Tom - I still am amazed at the Kahuna's GM had back then to release Aluminum Exhaust Manifolds. Exciting times.
Having worked at GM in Warren Tech Center for 30 years, things got more and more "conservative" in the 80's. Emissions choked 200 hp powertrains were the norm.
Things did not really get exciting until Corvette put out the first 400HP engine (Merc Marine DOHC) in 1990. Wow back then - 400 HP! I worked for the Corvette Platform back then and that was a really big deal.
Eventually the new norm in the Preproduction Prototype Shop was 600 hp CTSV's, ZR1 Super Vette's. and the ZL1 and Z28 Camaros. I remember when they were started up after final assembly with a roar we would all pause for a moment and pay homage.
Nowadays, a Whipple SC on a LS3 Camaro gets you 700 HP with room to spare, idles all day - with the AC blasting.
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