1970 350-350
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
1970 350-350
I've just been noticing a few 1970 cars with the optional 350 HP engine and wondering what the premium would/should be for taking up one of these as opposed to a bas 350 in either 70, 71 or 72. Care to share your opinion?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Not a great deal maybe a couple of hunderd dollars for the extra 50 HP. It is more about condition of the car. Big block 454's bring a premium but originallity can be a question. There are far more big blocks out there than the general ever built.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
IMHO ... 70 may be more desirable than 71, 72 ... GM dropped compression beginning 71. All look great & nearly indistinguishable between those 3 years. Dunno how much more ... but I'd expect to pay a bit more for 70 ... and I'd do it for the right piece. 350-350 nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
you can only get a real premium for the big block cars, or an LT1. having said that, depending on your sales skills and the desire of the buyer, you could probably wangle yourself a higher price.
If someone wants it bad enough theyll pay for it
cheeers
tim
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
The last year for the 11.0:1 L46 350/350s was 1970.
They generally get a grand or so more than an L48.
They generally get a grand or so more than an L48.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
I've owned both the a very nice 80k original mile L46/M21/370:1 coupe, and currently own a '70 LT-1/ZR1/M22/456:1.
Truth be told, I wasn't too impressed with the L46. I think a lot of it had to do with the M21/370 combo: it was pretty doggy off of the line. Not to mention that it would fall on it's face when the lifters collapsed! Guess that's why I ended up with the LT-1 with stump pulling gears...
The L46 was a good cruising engine/gear set-up, but wouldn't win but half of it's street-light duals. Get it on the open road and it was very comfortable with plenty of top-end.
Here's a pic of the car with the original owner in the spring of '70. He said it was hard to keep in tune from new. But he also said he got it up to 132mph with 3 in the cabin - and was then pulled over. Luckily the CHP officer was Corvette lover and let him go with a warning. Don't think a guy could get away with that today...
Truth be told, I wasn't too impressed with the L46. I think a lot of it had to do with the M21/370 combo: it was pretty doggy off of the line. Not to mention that it would fall on it's face when the lifters collapsed! Guess that's why I ended up with the LT-1 with stump pulling gears...
The L46 was a good cruising engine/gear set-up, but wouldn't win but half of it's street-light duals. Get it on the open road and it was very comfortable with plenty of top-end.
Here's a pic of the car with the original owner in the spring of '70. He said it was hard to keep in tune from new. But he also said he got it up to 132mph with 3 in the cabin - and was then pulled over. Luckily the CHP officer was Corvette lover and let him go with a warning. Don't think a guy could get away with that today...
Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Wyoming DE
Doubt the Lt-1 would feel that much faster. Mine was a L-46 and now I have aluminum heads, Headers, Cam, Intake, Carb, feels fast, but my wife leaves me in the dust with the new car. Traction control and leave it in drive. The faster she goes the further it pulls on me.
I think the new car pulls harder at 150 than the old one pulls at highway speed.
I think the new car pulls harder at 150 than the old one pulls at highway speed.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
1970 350-350 is a good Vette but, challenged by today's pump fuels. That 11:1 motor dosen't like the lousy octane premium fuel of today. They "death rattle" worse than my 70 LT-1 because the cam is a little smaller but they are pretty good runners witht he right fuel in them. I would think they would be worth a bigger premium than the $1K they have in the guide compared to the 300HP 350 motor.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 742
Likes: 5
From: McMurray PA
I'm glad I did a search and didn't start a new thread on this. I'm looking for the right 69-72 4 speed car and have been convinced for the past few years that I had to have a 69-70 L46 for the high revving small block and the "mystique". I sold my '71 LT-1 a couple years ago only to watch the market go nuts, so those are probably out of the equation.
As far as block/component makeup, the L46 woudl appear to be great. However, I've been doing my homework more closely as I hunt, looking for possible downsides. The high compression / fuel issues and lack of low end keeps coming up. Anything else that owners can add to the + / - list? Thanks.
Terry
As far as block/component makeup, the L46 woudl appear to be great. However, I've been doing my homework more closely as I hunt, looking for possible downsides. The high compression / fuel issues and lack of low end keeps coming up. Anything else that owners can add to the + / - list? Thanks.
Terry
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
I think the 350/350 is a heck of a steal for the small difference in money. I can guarantee that when more folks know about that option, the demand for them...and their asking price...will go up in time. If you find a good one, go for it.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Although I'm biased (see signature,) I think the L46 is a great value. Compare the price difference of a L46 to that of a LT1 or a "Big Block" car. You'll pay one heck of a premium for the extra 20 hp of the LT1 or 40 hp of the 454. Granted the LT1 is at a premium because of its low production numbers. The L46, on the other hand, was only a two year option.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 754
Likes: 37
From: Connelly Springs NC
I agree. Only madefor two years, last of the hugh compression engines and makes more horse power then the 71/72 LT1. It is a bargen. If you are not woried about NCSR make the L46 into an LT-1 with cam, manifold, carb and hood. I know there are some other small differences but not worth the premimun that they adk for LT-1s and you don't have to continually adjust the valves.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Although, I may not have the L46, I have the L82 which is pretty much the same engine. If you want my opinion, I'd say leave it an L46 or take that engine out save it and put something radical in the car. The other option, although some frown on edelbrock cams, is to go with the Performer RPM cam, along with their intake, and a holley double pumper. That would be a much stronger engine than an LT1 ever thought of being.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 742
Likes: 5
From: McMurray PA
Although, I may not have the L46, I have the L82 which is pretty much the same engine. If you want my opinion, I'd say leave it an L46 or take that engine out save it and put something radical in the car. The other option, although some frown on edelbrock cams, is to go with the Performer RPM cam, along with their intake, and a holley double pumper. That would be a much stronger engine than an LT1 ever thought of being.
You gotta love these cars, despite it all. I took out the '74 on New Years Eve and my door handle/lock was acting up. I asked myself half jokingly "Why am I looking to add another shark to the fleet? 
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 618
Likes: 0
I'm partial to my L-46, despite the octane issue:
- L-46 is nearly 17% more hp than base, but only 6% less than an LT-1
- The issue the L-46 has with pump gas is the same issue the LT-1 has with pump gas.
- Engine was only made for 2 years ('69+'70)
- Unless the entire C3 market wanes, the L-46 will eventually become more sought-after than it has been in the past.
- There's something cool about an engine that puts out 1hp for every cu. in. !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
I'm partial to my L-46, despite the octane issue:
- L-46 is nearly 17% more hp than base, but only 6% less than an LT-1
- The issue the L-46 has with pump gas is the same issue the LT-1 has with pump gas.
- Engine was only made for 2 years ('69+'70)
- Unless the entire C3 market wanes, the L-46 will eventually become more sought-after than it has been in the past.
- There's something cool about an engine that puts out 1hp for every cu. in. !
Also remember 70 was a low production year, so less L-46's then in 69.
Glenn