Big Block Power
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Safety Car
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2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Big Block Power
Interesting read on Big Block true power, with a comparison to C5 LS1 power numbers.
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/co...orvette-engine
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/co...orvette-engine
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Minnesota
Fascinating that they were able to produce comparable power numbers in the 60’s with cubic inches and compression that was only rivaled 40 years later with roller cams, multi port fuel injection, and coil on plug ignition. I’m not sure I would consider a quarter mile time between a C2 and a C5 to be an accurate comparison of horsepower though. A C5 is leap years ahead as far as gearing, suspension, and aerodynamics. Which is probably why it’s able to get a comparable time with “only” the ~375 gross horsepower that most people claim for the LS1.
Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened in 1970 and beyond if the engines like the LS-7, LJ-2, and LT-2 made it to production. Obviously the EPA and bean counters killed them off, but emission requirements have been a driving force in engine development. Without it I’m not sure things like forced induction and fuel injection would have caught on rather than just relying on displacement to make power.
Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened in 1970 and beyond if the engines like the LS-7, LJ-2, and LT-2 made it to production. Obviously the EPA and bean counters killed them off, but emission requirements have been a driving force in engine development. Without it I’m not sure things like forced induction and fuel injection would have caught on rather than just relying on displacement to make power.
Race Director
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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From: Virginia
I had the opposite takeaway of some. In 30 years of development, GM was able to build an all-aluminum engine that would match the early big-block performance, but be lighter, start every time, and last 300,000 miles.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Minnesota
You don’t have to imagine, the ZZ632 uses coil on plug ignition, port fuel injection, a roller cam, and has a valley cover separating the hot crankcase from the intake manifold. That combined with the old school method of compression (12:1) and cubic inches it can make 1,004 horsepower!
Which is impressive, but look at what GM is currently doing with the new LT7. Flat plane crank, 8,000 RPM redline, both port and direct injection with 24 PSI of boost feeding “only” 5.5 liters at 9.8:1, and it makes 1,064! I love the sound of large displacement engines more than smaller ones, but you have to admit this technology is pretty cool.
BTW, yes LS1s were rated at net HP, but looking at posts on this forum and others most people say somewhere in the high 300s for a gross number. I would be curious to see some actual dyno results.
Which is impressive, but look at what GM is currently doing with the new LT7. Flat plane crank, 8,000 RPM redline, both port and direct injection with 24 PSI of boost feeding “only” 5.5 liters at 9.8:1, and it makes 1,064! I love the sound of large displacement engines more than smaller ones, but you have to admit this technology is pretty cool.
BTW, yes LS1s were rated at net HP, but looking at posts on this forum and others most people say somewhere in the high 300s for a gross number. I would be curious to see some actual dyno results.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I know nothing about newer cars and I really don't care how much horsepower they make at 6 to 7 to 8000 rpm. So what? I come on this forum because I love the 60s big blocks. My 500+ torque at 3100 rpm gives me all the thrills that I need.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Minnesota
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,079
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My window sticker is $5,843.40
This 2023 ZO6 is only $140,000
I read the 2025 ZR1 is up to $240,000
Whats in your wallet?
Last edited by Faster Rat; May 18, 2025 at 10:11 AM.
Race Director
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From: FL
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
My wife and I recently purchased a new 2024 Chevy Colorado Z71 pickup with a 4 cylinder which makes more torque than my old 80’s one ton Dually with a 454.
The 4 cylinder cruises down the highway at 1800 rpm at 70 mph while the old 454 cruised at 3200 rpm at 70.
23 mpg compared to 8 mpg.
I can tow 7700 lbs with the 4 cylinder Colorado.
What’s not to like?
The 4 cylinder cruises down the highway at 1800 rpm at 70 mph while the old 454 cruised at 3200 rpm at 70.
23 mpg compared to 8 mpg.
I can tow 7700 lbs with the 4 cylinder Colorado.
What’s not to like?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
I seriously question the validity of the "1960's Muscle car" vs. the "2025 muscle car" quarter mile times comparisons. Yes, there's no doubt that the early cars had an enormous amount of power, but they also had skinny-assed tires, and spent most of their time in 1st and 2nd gear, spinning those tires, while the new tires allow for better "hook", therefore lower ETs.. Let's find one of those "bad-***" 1970 SS454, LS-6 equipped Chevelle SSs, and to a back to back test, first with the F-70x14 tires that were OE, then slip on a pair of current, 40 series "gumballs", like a C-8 Corvette has as OE, and see how the ETs compare. Even better yet, get a hold of a good running, stock, 1967 427 Corvette, with the OE 7.35x15 tires, and do a similar comparison test.....
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
I had the pleasure to own A 70 SS big block Chevelle with cowl induction.
Back then we installed ladder bars to hook up and also big fat meats in the rear.
It was fast, but it was heavy as well.
Compared to today’s big horse powered lighter weight cars, I would say the new cars definitely have the edge.
But they should.
Back then we installed ladder bars to hook up and also big fat meats in the rear.
It was fast, but it was heavy as well.
Compared to today’s big horse powered lighter weight cars, I would say the new cars definitely have the edge.
But they should.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2024
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From: Toronto, Ontario