Did a 1966 Corvette come with a 427?
Yes, the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette was available with a 427 cubic inch (7.0 liter) V8 engine. This powerful engine option was one of the highlights of the Corvette lineup that year, offering impressive performance and making the 1966 Corvette a highly sought-after model among enthusiasts.
The 1966 Corvette and its 427 Engine
The 1966 Corvette was the third model year of the Sting Ray design, which had been introduced in 1963. For 1966, Chevrolet offered a range of engine options for the Corvette, including a 327 cubic inch (5.4 liter) V8 as the base engine. However, the star of the lineup was the optional 427 cubic inch (7.0 liter) V8.
The 427 engine was available in three different power ratings for the 1966 Corvette:
- The base 427 produced 390 horsepower.
- The 427 with the Tri-Power carburetor setup produced 425 horsepower.
- The top-of-the-line 427 with the Tri-Power and a special high-lift camshaft produced 435 horsepower.
These powerful 427 engines gave the 1966 Corvette exceptional performance, with 0-60 mph times in the low 5-second range and top speeds over 150 mph. The 427 engine option was a popular choice among Corvette buyers looking for maximum performance from their sports car.
Corvette 427 Engine Specifications
The 427 cubic inch V8 engine used in the 1966 Corvette had the following key specifications:
- Displacement: 427 cubic inches (7.0 liters)
- Horsepower: 390 hp, 425 hp, or 435 hp depending on configuration
- Torque: 460 lb-ft
- Compression ratio: 11.0:1
- Valvetrain: Overhead valve (OHV)
- Fuel system: Single 4-barrel carburetor or Tri-Power 3x2-barrel carburetors
The 427 engine was a legendary powerplant that helped cement the Corvette's reputation as one of the most powerful and exciting American sports cars of the 1960s. Its inclusion as an option on the 1966 model year Corvette is a key part of the car's history and performance legacy.