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This was done deliberately to ensure the engine would not stand out and attract too much attention. Also part of the package were a four-barrel Holley 850 carburettor, a very hot camshaft and a valvetrain equipped with hardened, heavy-duty components.ĭespite all these upgrades and a $947.90 premium, the L88 engine was rated at 'only' 430 bhp, which was actually 5 bhp less than the standard Mark IV V8. Combined with the bespoke aluminium heads, these competition specification pistons were good for a staggering compression ratio of 12.5:1. The stock block was fitted with an especially forged crankshaft onto which reinforced connecting rods and aluminium pistons were bolted. The only major component carried over from the existing 'Mark IV' V8 was the cast-iron block, which was considered strong enough to cope with the increased forces. Known as RPO L88, this was a very hot version of Chevrolet's own '427' big block engine.
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When Carroll Shelby launched the big block version of the Cobra early in 1965, an altogether more exotic option was readied. Many of the competition components were actually readily available as a Regular Production Option (RPO), which ensured Chevrolet's anti-racing policy was not violated. Although there was no official works racing program, privateers campaigning Corvettes did receive backdoor support to ensure Chevrolet's range topping model held its own on the track.