Hello all,

Just starting the process of buying a second gen Camaro. Long time owner of a third gen and 6th gen and now moving back to older models, specifically 1970-73

I have started reading about these models and have a few questions.

1- Seems like the hp reduced from 1970 model year on. Among fans, which ones are more desired, big blocks or the LT1?

2- Which options / years (SS, Z28) got the big blocks and LT1?

3- Split bumpers. Which models had the split bumpers? Was it a package option or just certain models and years?

4-Where to look for these cars that have some expert inspection who would aid in purchasing?

5-Shorter spoilers vs higher ones. Were these related to a model trim? Also the split hoods?

5-Any other tips

Thanks,
JJ

 

Big block 2nd gens are few and far between and the 396 is actually a 402,LT1 350s came in the Z28 cars and SS cars,the drop in HP in '72 is the way they were rated at the crank before and at the trans after. 1973 Smog equipment and lower compression if memory serves but last of the metal bumpers.
The 1970 cars had the most ponys under the hood of the 2nd gen cars.

 

Thanks, so the LT1s are not preferred over big blocks despite newer designs and parts?

 

I'm not sure what you mean by newer designs,both motors are the same vintage (unless you are confusing the later motor designated LT1 in the 1990s and even now there's yet another completely different LT1 in Corvettes),the big blocks were more expensive and more powerful and therefore more rare so highly attractive to collectors.
The LT1 was a very potent small block with a 360hp rating in 1970 and very desirable,finding an original car with either a big or small block is getting hard to do or verify after all these decades.
Chevy letter number designations can be confusing,for instance there was a big block LS7 454 back in the 1970s and in more recent years there is an LS7 427 small block.
As for second gen Camaros the big blocks were only in the SS cars,the Z28s would get the LT1 350 small block.