Stingray Mako Shark Corvettes – Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars
1968 C3 GM Corvette coupe picture
In 1968 the 3rd generation or C3 Corvette was set loose. This new style basically used a concept car the GM design team had developed called the "XP-755 Mako Shark" show car. Very little was changed to make the "Shark" concept into the production model. 1968 was the only year where the car was referred to as "The Shark", even though this new body style remained for nearly 15 years. The chassis itself was a carryover. The engines were also; the 327 was 300 hp with the optional 350 horsepower still available, and the 427 was carried over with all the 1967 options, including the legendary L88. Coupes (now with the first T-tops) and convertibles were available. A factory anti-theft alarm system was also an option, but few were ordered. Emission control systems were making their way into the vehicles now. FM was added to the AM radio as an option.
In 1969 there were many engine changes. The car was back to being branded as the Sting Ray, as it had been with the previous C2 model, and would continue to be dubbed as the Sting Ray up to the 1977 model year. The 350 (5.7 L) was now available on the 1969 model. The base 350 was rated at 300 horsepower, with the optional L46 version being cranked up to 350 ponies. The 427 was still available in the same versions as were offered in 68.
The big news in 1969 though was the ZL1. This was basically the L88 427 big-block in all aluminum. This was lighter than the other 427's, and was rated at 585 horsepower. Only a few (2) Corvettes were made with the ZL1 as it was an incredibly expensive option for the times. 69 of the L88 "rat motors" were installed in the Camaro though.
| GM Performance Parts ZL1 limited edition engine picture |
In 1970 there was a minor restyling. The 350 V8 models were joined by an LT-1 option which bumped the horsepower up to 370. The 427 was punched out to make the 454 (7.4 L), and the 454 was offered in 2 versions. An LS5 four barrel rated at 390 horsepower, and an LS7 tri-power rated at 460 horsepower. The LS7 was another very expensive option though, and there are no records of any being built.
1971 was a sad year for most enthusiasts, as tighter emission controls came into effect. Power losses would continue throughout the decade. The 350 ci was putting out 270 base and 330 horsepower on the option, and the 454 was at 425 horsepower this year.
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1972 saw a change in how the power was rated (SAE gross to SAE net). The 350 was now rated at 200 and 255 horsepower for the optional LT1. The 454 only rated 270 horsepower. They did have a few ZR-1 packages sold this year also.
1973 saw minor restyling, radials were now standard, and power dropped even further. The base 350 was now at 190 horsepower, with a new L82 version putting out 250 hp The 454 LS4 was putting out 275 horsepower.
1974 marked the last year for the big block 454.
1975 Chevrolet Corvette C3 convertible – picsIn 1976 the base L48 350 crept up to 180 horsepower, while the L82 was at 210. Both 350's had 4 barrels.
The 1977 was a carryover from 76 with little change. This year marked the half million mark in unit sales.
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In 1978 the Vette celebrated its' first quarter century by adding a rear wraparound window, and a new tail design. The 350 was now rated at 185 horsepower, with the L82 option at 220 hp. Two special edition models were also made, the "Silver Anniversary", and the limited-edition Indy Pace Car. The Corvette broke the 40,000 unit sales mark this year, for the first time.
In 1979 the 350 ci horsepower eased up to 195 and 225 horsepower. Sales were even hotter and broke 50,000 units in this year.
In 1980 the Vette went through a redesign which reduced the weight by 250 pounds. Horsepower for the 350 was now at 190 and 230 horsepower (except for the lower output California models, which also incidentally, were the first Corvettes to be monitored by a computer, but in the next year all Vettes would be thus equipped; computer wise that is).
In 1981 Corvette production moved from St. Louis to the new Bowling Green, Kentucky plant. The Cadillac XLR would be built at this plant in the future also. A new light weight fiberglass leaf spring was introduced, and the only motor was the 190 horsepower L81.
1982 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe images
In 1982 the manual transmission was banished, and the 4 speed auto was what you got. Also, after a 17 year absence the fuel injection was back. The L81 350 was now at 200 horsepower with the "Cross-Fire" fuel Injection, and drivability was improved with this unit. There was a collector's edition that had some special graphics along with a few other "do dads". Sales were dropping, and the "Mako Shark" was on the way out.
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Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.
[ref] Wikipedia, Edmunds.com
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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.
This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.
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