6. First-Ever Production Aluminum V8 Engine
This engine was never meant to be given to civilians. It was originally created for Can-Am racing and other racing while underneath the hood of a Corvette. With aluminum heads used on the powerful L88 iron block 427, the ZL1 boasted an entirely aluminum casting of the 427 engine block. The combo resulted in an engine that was 435hp rated and weighed about the same as a small block 327. It was the first time an aluminum engine ever went into a production vehicle. Only 69 ever left GM’s doors.