The second-generation Chevrolet Camaro never offered a big-block V8 engine from the factory, but that doesn’t mean it’s not right at home here. Mr. Regular dove into a 427 cubic-inch V8-powered Camaro in the latest Regular Car Reviews episode and found a lot to say about it.
While the big block is hardly a practical option for power these days, the big block V8 retains its own unique characteristics that make it… different and almost charming. The lumpy idle is distinct to this engine and cannot be echoed in a small-block V8. The Camaro doesn’t have an overdrive gear so it’s just screaming along at around 2,500 rpm on the highway awaking everyone in its path.
None of these reasons lend themselves to performance, but you know what? It’s just freaking cool. Big blocks are cool and they deserve homes in muscle cars. LS swaps are good, but big-block swaps are sort of inherently cooler.
Comments
A big block was available in the 1970 SS396 Camaro if memory serves I think you could even get the L 78 option too don’t remember if BBC were available after 70 though
The big block Chevy was available in the Camaro through model year 1972.
Thanks. I wasn’t sure when they stopped I’m 71 I should have remembered that. or maybe that’s why I didn’t ?
I like the lsx engines but they just don’t look very good in the engine bay!
That was a waste of 8 min I can never get back. The guy narrating couldn’t be any more annoying. Not sure what the point of this video was.
I now understand why GM is going under. Stupid people ranting without all the facts. Check it out for yourself 396 was available for the SS and thank God two people like Baldwin motion we were honored to be able to have a car as a phase 3 Baldwin motion Camaro and you can take that little small block you got with the supercharger and remember a big block can always produce more power than a small block it’s been proven