Difference between 70 71 72 ?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The Corvette Black Book lists a few of the differences and you can check other references. The 70-72 models are very, very similar.
The 70 models have the shortest production run. 70 & 71 have fiber optics and removable rear window. 72s do not. The LT-1 was available all three years and available with AC for '72 only.
70s have the last open element air cleaners.
You can get a brief explanation of the differences here:
You can get specific differences here:
Pricey, but a very good photo reference. The 70-72 NCRS judging guide also outlines the similarities and differences between the three model years.
The 70 models have the shortest production run. 70 & 71 have fiber optics and removable rear window. 72s do not. The LT-1 was available all three years and available with AC for '72 only.
70s have the last open element air cleaners.
You can get a brief explanation of the differences here:
You can get specific differences here:
Pricey, but a very good photo reference. The 70-72 NCRS judging guide also outlines the similarities and differences between the three model years.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 8, 2008 at 08:57 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
The Corvette Black Book lists a few of the differences and you can check other references. The 70-72 models are very, very similar.
The 70 models have the shortest production run.
70 & 71 have fiber optics and removable rear window. 72s do not.
The LT-1 was available all three years and available with AC for '72 only.
70s have the last open element air cleaners.
You can get a brief explanation of the differences here:
You can get specific differences here:
Pricey, but a very food photo reference.
The 70 models have the shortest production run.
70 & 71 have fiber optics and removable rear window. 72s do not.
The LT-1 was available all three years and available with AC for '72 only.
70s have the last open element air cleaners.
You can get a brief explanation of the differences here:
You can get specific differences here:
Pricey, but a very food photo reference.
Sorry I just had to chime in. (its the excitement
) http://s430.photobucket.com/albums/q.../1972%20Vette/
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
From: Bryan Texas
The 70s and early 71s LS5s had chrome valve covers.. then they went to painted valve covers.
70 and most of 71 had clear front turn signal lenses. The late 71s and 72s had amber front turn signal lenses.
There are a few other changes like engine compression and side vent paint, but I'm not sure on the details on those changes.
70 and most of 71 had clear front turn signal lenses. The late 71s and 72s had amber front turn signal lenses.
There are a few other changes like engine compression and side vent paint, but I'm not sure on the details on those changes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,485
Likes: 7
From: Peekskill NY
It's a long list, and I'm sure I'll leave something out.
70-last of the high compression engines.
Base 350 engine 300 hp
L-46-350-350 hp
454-390 hp
Egg crate grills on fenders are 70 specific, horizontal chrome highlight only.
Front Parking lenses white, amber bulbs.
First year for advertised LT-1 engine 370 hp.
71-Base 350 engine 270 hp
Basically the same styling.
Egg crate grills on fender, horizontal & vertical chrome highlighted and the casting is different.
LT-1 engine 330 hp
LS-5 454-365 hp
LS-6 454-425 hp only year available.
Amber parking light lenses later in the production year. (has been debated when)
72-Base 350 200hp ratings changed from SAE Gross to SAE Net ratings.
Amber front parking light lenses.
Fiber optics eliminated
Last year for LT-1
Last year for chrome bumpers front & rear
ZR-1 option -LT-1 engine, electronic ignition, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty 4-speed close ratio tranny, special shocks & springs, over size aluminum radiator. Only 20 built.
Hope this helps a bit.
There's tons of info on the web.
Glenn
70-last of the high compression engines.
Base 350 engine 300 hp
L-46-350-350 hp
454-390 hp
Egg crate grills on fenders are 70 specific, horizontal chrome highlight only.
Front Parking lenses white, amber bulbs.
First year for advertised LT-1 engine 370 hp.
71-Base 350 engine 270 hp
Basically the same styling.
Egg crate grills on fender, horizontal & vertical chrome highlighted and the casting is different.
LT-1 engine 330 hp
LS-5 454-365 hp
LS-6 454-425 hp only year available.
Amber parking light lenses later in the production year. (has been debated when)
72-Base 350 200hp ratings changed from SAE Gross to SAE Net ratings.
Amber front parking light lenses.
Fiber optics eliminated
Last year for LT-1
Last year for chrome bumpers front & rear
ZR-1 option -LT-1 engine, electronic ignition, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty 4-speed close ratio tranny, special shocks & springs, over size aluminum radiator. Only 20 built.
Hope this helps a bit.
There's tons of info on the web.
Glenn
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 19
From: Oswego New York
Even though the front grilles and fender egg crates have subtle differences in the 70 versus the 71 & 72 parts, I believe they all fit interchangeably in all 3 year models.
The 70 front grilles have 1 screw hole and 2 studs for mounting each grill in place, while the 71 & 72 grilles have 3 screw holes.
The 70 front grilles have 1 screw hole and 2 studs for mounting each grill in place, while the 71 & 72 grilles have 3 screw holes.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
It's a long list, and I'm sure I'll leave something out.
70-last of the high compression engines.
Base 350 engine 300 hp
L-46-350-350 hp
454-390 hp
Egg crate grills on fenders are 70 specific, horizontal chrome highlight only.
Front Parking lenses white, amber bulbs.
First year for advertised LT-1 engine 370 hp.
71-Base 350 engine 270 hp
Basically the same styling.
Egg crate grills on fender, horizontal & vertical chrome highlighted and the casting is different.
LT-1 engine 330 hp
LS-5 454-365 hp
LS-6 454-425 hp only year available.
Amber parking light lenses later in the production year. (has been debated when)
72-Base 350 200hp ratings changed from SAE Gross to SAE Net ratings.
Amber front parking light lenses.
Fiber optics eliminated
Last year for LT-1
Last year for chrome bumpers front & rear
ZR-1 option -LT-1 engine, electronic ignition, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty 4-speed close ratio tranny, special shocks & springs, over size aluminum radiator. Only 20 built.
Hope this helps a bit.
There's tons of info on the web.
Glenn
70-last of the high compression engines.
Base 350 engine 300 hp
L-46-350-350 hp
454-390 hp
Egg crate grills on fenders are 70 specific, horizontal chrome highlight only.
Front Parking lenses white, amber bulbs.
First year for advertised LT-1 engine 370 hp.
71-Base 350 engine 270 hp
Basically the same styling.
Egg crate grills on fender, horizontal & vertical chrome highlighted and the casting is different.
LT-1 engine 330 hp
LS-5 454-365 hp
LS-6 454-425 hp only year available.
Amber parking light lenses later in the production year. (has been debated when)
72-Base 350 200hp ratings changed from SAE Gross to SAE Net ratings.
Amber front parking light lenses.
Fiber optics eliminated
Last year for LT-1
Last year for chrome bumpers front & rear
ZR-1 option -LT-1 engine, electronic ignition, heavy duty brakes, heavy duty 4-speed close ratio tranny, special shocks & springs, over size aluminum radiator. Only 20 built.
Hope this helps a bit.
There's tons of info on the web.
Glenn
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim California
Early 1971 cars had headlight washers and clear front parking light lenses. My #1324 have them. I understand they used whatever was in stock and would fit from the previous year on the current production as long is it did not effect emissions etc.
Last edited by Ed Campbell; Dec 23, 2008 at 09:54 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
No, that would be 68. The first year the Alarm was standard equipment was 72 though.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,168
Likes: 4,245
From: Westminster Maryland
If you look at the 'engine data plate' on the shifter console you can tell what year it is. Horsepower #s changed each year. Some people change the plates so it only works some times, but it's the first place I look, if I'm not sure from the exterior clues. (my eyes are getting too bad to always be able to see the year in the VIN).
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
Well, on the console HP plate, in 72, the horsepower rating did not appear at all, only the displacement, torque and compression.
Guess the numbers were getting so low they didn't want to constantly remind you.
Guess the numbers were getting so low they didn't want to constantly remind you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Several posters have hit on some of the differences between these years. There are a lot more subtle changes.
For interiors, '70 & '71 use the same radio, green dial letters, same plastic chromed *****, and lighted STEREO in bluish green letters. '72 has white letters, rubberized musical note symbols and a red dot light in stereo mode.
'70, '71's use stainless pedal trim, '72 has none. '70, '71's has chrome plated plastic astro vent *****, '72's are black plastic. '70, '71 early use a fiberboard window storage tray and spring steel latching assembly. '71 late & '72 use a fiberglass rear window tray and pushbuttion lock assembly (like storage doors). '70, '71 have console plate provison for rear fiberoptic lenses, '72 does not. Forward console has provisions for fiberoptics on '70, '71, '72 does not. Seat belt mechanisms in '72 way different, '70, '71 the same. Seat upholstery on custom interior option is different for '72 from '70, '71.
There are a lot more differences, but this gives you an idea in the interior changes.
For interiors, '70 & '71 use the same radio, green dial letters, same plastic chromed *****, and lighted STEREO in bluish green letters. '72 has white letters, rubberized musical note symbols and a red dot light in stereo mode.
'70, '71's use stainless pedal trim, '72 has none. '70, '71's has chrome plated plastic astro vent *****, '72's are black plastic. '70, '71 early use a fiberboard window storage tray and spring steel latching assembly. '71 late & '72 use a fiberglass rear window tray and pushbuttion lock assembly (like storage doors). '70, '71 have console plate provison for rear fiberoptic lenses, '72 does not. Forward console has provisions for fiberoptics on '70, '71, '72 does not. Seat belt mechanisms in '72 way different, '70, '71 the same. Seat upholstery on custom interior option is different for '72 from '70, '71.
There are a lot more differences, but this gives you an idea in the interior changes.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,189
Likes: 206
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C3 of Year
How about the 70 and 72 had the TCS (transmission controled spark), the 71 had the CEC(combined emission control). In 72 the alarm system became standard equipment.