Image credits: © Chevrolet. GM Corp

1970 Chevrolet Corvette C3

During the 1970 Corvette production year, the small block 350-cubic-inch engine was offered. It generated 370 horsepower. The displacement on the 'Big Block' was increased to 454 cubic-inches, which now offered a 390-425 horsepower rating in the LS5 version.

The ZR1 and ZR2 package was offered to satisfy the buyers who wanted a vehicle they could race. These vehicles were stripped of radios, power steering, power windows, and air conditioning. The ZR2 used the LS6 454 cubic-inch engine, of which only 12 were purchased. The ZR1, based on the LT1, was purchased by eight buyers.

During 1970, Congress passed the Clean Air Bill in the National Environmental Policy Act due to oil embargos and increasing government regulations about the fuel. This established regulations specifying fuel economy and emissions standards. By doing so, the big block faced extinction due to standards it could never meet. Toxic emissions were to be cut by 90 percent for all engines in less than six years.

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