subject: Corvette L88 – Legends from 1967-1969 [print this page] Corvette L88 Legends from 1967-1969 Corvette L88 Legends from 1967-1969
In 1967 through 1969 Corvette offered very quietly an option to the public in the form of the L88 package. This massive big block would see the transition of the C2 Corvette go into the next generation of Vette in the C3 and while not many knew what the L88 really had to offer, those lucky few that did order one got one heck of a Vette.
There were only a couple hundred L88 packages that were ordered from buyers in those three years and much of this was due to the fact that Chevy did not want their dealers pushing the option. This was after all the exact same engine package that was used on the track and used with much success in races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, where the L88 won in 1967.
Because the L88 was so beefy it was capable of putting out over 500 horsepower and would take the Corvette to an amazing top speed of 170 miles per hour. The engine was really in effect only designed for the track and never really was intended for the road, but if someone figured out the hidden gem that was the L88 Chevy would oblige them with the installation.
Basically what a buyer was getting in the L88 was a street legal race car. The L88 was similar in block casting only when compared to the first version of the engine that came out in 1966. The 427 cubic inch giant was then tinkered with for a couple of years and the net result was the L88 for the track and the L71 for the showrooms.
The L71 was the package that GM pushed and they even went as far as too fudge the numbers of the L71 and the L88 to make it look as though the L71 was just as good performance wise and cheaper to boot. That little white lie may have very well kept many potential L88 buyers from going with the more superior engine and at half the price of the L88 who could really blame buyers for opting for the L71.
Besides the L88 package was not filled with many comforts such as air conditioning, heat, and a radio. There was also a warning label on the center console that told L88 owners not to use anything but racing fuel for the big block.
What wasn't advertised though was how different the L88 and the L71 actually were. The L88 had a crankshaft that was strengthened, better pistons, cold air induction, and a duel feed 850 cfm carburetor from Holey. But the L88 package didn't stop at the engine.
Because of the increase in power, there were a whole slew of mandatory upgrades that were to be added to make the L88 package. These upgrades included a Hydromatic transmission, positraction, better brakes, better springs, better dampers, and even a special cowl induction hood.
All this made the L88 almost double the price of a standard Corvette of the time. So it is easy to see why so many opted for the lower priced packages, but those who did opt for the L88 now have one of the most highly sought after Vettes there is. While they may not have known it at the time, buying the L88 package was the best thing that a buyer could do as far as resale of a Vette goes. Really though if you are lucky enough to have one of these beauties then probably the last thing on your mind is getting rid of it.
