1977 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray startup

Description

The third generation was patterned after Chevrolet's "Mako Shark II" show car, started in 1968 and ended in 1982. This generation has the distinction of being introduced to the motoring public in an unorthodox—and unintended—fashion. 1968 marked the introduction of Mattel's now-famous Hot Wheels line of 1/64-scale die cast toy cars. General Motors had tried their best to keep the appearance of the upcoming car a secret, but the release of the Hot Wheels line several weeks before the Corvette's unveiling had a certain version of particular interest to Corvette fans: the "Custom Corvette", a GM-authorized model of the 1968 Corvette. The 1968 Corvette was called a Sting Ray in Chevrolet ads. Stingray emblems were added on 1969 models. In 1969, the 350 cu in (5.7 L) engine became available in the Corvette and was the only year that an all-aluminum 427 cu in (7 L) big block titled the ZL-1 was available. It was reported to produce around 550 horsepower and was a race option. In 1970 the 427 big block was enlarged to 454 cu in (7.4 L). Small block power peaked in the 1970 models, with the 1970 LT-1 putting out 370 hp (276 kW) with the '71 and '72 rated at 330 gross HP. The 1971 454 big block had its last year of big power with the 425 hp (317 kW) LS6 engine. An even more powerful LS7 454 CID engine rated at 465 hp (347 kW) was planned and even included in early GM assembly manuals, but was never installed in any production cars. In 1972, GM moved to the SAE Net measurement for <b>...</b>

Keywords

1973, Chevrolet, Corvette, Stingray, start, up, 350, V8, 427

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