Why no L35 in 1970?

Gregs396 · #1 10-31-2006, 06:49 AM

The LS-3 didn't start until 1971, and it was a 300HP version in the Camaro. The 1970 had either the L-34, or the L-78 402.

Mr. T · #2 10-31-2006, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes, the LS3 did not become a BB RPO until 1971. Maybe adding the LS5 and LS6 to the RPO Chevelle/Camino engine list had something to do with dropping the L35, and Chevrolet thought they had enough engine variations for 1970. So, since you couldn't get the L35 in a Chevelle or El'Camino, you couldn't get it in a Camaro or Nova.

**Mr70** · #3 10-31-2006, 06:39 PM

Because in 1970,we saw the birth of these brand new engines:
*LS-3 402/330HP-Malibu & Monte Carlo
*LS-4 454/345HP-Passenger series
*LS-5 454/360 & 390HP-Corvette-Chevelle-Monte C. & Pass.
*LS-6 454/450HP-Chevelle

Gregs396 · #4 10-31-2006, 11:13 PM

Once again, there was NO LS-3 until 1971......

**Rixls6** · #5 10-31-2006, 11:20 PM

There definitely was an LS3 available in the Chevelle in 1970. I've personally seen build sheets for some 1970 Chevelles stating the option "LS3".
Rick

ohhawk · #6 11-01-2006, 12:54 AM

www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html#70

Check first paragraph on LS3 commentary.

nuch_ss396 · #7 11-01-2006, 01:47 AM

WAIT !

Maybe this is the rationale:

Since the 396 was bored +.030 ( actually a 402 ) in 1970,
the HP rating would have been boosted and perhaps that is
why the L/35 disappeared. Still to this day, I wonder why
they made the 402.

It almost seems like a manufacturing
mistake that got away from them. Does anyone know for sure
why the 402 came into existence?

Gregs396 · #8 11-01-2006, 06:39 AM

I have been told that it was to make the 402 and the 454 pistons the same size for standardization purposes, but can't be 100% sure about it. It seems that I also read it in one of my many books...

**Kurt S** · #9 11-01-2006, 09:20 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I have been told that it was to make the 402 and the 454 pistons the same size for standardization purposes, but can't be 100% sure about it. It seems that I also read it in one of my many books...

[/ QUOTE ]
I had heard it was emissions related. Over 400 ci engine had different requirements. But I've never seen docs on this, haven't seen exception like this, and like the piston explanation better.

**Hotrodpaul** · #10 11-01-2006, 03:18 PM

402 Pistons : 4.125" Dia.

454 Pistons : 4.250" Dia.

Thats a big difference. If they made them the same size they would have a 427.

Paul

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