Chevrolet L72

L72 air-cleaner decal

The L72 was a Big-Block engine produced by Chevrolet between 1966 and 1969. Initially rated at 450 horsepower, the rating dropped to 425 horsepower shortly after its release (although there was no change in power). In 1966 it was the most powerful engine available in the Corvette, and between 1966 and 1969 was the most powerful engine available in full-sized models. In 1969 the L72 was available via a Central Office Production Order (COPO) in Chevrolet's intermediate (Chevelle) and pony car (Camaro). Today these vehicles - referred to as COPOs - are among the most collectible 1960s performance cars.

History

Chevrolet's second generation Big-Block, the Mark IV had been introduced in 1965 in two 396 cubic inch versions. In 1966 Chevrolet added a 427 version that was available exclusively in the sports car (Corvette) and full-sized (Impala, Bel Air, Biscayne) lines. While a 396 was still available in full-sized cars, the L72 became the only Big-Block option in the Corvette.

Although 11 known L72 engines were known to be built for installation into passenger cars for 1967, no known cars got this engine from the factory. One 1967 Impala SS427 was reported to have been built with the L72, however that car has been confirmed to have been modified after its sale to a customer and is not an authentic L72 factory car.^[1]

Starting in 1968, the L72 once more became a factory option for the big Chevys.

In 1969, through a Central Office Production Order, one could order an intermediate (Chevelle) or pony car (Camaro) with an L72. The COPO option bypassed an internal rule that disallowed engines above 400 cubic inches on cars other than the full sized or Corvette. Today these COPO cars are among the most collectible Chevrolets.

The L72 is also noted for its use in cars built by Don Yenko. Yenko equipped Camaros with L72s from 1967 to 1969, and equipped Chevelles and Novas in 1969. The 1969 Camaros and Chevelles were ordered with COPO L72s, while all others were conversions.

L71

In 1967 Chevrolet introduced the L71, a variant of the L72. This new motor had three 2-barrel carburetors - known as "tri-power" - in lieu of the single 4-barrel of the L72, and a 435 horsepower rating. Aside from the intake setup, the two motors were identical. As of 1967 the L72 was no longer available in the Corvette, making it exclusive to the full-sized line. The L89 option could also be ordered with the L71, replacing the cast iron cylinder heads for aluminum versions. This option did not change performance, but reduced weight by roughly 75 pounds.

Production numbers

• * The L72 was not advertised in any 1967 sales literature.
• ** 99 of these were converted into Yenko Super Cars.
• *** 198 of these were converted into Yenko Super Cars.

References

• DeMauro, Thomas A. "Buyer's Guide: 1966 L72 427/425hp Chevrolet Biscayne." In Hemmings Muscle Machines. August 2013.
• Shea, Terry. "One of ...? - 1967 Chevrolet Impala SS 427." In Hemmings Muscle Machines. September 2012.