Why no L35 in 1970?

[Rixls6]

There definitely was an LS3 available in the Chevelle in 1970. I've personally seen build sheets for some 1970 Chevelles stating the option "LS3".
Rick

[ohhawk]

www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html#70

Check first paragraph on LS3 commentary.

[nuch_ss396]

WAIT !

Maybe this is the rationale:

Since the 396 was bored +.030 ( actually a 402 ) in 1970,
the HP rating would have been boosted and perhaps that is
why the L/35 disappeared. Still to this day, I wonder why
they made the 402. It almost seems like a manufacturing
mistake that got away from them. Does anyone know for sure
why the 402 came into existence?

[Gregs396]

I have been told that it was to make the 402 and the 454 pistons the same size for standardization purposes, but can't be 100% sure about it. It seems that I also read it in one of my many books...

[Gregs396]

[ QUOTE ]
www.chevelles.com/shop/ss_ident.html#70

Check first paragraph on LS3 commentary.

[/ QUOTE ]
I'm a Camaro guy, and was referring to their BB codes...

[Kurt S]

[ QUOTE ]
I have been told that it was to make the 402 and the 454 pistons the same size for standardization purposes, but can't be 100% sure about it. It seems that I also read it in one of my many books...

[/ QUOTE ]
I had heard it was emissions related. Over 400 ci engine had different requirements. But I've never seen docs on this, haven't seen exception like this, and like the piston explanation better.

[Hotrodpaul]

402 Pistons : 4.125" Dia.

454 Pistons : 4.250" Dia.

Thats a big difference. If they made them the same size they would have a 427.

Paul

[WILMASBOYL78]

[ QUOTE ]
WAIT !

Maybe this is the rationale:

Since the 396 was bored +.030 ( actually a 402 ) in 1970,
the HP rating would have been boosted and perhaps that is
why the L/35 disappeared. Still to this day, I wonder why
they made the 402. It almost seems like a manufacturing
mistake that got away from them. Does anyone know for sure
why the 402 came into existence?

[/ QUOTE ]

There have been many theories over the years, but nothing concrete as far as I know. As for HP going up with the .30 extra, most would say the extra cubes are offset by the lowrise intake manifolds that came on the 70 models. Chevy also added the TCS smog crap in 70, that probably didn't help. Most guys in the day swapped out the lowrise for a 163 or aftermarket unit. Regarding the 402 size, didn't GM have a restriction on engine size in midsize and smallcars of 400 cid...I believe that was lifted in 70,hence the 454 Chevelle was available. Just my thoughts....

wilma

[Salvatore]

I think the bigger engine sizes were just to stay competitive with the other 2 manufactures! Cubic inches sold cars in those days. If Chevy didn't call the Z/28 a Z/28 and put the trim, stripes, 4 speed and 15" rallies I bet they would not have sold many of them. Too small a motor and not much advertised HP. It was the cubic inch wars in those days. I also think if I remember correctly hearing that a bigger cubic inch motor was easier to control emissions.

[WILMASBOYL78]

What do you know about big motors???? 302 is that a V-6???

wilma