was a later small-block engine called the " LT1 ". [ edit ] L48 Years: 1970-1980 The L48 was the standard engine on the 1971 Chevrolet Corvette . It produced 270 hp (201 kW) and 360 ft·lbf (477 N·m) with an 8.5:1 compression ratio. The 1976-1979 L48 was the standard Corvette engine