boeing46

I understand the smog issues but 190HP. There are so many other options they could have used. Don't get me wrong, The 350 is a great motor and wears like iron but I'm talking about one of the best looking (in my opinion) GM cars ever. Sorta like putting a 4 cylinder engine in a Ferrari.

Dose11

Here we go

qwank

It's fine with me, I think '80-'82 are the best looking ones, and they are CHEAP. A crate motor and new transmission later and you have an awesome car.

AGVI

Don't forget 3.73 rear differential gears!

As for the OP's question. Gas prices and government.

qwank

Well I installed a Richmond 5 speed with the low first gear so no need for the lower rear gears here

BUT yes, those are also an option too

7T1vette

The "muscle era" was over. The EPA was in charge. GM execs were idiots who didn't like powerful cars. Fuel was getting expensive. The insurance industry was getting enormous premiums for big cubed V8 engines with high HP/torque. And the Corvette no longer attracted the 'younger' enthusiast.

So, it became a 'high-end' toy for middle aged folks and more of a status symbol than a "sports car". Is that what you wanted to know?

P.S. Oh, at the time, GM thought Zora Duntov was passe'....

BKbroiler

What other options? During those years what other car had more than 200hp? The manufacturers had all they could handle trying to keep up with tougher emissions requirements every year. Before electronic fuel injection, distributorless ignitions and sophisticated computers, 190hp was the only option.
Gas prices and insurance had nothing to do with it. You can easily insure 600hp cars now.

KenSny

Answer to original posters question: EPA NANNYS!

AGVI

3JsVette

Ever drive a Ferrari from the same era? It wasn't like any manufacturer had something that pinned you in the seat like what's available today.

briankeery

Let's just be thankful that the bureaucrats didn't get their way and scrap the model entirely....

Redwing01

I can get a speeding ticket in a 4cyl.
My stock 73 has plenty enuf power for me , honestly ... I'm not out to race people.

Red99Hardtop

At least the Vette soldiered on through the dark times. You couldnt get a V8 in a Mustang in 74,75 or 76 and all the Mopars were eliminated. At least GM had the Camaro , Vette, and firebird.

Priya

Given the times GM, like all auto manufacturers, did the best they could with the technology they had at the time to meet emission standards and give not too dismal of fuel mileage.

radiotexas

I blame the decline of American Muscle on Jimmy Carter. When he lost that battle with the rabbit that he said was trying to get in his boat and attack him, he took it out his frustrations by gelding Detroit Iron. Each night before I got to sleep, I thank the torque Gods that my sweetheart is a big block '70. 10.25 c.r. is not wild and wooly, but it's still a thrill to dump the clutch, hook up and go straight. The new Corvettes are awesome with power, speed, handling, comfort and good sound systems. At a cruise-in this weekend, I was top down and parked by an '11 Vette that had already been tweaked to almost 800hp...an'11! I would be worried about voiding my warranty. I think summer is here, even for the northern climes. Hope everyone gets to drive the tires off their cars this summer. AND BE SAFE!

blckslvr79

Because THIS is what our fine gubermint was pushing for....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2CqOj5WpMs

radiotexas

blckslvr79 Wow, thanks for that. Made me want to wear ugly clothes with a bad hair do and watch the Love Boat. We've come a long way.

Priya

Now, now, Gremlins are cool cars. As are many AMCs:

http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index...9175#msg299175

radiotexas

Okay, I'm sorry, but I still feel the urge to sing along with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody.
It's 12:08-pm Texas time and I have to get up at 4-am to get the fire going for a brisket, rib, smokin' Sunday. Nighty night, and thank you Mr. Duntov, more than you will ever know.

I'm Batman

GM was way behind the times on fuel injection and computer controls.