Description
The 7.4L LS-4 big-block V8 engine was offered at 279 hp (205 kW) and 15% of cars were ordered so equipped. “454” decals decorated the hoods of Corvettes equipped with big blocks. All models featured a new induction dome hood, which sucked air into the engine compartment through an intake at the rear of the hood at full throttle, boosting horsepower (but not reflected in power). 0 to 60 times have been reduced by one second while the engine compartment remains cooler. The new tire size was GR70-15 with optional white stripes or raised white letters. An aluminum wheel option was seen on the 1973 and 1974 Pilot cars, and some 1973s were so equipped, but chosen due to quality concerns, they would not be fully available until 1976.
Road & Track magazine said in a 1973 test drive: “Despite its age, size and tradeoffs, when the Corvette is equipped with the right options it is a fun and rewarding car to drive and this 1973 example was one of the best Corvettes we've made. ever driven. ” It was also the year that the first RPO Z07 off-road suspension was produced and today it is considered a very rare production Corvette as only 45 examples were produced.
Hi-Performance Cars magazine said in a comparison test of the L48, L82 and LS4 in September 1973: “Our choice for the best all-round setup has to go to the base L48 350 engine… The L48 delivers all the necessary acceleration you need on the road in a steady and energetic manner... plus, it runs cool, idles and runs smoothly and can go all day at 160mph. The L48 took 6,8 seconds to reach 97 mph, the L82, 6,7 seconds, and the 454 LS4, 6,4 seconds. At the Bridgehampton Road Course and at the Suffolk County Raceway Driving Course, the base L48 was coupe again our choice... the L-82 had the same balance as the L48 but if we were not at the right speed in a corner, or in the wrong gear, the lack of torque (from the L82) was once felt plus... the L48 was the best balanced of the three. ” Finally, they said, “The Corvette as a whole concept has always been much more than the sum of its individual parts. The fanatical customer base that buys 30.000 a year can confirm that. And we will confirm that after 20 years, the Corvette is more than solid. It remains the epitome of the American automotive experience. ”
Hot Rod magazine selected the 1986-454 Corvette 4 LS1973 as one of the “1974 Most Sellable Muscle Cars” in its March 10 issue, along with the 1968-1970 Chevelle, 1970 Barracuda, 1970 Challenger 1966s -67 Fairlane, 1968-70 AMX, 1970 Camaro Z28, 1968-70 GTO, 1968-69 Charger and 1967-98 Mustang. The big-block Corvettes were the only muscle cars produced after 1970 worthy of the list.
