Government agencies had established environmental mandates, which threatened to limit available powerplant options, in a bid to reach compliance. The horsepower wars of the 1960s continued, though increasing federal oversight began restricting that which was permissible in regards to emissions.
The early 1970s were harrowing days for many automotive manufacturers. With 370 horsepower on tap, it is not difficult to imagine why. 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. There are perhaps few greater examples of Duntov’s ideology relating to engine design and development, than the 1970 LT-1 small-block. Ever the perfectionist, Duntov relentlessly sought out new and innovative ways to bolster the Corvette’s output, in a bid for performance superiority. In almost every case, famed GM engineer, Zora Arkus-Duntov, would always find a way to ring every last ounce of horsepower out of an engine. Throughout the earliest years of Corvette design and development, a definite trend began to emerge. 1970 – 1972 LT-1 Corvette Small-Block Engine Ultimate Guide
