Topic: Most Powerful 'Vette (C3 and below)
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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Hey Folks,
Just curious as to your opinion(s)...
Which 'Vette model (stock) was the most powerful in the C1 --> C3 generations?
Thanks,
JSGarner
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Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
I'm really no authority on such matters, but I'd bet the L88 powered late '60s models would be right there in the competition.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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http://www.corvettelegends.com/zl1.htm
VETTERBOB 2008-05-19 09:11:05
here it is! the 1969 Z-L1 underated by chevy at 435 hp. with headers and tune it would put out 585hp. this is a variation of the L-88 and only 2 were produced.
I totally agree with Jimmy, the 67(20 made), 68(80 made) & 69(116 made) L88's, which were rated at 430hp, were among the best and most powerful of the C3s.
Dejablu 2008-05-19 08:46:41
Larry
Ooopps. I agree with Bob about the ZL1. Missed that one. 
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The ZL1 was the most killer of all of the factory Corvettes until recent years. Just cause there were only two sold doesn't mean they don't count, either! ZL1s were also installed in many more Camaros.
The ZL1 didn't actually produce any more HP than the L88, but the lighter weight of the engine made the car much more manageable...as well as more temperamental.
The L88s and ZL1s were purposely under-rated for HP to keep the Johnny Racer types from buying them. The L71s were rated at 435hp...5 more than the L88/ZL1. The L88/ZL1s needed headers, and some other tweaks to get them up to the reported almost 600hp range...they would NOT do it in factory trim.
Just to remind ya'll...of the TWO ZL1 Corvettes sold, one of them is a registered C3VR member!(John73) Bought the car new, and ordered it with the automatic trans. Had a bit of difficulty getting it built like that, but he did get it, and he still owns it! Is that kewl or WHAT?!
The ZL1 didn't actually produce any more HP than the L88, but the lighter weight of the engine made the car much more manageable...as well as more temperamental.
The L88s and ZL1s were purposely under-rated for HP to keep the Johnny Racer types from buying them. The L71s were rated at 435hp...5 more than the L88/ZL1. The L88/ZL1s needed headers, and some other tweaks to get them up to the reported almost 600hp range...they would NOT do it in factory trim.
Just to remind ya'll...of the TWO ZL1 Corvettes sold, one of them is a registered C3VR member!(John73) Bought the car new, and ordered it with the automatic trans. Had a bit of difficulty getting it built like that, but he did get it, and he still owns it! Is that kewl or WHAT?!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
that is cool. i remember seeing the post on that car. there was a `69 Z-L1 camaro at a car show i was at last November. he took best in show. by the way , it was Cortez Silver
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]The ZL1 was the most killer of all of the factory Corvettes until recent years. Just cause there were only two sold doesn't mean they don't count, either! ZL1s were also installed in many more Camaros.
The ZL1 didn't actually produce any more HP than the L88, but the lighter weight of the engine made the car much more manageable...as well as more temperamental.
The L88s and ZL1s were purposely under-rated for HP to keep the Johnny Racer types from buying them. The L71s were rated at 435hp...5 more than the L88/ZL1. The L88/ZL1s needed headers, and some other tweaks to get them up to the reported almost 600hp range...they would NOT do it in factory trim.
Just to remind ya'll...of the TWO ZL1 Corvettes sold, one of them is a registered C3VR member!(John73) Bought the car new, and ordered it with the automatic trans. Had a bit of difficulty getting it built like that, but he did get it, and he still owns it! Is that kewl or WHAT?! [/QUOTE]
The ZL1 didn't actually produce any more HP than the L88, but the lighter weight of the engine made the car much more manageable...as well as more temperamental.
The L88s and ZL1s were purposely under-rated for HP to keep the Johnny Racer types from buying them. The L71s were rated at 435hp...5 more than the L88/ZL1. The L88/ZL1s needed headers, and some other tweaks to get them up to the reported almost 600hp range...they would NOT do it in factory trim.
Just to remind ya'll...of the TWO ZL1 Corvettes sold, one of them is a registered C3VR member!(John73) Bought the car new, and ordered it with the automatic trans. Had a bit of difficulty getting it built like that, but he did get it, and he still owns it! Is that kewl or WHAT?!
[/QUOTE]
joel, the L-71 was the tri- power right. awesome power plant. actually my favorite. brings big $$$$$ though. especially in a `67
The Mack daddy in case your interested.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe - Matching Numbers
427/435 Tri Power
4 Speed, M21 Close Ratio, 336 Gears
Tank Sticker, Transistorized Ignition.
Goodwood Green with Green Vinyl Interior (rare combination)
All original glass - correctly dated.
Shoulder Harness (1 of 1426)
Frame up body on restoration.
All new front and rear suspension.
GM Side Exhaust, AM/FM Radio
Price: $85,000.
Information Call George at 845-528-4682 Or
Cell Phone 914-523-8689
VETTERBOB 2008-05-19 14:34:16
427/435 Tri Power
4 Speed, M21 Close Ratio, 336 Gears
Tank Sticker, Transistorized Ignition.
Goodwood Green with Green Vinyl Interior (rare combination)
All original glass - correctly dated.
Shoulder Harness (1 of 1426)
Frame up body on restoration.
All new front and rear suspension.
GM Side Exhaust, AM/FM Radio
Price: $85,000.
Information Call George at 845-528-4682 Or
Cell Phone 914-523-8689
Lifetime MemberFrederick, MD - USA
Joined: 2/20/2003
Posts: 548
Vette(s): Frederick County Corvette Club (Maryland)
Tan 64 365 Hp Conv 4 sp
Red 72 4 sp Conv ..running a '68 327
Blue 76 Coupe L 48 4 sp
White 79 Coupe L 82 auto
Silver 98 Conv, 6 sp
35th Anniv '88 vette
Out of curiosity...what year did the Mid Year high HP Big Blocks all come from the factory with the license plate NOT LOCATED IN THE CENTER but off to the drivers side of the car ? only seen 2 in my life...but can not remember what year?
Bob G.
Bob G.
Bob
64,72 & 98 Corvette Ragtops
76 & 79 & qa 88 ANC Corvette Coupes 
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hhhmmmmm Bob, never seen that. According to all the pictures i have in all my books , not one is shown like that. Could that have been an owner mod for some reason! Anyone else have an idea?
in Forum: All Vettes Discussion
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