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Evolution: After serving two years beneath Camaro hoods, the 350 small-block finally replaced the reliable 327 V-8 as the Corvette's standard power source in 1969, and RPO LT-1 was listed as an option that year. Chevrolet had to cancel the option until 1970 due to a parts shortage. In 1970 The LT-1 debuted as the Corvette's high performance small-block with 370 horsepower. In 1971 the LT-1 had 330 horsepower and in 1972, it's last year of production, the LT-1 was rated at 255 net horsepower. By the early 70’s high performance began slipping. The LT-1 died after 72, the last big-block options were banished after 1974, and the convertible departed after 1975, a victim of falling demand. In 1973 the L-82 RPO was introduced as one of three engines that year, becoming the “high performance” small-block for the Corvette through 1980. It sort of replaced the LT-1 option that was last used in 1972. That doesn't mean that the L-82 was anything close to the LT-1; it just provided the owner with something besides the rather anemic L-48 base engine. What is an L-82? Horsepower ratings varied from year to year as Chevrolet attempted to meet changing emissions and fuel economy requirements. L-82 horsepower ratings ranged from a high of 250 in 19'73-19'74 to a low of 205 in 19'75. In 1980, it's last year of production, the L-82 was rated at 230 horsepower.
Source:
The
Corvette Black Book |