Big Block Bargain

[Walter F.]

How come Chevrolet sold its LS5 and LS4 big blocks cheaper then the LT1 and L82 small blocks from 70 -74. The big blocks had more horsepower and more cubic inches which tells me they must be better performers in straight line performance. What was Chevrolets reasoning?

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Bargin

How come Chevrolet sold its LS5 and LS4 big blocks cheaper then the LT1 and L82 small blocks from 70 -74. The big blocks had more horsepower and more cubic inches which tells me they must be better performers in straight line performance. What was Chevrolets reasoning?

Walter------


Most likely it was because the LT-1 had more expensive internal and external components than the LS-5. The L-82 also had more expensive internal components than the LS-4. They didn't charge an option price "per horsepower", they charged based upon what it cost to build the engine.

By the way, the L-82 is basically the same engine as the 1969-70 L-46 except with 2 points lower compression ratio.

[Carl N.]

Re: Big Block Bargin

supply and demand - lot of street rodders and racers purchasing Big Blocks - not near as much demand for LT1 and L82 in car circles outside of NCRS than for big blocks as crate motors

[George W.]

Re: Big Block Bargin

Carl has nailed it; with the success of the 396 and 427 BB's hot rodders wanted any big block moter.