block V8 engines were some of the top choices available for domestic vehicles. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |