The Vette’s performance dropped significantly during the early to mid-1970s, at the hands of newly implemented federal emissions standards, yet it remained relevant. At a point in which many iconic American performance cars fell by the wayside, the Corvette soldiered on. This served as a true testament to many of the memorable Corvette powerplants that were developed during the C3 era.
General Motors sought out any means of retaining the Corvette’s performance acuity. This desire ultimately gave rise to the company's illustrious LS5 454 cubic-inch big-block. The 454ci LS5 is remembered as one of the final GM big-block offerings to have come out in the 60’s and 70’s.
The LT-1 served as a revised version of GM’s famed 350 cubic-inch platform, and is often heralded as one of the manufacturer’s most beloved small-block powerplants. Though quite legendary in status, the LT-1 was rather obscure and short-lived during its production run, only produced for three years (1970-1972).