Chevrolet Corvette, also known as C2, is the second-generation sports car manufactured by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the car models made between 1963 to 1967. The history of 1966 Corvette 427 goes back when two performance levels of the real “Big Block” 427 cubic-inch engines were introduced. These are L20 version with 390 horsepower and L72 WITH 425 Horsepower. Both of these were rated as 460-lb ft of torque.
History of 1966 Corvette 427
Corvette was the only serious American Sportscar produced by a major automaker in the post World War II to date. Since 1953, Corvette manufactured a sportscar, and then they became more serious about the performance in the 1960s as there was a market where local and national competition of cars happened. In 1963, a different body design, known as the C2 platform, was introduced. It has a similar rear configuration like the C1 type introduced in 1961, but other things were different. The chassis looks like a ladder-type, and the body of Corvette was in fiberglass. However, then the model becomes more amazing in the prevailing Sying Ray Motif.
In the early 1960s, these cars became more powerful as it produced 360 horsepower than the Sting Ray in 1967 that stock 427 cubic inches, and producing 425 horsepower. Many historians have considered the Corvette, the most desirable model in the over 50 years of Corvette production. The rage of 427 engines grew in 1967, along with the additions of the L71 and L88 options. L71 has a unique triple-carburetor induction system that boosts 435 horsepower output, whereas L88, delivers 430 horsepower because of its racing-tuned aluminum heads.
In 1969, L89 427 engine with the L71’s induction system with L88 aluminum heads was introduced. It offers maximum horsepower with a 100-pound weight that was an advantage over the standard iron heads. In the same year, Chevrolet manufactured two “ZL1” 427 Corvette coupes as well. This engine was a version of the L88, with the heads and aluminum cylinder block that offers weight advantage for racing.
In 1970, the engine grew to 454 cubic inches—the four-year run of 427 Corvettes as a golden era of performance.
What makes 1966 Corvette 427 one of its kinds?
In 1966, Chevrolet Corvette Stringray introduced the real “Big Block” 427 cubic-inch engines. The engine models came with a unique bubble hood that accommodates the “Big Block.” The big blocks were marketed as the biggest replacement engines. The engine with 425 horsepower specified as a 450 and 390 was actually 400. In the actual engines, there were no changes made, but the badging and literature were changed to the lower numbers. But after a year, the side vents were disappeared.
Backup lights were added into existing taillights and became a standard item. Holley carburetors that were presented on the optional engines became standard on all engines. Seats of the car also updated, and knock-off wheels were available, but the center cap had a dull finish. For the first time, headrests were optional, and the interior door pulls were made of bright metal. 66 Vette headliner was foam and vinyl, which was upgraded from the previously used fiberboard headliner.
Today, whether you are looking for a history of 1966 Corvette or want to know about it in more detail, you can find everything on web portals like Henry Life and many more. In a nutshell, it is not wrong to say that 1966 Corvette Stringray 427 is one of the best historical models by Chevrolet.
