When Chevrolet introduced the L79 in 1965 for the Corvette and Chevelle, it soon became known as a Hemi-killer thanks to Grumpy Jenkins and his Nova in 1966. It lasted through 1968, but for 1969, Chevrolet was left without an equivalent small-block screamer . . . until 1970, when the LT1 was introduced for the Corvette and the Camaro Z/28. Which one was faster?
Here’s a video from the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race (PSMDR) in Michigan that pits the two. The PSMDR is a drag racing event that features about 130 stock muscle cars racing against each other. All are paired with vehicles turning similar times, so an owner with a Buick GS 350 doesn’t get stuck with an L88 Corvette. The rules are close to NHRA stock rules, meaning that the cars don’t have to be showroom stock but they have to meet a certain standard. What it’s really about is learning how to maximize your car’s performance while engaging in a sense of camaraderie among the participants.
In the below video by Road Test TV, we find a 1966 Corvette with the 327/350 (the vid erroneously calls it a 1965) going against a 1970 Camaro Z/28 with the 350/360. Engines are very similar aside of size and cam, with the Z having a solid bumpstick. But the L79 has legend on its side, so despite appearing to have certain deficits, it can’t be discounted. Which will win this race?
Comments
In 1969 Chevy had the L46 350/350.
In 1970 too, but it wasn’t the spiritual successor to the L79, plus it was Corvette-only.