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Dan Bennett · 05-15-2012, 11:08 AM

Don't forget that GM and Ford lowered compression ratios in 1971 to woeful levels. Chrysler hung on for a couple of years but finally followed suit. Also included were non high performance distributors with the advance locked out, retarded timing, economy cams, and smaller jets. The cars in the late 70s and mostly through the 80s were so lame it was no surprise we all looked to the past for exciting cars.

As for street racing, Mike Withers is right on the money. I was fortunate enough to own a lot of the big reputation cars over the years and can vouch that big horsepower ratings didn't necessarily equate with dominance.

That's why I included the Stage 1 Buick in my earlier list. I sold a LS6 to buy one and trust me, it would have given the Chevelle everything (and more) it could handle on street tires and asphalt traction. A 375hp Nova FELT faster than any of them (but wasn't) mainly because of the cheap construction and lack of sound deadening.

in 1970 to 73, my 340 Duster (no options, 4 speed) surprised most of the much heavier 454s,440s, and other big reputation cars I raced. In fact, that's the reason I looked so long for a good 396/375 Nova; there was one at my local track I never could beat.

No matter how much it hurts to admit it, all of them were eclipsed by a 87 Grand National and a 91 Syclone with simple mods that didn't even get my hands dirty.

Both of those can't keep up with the new stuff. As much as I loved the cars of the 60s and 70s, I will readily admit that a ride in a 09 Z06 was by far the most impressive I've ever had for a showroom stocker.

And the manufacturers have recently gone beyond that! Today will be looked at as the golden years of high performance for a long, long, time.

05-15-2012, 11:08 AM	#26
Dan Bennett Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 450 Likes: 881 Liked 617 Times in 141 Posts	Re: 50 Fastest Muscle Cars... Don't forget that GM and Ford lowered compression ratios in 1971 to woeful levels. Chrysler hung on for a couple of years but finally followed suit. Also included were non high performance distributors with the advance locked out, retarded timing, economy cams, and smaller jets. The cars in the late 70s and mostly through the 80s were so lame it was no surprise we all looked to the past for exciting cars. As for street racing, Mike Withers is right on the money. I was fortunate enough to own a lot of the big reputation cars over the years and can vouch that big horsepower ratings didn't necessarily equate with dominance. That's why I included the Stage 1 Buick in my earlier list. I sold a LS6 to buy one and trust me, it would have given the Chevelle everything (and more) it could handle on street tires and asphalt traction. A 375hp Nova FELT faster than any of them (but wasn't) mainly because of the cheap construction and lack of sound deadening. in 1970 to 73, my 340 Duster (no options, 4 speed) surprised most of the much heavier 454s,440s, and other big reputation cars I raced. In fact, that's the reason I looked so long for a good 396/375 Nova; there was one at my local track I never could beat. No matter how much it hurts to admit it, all of them were eclipsed by a 87 Grand National and a 91 Syclone with simple mods that didn't even get my hands dirty. Both of those can't keep up with the new stuff. As much as I loved the cars of the 60s and 70s, I will readily admit that a ride in a 09 Z06 was by far the most impressive I've ever had for a showroom stocker. And the manufacturers have recently gone beyond that! Today will be looked at as the golden years of high performance for a long, long, time.