General Motors Receives Trademarks For “L88″ — Former Engine Code For Super Corvette
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General Motors has recently been granted the use of two trademarks for the L88 designation, GM Authority has exclusively learned.
The automaker filed two trademark applications for the L88 name. The first was filed on August 4, 2012 for “exterior and interior badges for motor land vehicles”, while the second was filed on September 18, 2012 for “decals”. The trademarks were then published for opposition in October of 2012 and subsequently approved to the USPTO principal register on January 15, 2013.
The General used the L88 designation in a very select amount of Chevrolet Corvettes from the late 1960′s, of which currently go for over $500,000 at auctions. Essentially, it was a racing engine that could be directly ordered from GM from the factory that boasted 427-cubic-inches (7.0-liters), and is often hailed as the ultimate Corvette engine that’s ever been made to date.
Specifically, it was a modified big block with lighter heads and bigger ports, a more aggressive camshaft, aluminum radiator, smaller flywheel, and a massive Holley four-barrel carburetor. Oh, and an absolutely crazy 12.5:1 compression ratio. Again, we’re talking about an engine that was from over 40 years ago. This sky-high compression was achieved through 103-octane racing fuel, and was officially rated at 430 horsepower, though claims as high as 560 horsepower have been made.
In addition, the engine order also called for several modifications to the Corvette. These include a more rigid suspension, a limited-slip differential, and even heater and radio deletions. As street legal as these Corvettes were, it was clear their purpose was for the track. This was the grand finale for the Chevrolet Corvette C2 in 1967, before the C3 launched in 1968.
Only 20 buyers were hard-core enough to order such an engine. This also explains their value. Now, we don’t see The General to release an engine with a 103-octane tune, but damn, anything that would carry the L88 name would certainly have to live up to the pedigree in one way or another. And we certainly hope this trademark filing isn’t for housekeeping. Please, GM. Please just shut everybody up, and just build a successor to the L88.
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Interesting how RPO (Regular Production Option) codes have become advertisable monikers. These codes are just numbers in a book (whoops, I am sure the book is no longer used) used to specify features during the build process.
I used to have a little white RPO book here at home but I think I threw it away. Big mistake. It was alphabetical and had a very short one line description of each code.
What I would do to get my hands on that book…
ARRRGG! I knew someone somewhere catalouged all the RPO codes! Now that I know that a print version exists (or existed), I won’t have to rely on woefully out of date web sites.
Unless I’m mistaken, GM “rewrites” old RPO’s and updates them to reflect the times. I very much doubt there’s an active RPO for chrome plated ashtrays mounted behind the front seats.
I mean we can always just list them ourselves….L is for engine. M is for transmission. G is for the diff. Z is package options. F is suspension…..
That said, I would love to keep an updated list of all the RPOs here in GMA.
What is the RPO for the ashtray?
D41 : TRAY ASH, RR QUARTER
Found one for the right rear passenger.
D41 1976 1991 Tray, Ash, Rear Quarter
this is so much fun
Well I looked in my bedroom bedstand and it was still there!
L88-is not in the book
Also gives the year the RPO was used.
L86-1979-1991 366 engine, standard carburetor for example
Oldest RPO I found was 1973
So this would replace the ZR1?
ZR1-1990 1995 package, special performance coupe
ZR1 is a total package, not just an engine
That was the 2nd ZR1. The first ZR1 was in 1970 with an LT1 engine. M22 close ratio 4 speed. 4.10 axel ratio. No power steering or power windows. 1/4 mile was 14.1 @ 102 mph
Again, a total package, not just an engine option.
Is this the successor to the Z06 LS7? If it is an LS7 replacement please let it be a naturally aspirated engine, no silly turd-os. If it’s a ZR1 equivalent, though, a supercharger will be acceptable to me for that application. Corvette is here to provide the best driving experience, not turd-o lag.
it’s been a while since you’ve driven a turbo car huh? turbo lag is pretty much nonexistent now.
I’m not just pointing out the performance of the turbo, but also its reputation among certain car enthusiasts, if you know what I mean…
Ha, yeah I gotcha.
A ZR1 with radio and heater delete(maybe)? Excuse me while I fap
that’s cool, but then again, i’m kinda like – come on GM! that was FORTY YEARS ago! lets get with the times! why not a completely NEW engine designation?
sometimes it’s like two steps forward, one step back with these guys.
occasionally reaching back to pay homage to a legendary car or option code with a new and worthy modern iteration is cool. but remember, the greats of the past got that way from looking forward and being innovative. if you want to create a modern legend, do the same now, in the present!
When you have a pedigree, use it.
Alright a C7 L-88 Stingray, can’t wait, has to be, woohoo
I could see L88 replacing Z06 and then leave ZR1 at the top….
L88 was just the engine, not really a specific model. So the filing could point to a future ZR1 with a new L88 engine.
Great to see the L88 is back! The original L88 Corvette can be seen at http://www.TheL88Corvette.com The L88 was in the factory brochures in 1969, but in 1967 and 1968, you had to have the right connections or know the right person to order one.
Well one thing is for sure, considering how much of a “raw dog” engine the original L88 was; GM must have a monster variant of the new LT series V8 in the works if the are willing to dust off this RPO code.
Side note: am I the only one reading the tea leaves and getting excited about the prospecs for the new Camaro? If the “base” Stingray looks this good inside and out – just imagine how hot the new Fbody is going to be!