1969 400 HP question

[Tom L.]

What was the rationale for offering the 400hp version of the 3x2 427 as an option between the 390 and 435 hp models? I've heard that this was done to provide a tri-power option with air conditioning as the 435hp option couldn't have air, yet I recently saw two 69 435hp cars with factory air.

Also, doe the 400hp motor use transistorized ignition? Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

The 435's you saw were NOT factory air. No Corvette with solid lifters was produced from the end of the '65 model run until the '72 LT-1 with A/C. You saw owner inspired add on A/C or maybe owner inspired add on 435 engines. TI was an option on the L-68

GM engineering had reservations, with the high RPM's that the solid lifter engines would turn, that the A/C compressor could withstand the speed. Note that the '72 LT-1 redline is 5,600 RPM's, although non A/C is 6,500 RPM's with no actual change in the engine.

[Tom L.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

Thanks Dick, that certainly does make sense. I'm looking at a '69 L-68 without air. Since this was an engine that was designed to accomodate air conditioning, was it common to find these cars without air?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

Thanks Dick, that certainly does make sense. I'm looking at a '69 L-68 without air. Since this was an engine that was designed to accomodate air conditioning, was it common to find these cars without air?

Tom----


Quite common. In fact, I'll bet there were more built without C-60 than with C-60. The primary purpose of the engine was not as a "special platform" for big blocks with C-60. More likely, it was a way for someone who wanted the "cachet" of "three twos" without the downsides of a SHP solid lifter engine. Those same customers were probably more likely to want C-60, of course.

[Michael B.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

I've got a 69 L68 roadster without AC. It's also a THM 400 automatic.

400HP cars with air are rare birds.

Why the 400?

It's the same motor as the 390. As a matter of fact, on the tank sticker, the engine is listed as a 390, then in the options list it says
"390 to 400 Equipment".

Looks neat.

Chuck

[Duke W.]

Re: 1969 400 HP question

Marketing...

The single point ignition was standard on L-68. K-66 was optional.

Duke