Big Block vs. Small Block
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by hzz
The hot feet factor was something I hadn't thought of.Since I want to use the car as my daily driver to work in the summertime, maybe small block is the way to go.
Or a big block with a/c,anyway
Or a big block with a/c,anyway
This problem can be remedied with some quality insulation under the carpet and on the firewall.
good luck with whatever you choose
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
It certainly is fun looking,anyway.
Been a while since I've owned a Corvette and I definately have the bug again.
When I say daily driver the one thing I have going for me is it is about a 30 minute drive to work,almost all on the highway which is not too bad.
When you mention no storage space in the vette, the most amazing thing about the cutlass is that without the spare tire the trunk will hold my huge goalie hockey bag.
Not many cars today can say that about their trunk!
Been a while since I've owned a Corvette and I definately have the bug again.
When I say daily driver the one thing I have going for me is it is about a 30 minute drive to work,almost all on the highway which is not too bad.
When you mention no storage space in the vette, the most amazing thing about the cutlass is that without the spare tire the trunk will hold my huge goalie hockey bag.
Not many cars today can say that about their trunk!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by js292
I had a 70 SB and that sucker was hot as hell inside. I always thought that it was the T400 giving off all the heat and that a 4 spd wouldn't generate as much heat as the auto but I could be wrong.
Also the car was black on black and I live in a pressure cooker called Texas
I haven't got to drive my 71 BB 4spd yet so I can't confirm the tranny tunnel therory yet
Also the car was black on black and I live in a pressure cooker called Texas
I haven't got to drive my 71 BB 4spd yet so I can't confirm the tranny tunnel therory yet
I would stick with the automatic as those old clutches on 4 spds. are a tough workout on your legs very difficult to shift and linkage wasn't the smoothest. Car maybe fast but only if you can shift it right. Nothing like a big block with automatic trans. But at this point a 327 with no options sounds great and ditto for a 427 with no options because in both cases all you see under the hood is a clean engine block. Keep it simple. Not a bunch of hoses or things that get in the way.The heat came from the engine compartment. The problem with this Corvette was there was no room to access things such as simple maintenance. The power steering reservoir was impossible to check because of the alternator bracket was in the way. If engine was hot you would burn yourself. Car had AC so plugs were very difficult. Had to go through tire firewall. You had to remove parts to get to other parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by 72ls5fla
Gotta Love them Big Blocks !!
But you have to hate the fuel they consume and the HEAT they create.
Like tpiini said - they cook your feet (1st hand knowledge here).
I think - in retrospect - that I may have gone the 70 L-46 or 70-72 LT1 route if I had a chance to do it over again. The small block cars handle so much better, the BB cars tend to over-steer because of the heavy front end. They are kinda sloppy exiting turns.
Now ...
The BB Chevy sounds really nice, and an original car will fetch better $$$ than the small block cars, probably the exceptions being the 69 350/350 cars and the LT1 cars.
So as many have said above --
It is really a matter of personal preference and in my opinion - why you want the car (as stated above).
Either one I'm sure you will love..
They are great cars and so much fun to drive.
The C3 community on this forum has always been so helpfull to
me when I had issue.
Good luck - happy driving.
Bill
But you have to hate the fuel they consume and the HEAT they create.
Like tpiini said - they cook your feet (1st hand knowledge here).
I think - in retrospect - that I may have gone the 70 L-46 or 70-72 LT1 route if I had a chance to do it over again. The small block cars handle so much better, the BB cars tend to over-steer because of the heavy front end. They are kinda sloppy exiting turns.
Now ...
The BB Chevy sounds really nice, and an original car will fetch better $$$ than the small block cars, probably the exceptions being the 69 350/350 cars and the LT1 cars.
So as many have said above --
It is really a matter of personal preference and in my opinion - why you want the car (as stated above).
Either one I'm sure you will love..
They are great cars and so much fun to drive.
The C3 community on this forum has always been so helpfull to
me when I had issue.
Good luck - happy driving.
Bill
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Gas will probably be $4 a gallon soon, so if you don't mind paying $1.00 for every 3 miles you drive, a big block may be a poor choice for a daily driver, though having the torque to smoke the tires at will is worth something. A mild, low compression small block, coupled to a manual overdrive trans, will run cool, and get you highway mileage in the mid twenties and run forever.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 498
From: Chino Hills CA
Originally Posted by tpiini
My deep thought of the moment: If you want a cool fun car, get the C3 that spins your crank. If you want a daily driver that needs to be a Corvette, get a C4.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Savannah Ga
I've never had a 70 LT1 Vette but I've had two 70 Z/28 4 speeds.One I bought brand new for $40064.(yes I'm that old)Both of them were very quick so I'd really like to see a 70 LT1 Vette and a 70 Z/28 road test just to compare.Maybe someone on here has been there and chime in.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
You just need to do a better job of maintaining your car. 
YA OK, whatever...
Between my dad and I, we have 4 vettes, the 71' being the newest. I know a little something about them. I was merely giving him cold hard facts. Especially since this is going to be his DD.
These cars are pretty high maintenance, just be prepared to work on them. They are hot cars inside. Takes a lot of work to get them cool inside like a regular car. Ofcourse we are in texas where its 115* outside. LOL
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by copter
I've never had a 70 LT1 Vette but I've had two 70 Z/28 4 speeds.One I bought brand new for $40064.(yes I'm that old)Both of them were very quick so I'd really like to see a 70 LT1 Vette and a 70 Z/28 road test just to compare.Maybe someone on here has been there and chime in.
What was $4,0064 back in 1970 equivalent to todays dollars $$ ?
I have read an article on the Lt-1 Corvette vs. LT-1 Z/28 don't remember which magazine but I'm sure either in here or in CorvetteActioncenter.com somewhere where they have their articles you will find it in there.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by ajrothm
YA OK, whatever...
Between my dad and I, we have 4 vettes, the 71' being the newest. I know a little something about them. I was merely giving him cold hard facts. Especially since this is going to be his DD.
These cars are pretty high maintenance, just be prepared to work on them. They are hot cars inside. Takes a lot of work to get them cool inside like a regular car. Ofcourse we are in texas where its 115* outside. LOL
Between my dad and I, we have 4 vettes, the 71' being the newest. I know a little something about them. I was merely giving him cold hard facts. Especially since this is going to be his DD.
These cars are pretty high maintenance, just be prepared to work on them. They are hot cars inside. Takes a lot of work to get them cool inside like a regular car. Ofcourse we are in texas where its 115* outside. LOL
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by copter
for some reason I can't post anymore on the action web site.I think I've been banned
I e-mailed them so we'll see what happens.
I e-mailed them so we'll see what happens.
Perhaps somewhere in here there is an article section on old road tests
Modded a 70 1/2 What? Corvette or Z/28?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 840
Likes: 19
From: Oshawa
Originally Posted by JoeRags
I've got damn hot feet in my car with a sb 383... and I dont even have a roof on the car.
This problem can be remedied with some quality insulation under the carpet and on the firewall.
good luck with whatever you choose
This problem can be remedied with some quality insulation under the carpet and on the firewall.
good luck with whatever you choose
