Classic Car parts for the Classic 1971 El Camino Restoration and Information

Classic Car Parts Co.

1971 saw the end of muscle car performance even for the Classic El Camino. Because of the response to GM's decision that all engines would use unleaded fuel and to meet ever new emission standards.

This caused Chevrolet to reduced the compression ratio of all its engines and introduced two new entry level engines. The 350 V8 two barrel became the standard engine that put out a lowly 245bhp with a single exhaust! A 350 V8 four barrel that put out 270bhp was optional. The 396 (known also as the less popular 402) engine was renamed the "Turbo Jet 400" and offered only 300bhp, down from 350bhp. The 375bhp version was no longer available.

The LS6 454 was no longer produced, a trade off when the LS5 454 returned with 365bhp, an increase of 5bhp from 1970.

Redesign of the El Camino with a new single headlight design and could be optioned with hood stripes and the cowl induction hood.

Only the LS5 had the external engine ID with "SS 454" emblems. All others only had "SS" emblems. The philosophy of GM was clearly changing.

Total Production: 19,992 (SS 454 option)

Engines:
L65 350 V8 245bhp@4800rpm, 250lb-ft@2800rpm.
L48 350 V8 270bhp@5600rpm, 360lb-ft@3200rpm.
LS3 402 V8 300bhp@4800rpm, 400lb-ft@3200.
LS5 454 V8 365bhp@4800rpm,465lb-ft@3200rpm.

Performance: LS6 454/365: 0-60 in 6.0 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.35 sec @ 97mph.