Small Block Heroes: 4 Muscle Cars That Proved Less Was More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Rw4NhzcLmQ

One of these Camaros was engineered with just 302 cubic inches to squeeze under a 305 cubic inch racing limit. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the SCCA Trans-Am series pushed automakers to build small-block street cars they could race. Here are four of the best, counted down from number four to number one. Watch the video above, then read on for the details.

#4: 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda

The AAR Cuda was Plymouth’s Trans-Am homologation special, named for Dan Gurney’s All American Racers team. Instead of a big block it used a 340 cubic inch small block topped with three two-barrel carburetors, the Six Pack setup, which gave it big power from a lighter engine. Plymouth built the street cars so the racing version could compete in the SCCA Trans-Am series. With its scoop on the hood, blacked-out look and special rear tires, it proved that a small block could still carry serious attitude.

#3: 1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

Dodge built the Challenger T/A for the same reason as the AAR Cuda: to qualify a race car for Trans-Am competition. It also used the 340 Six Pack small block, with three two-barrel carburetors, rated at 290 horsepower. Street buyers got a fiberglass hood with a scoop, side exhaust exits, a rear spoiler and different tire sizes front and rear. It was a stripped-down performance car aimed at drivers who cared about handling and cornering, not just straight-line speed, and Dodge sold only a limited run.

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#2: 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Ford created the Boss 302 for one reason: to win in the SCCA Trans-Am series. The Boss 302 Mustang used a high-revving 302 cubic inch small block with special cylinder heads, and Ford rated it at 290 horsepower, though many people think the real number was higher. The car also got upgraded suspension and a bold look with the stripes designed by Larry Shinoda. It sat alongside the Boss 429, but the 302 was the one built for twisty tracks, and it remains a favorite among collectors.

#1: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

Chevrolet engineered the Z/28 to compete in Trans-Am racing, where engines were limited to 305 cubic inches. So Chevy built a 302 cubic inch small block, just under the limit, and rated it at 290 horsepower, a figure many people think was conservative. The Z/28 came with a four-speed manual, front disc brakes and a stiffer suspension. It was designed first as a race car and second as a street car, and it stands as proof that a small block could be a true muscle car hero.

That is our countdown of small block muscle car heroes. Which one would you take home? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe to Muscle Car Fan on YouTube for a new countdown every day.

Image credits: Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1968.jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0) · 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – RS (14192217260).jpg by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY 2.0) · 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Goodwood, 2009 (01).jpg by Bahnfrend (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Dodge Challenger (1970) Hirschaid-20220709-RM-115601.jpg by Ermell (CC BY-SA 4.0) · 1970 Plymouth AAR Cuda 340 (31456408978).jpg by Sicnag (CC BY 2.0). Facts from Wikipedia.