350/350hp
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Texas
350/350hp
Hi guys,
Question: Would a 1970 350/350hp be legitimately more powerful than the '71 and '72 LT1's? I realize the hp rating method changed in '72 so discounting that, are the earlier 350hp models better runners?
The reason I ask is that I'm in the market for a '70-'72 model (presently have a '66 coupe) and always loved those LT1's. However the price premium is usually pretty substantial. Was thinking if the '70 350hp was truly 20 more hp than the '71-'72 LT1's, I'd concentrate on those as it seems to be more car for the money in todays market.
Take into account I'm not a collector, just love to drive the heck out of 'em so the rarity of the LT1's doesn't hold the same value to me as it may to a purist collector.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Michael
Question: Would a 1970 350/350hp be legitimately more powerful than the '71 and '72 LT1's? I realize the hp rating method changed in '72 so discounting that, are the earlier 350hp models better runners?
The reason I ask is that I'm in the market for a '70-'72 model (presently have a '66 coupe) and always loved those LT1's. However the price premium is usually pretty substantial. Was thinking if the '70 350hp was truly 20 more hp than the '71-'72 LT1's, I'd concentrate on those as it seems to be more car for the money in todays market.
Take into account I'm not a collector, just love to drive the heck out of 'em so the rarity of the LT1's doesn't hold the same value to me as it may to a purist collector.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Michael
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
I would say it would be a "toss up". The '71 LT1 lost some top end and some ponies to the lower compression and cam changes; the '70's top end is just slightly less than the LT1's rated rpm. It would be about a "wash" if they were to compete.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 742
Likes: 5
From: McMurray PA
I've owned both a stock '69 L46 and a stock '71 LT-1 within a couple years of each other. Probably similar power in general, but they behaved very differently. I loved the L46 engine - it would wind up nicely and it was strong, responsive and a pleasure to drive. My LT-1 was a little more of an animal as far as aggressive revving, and it was a factory 4:11 car as well. That may have added to my perception that it was like driving a peaky slingshot, especially for local jaunts. On the highway it would rocket up to 70-75 mph then the fun was over - I always ended up being nervous about damaging my #s drivetrain at sustained higher rpms.
I'm glad I owned the LT-1 from the solid lifter clatter to the hood, but my next C3 will almost certainly be a '70 L46. Like I said, that drivetrain was a pleasure to drive. On the other hand, I sure as heck wouldn't turn down a good deal on a nice Mulsanne Blue/bright blue LT-1 though. ; )
Not sure if this helps....
Terry
I'm glad I owned the LT-1 from the solid lifter clatter to the hood, but my next C3 will almost certainly be a '70 L46. Like I said, that drivetrain was a pleasure to drive. On the other hand, I sure as heck wouldn't turn down a good deal on a nice Mulsanne Blue/bright blue LT-1 though. ; )
Not sure if this helps....
Terry
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,657
Likes: 3,117
From: Shamong, NJ
Vette442 somes it up pretty well. The 350/350 is a nice driving, hydrallic cammed engine. While the LT-1 is a hairy chested, solid lifter beast. The LT-1 probably feels faster, but may not be.
I'd say the performance is probably comparable, it's just that the LT-1 and L-46 each get there differently.
I'd say the performance is probably comparable, it's just that the LT-1 and L-46 each get there differently.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,897
Likes: 1,356
From: Santa Ana CA
Even after a professional rebuild, I always thought that my Top Flight '70 350/350 (with 10:1 CR, pocket-ported heads, gasket-matched ports and 3.70:1 rear end) was a dog compared to my '64 which was running pretty much the same assemblage, except it has headers and 2.5" exhaust.
When I test drove a couple '70 LT-1s, they would kick the snot out of my 350/350. Never drove the '71 though.
When I test drove a couple '70 LT-1s, they would kick the snot out of my 350/350. Never drove the '71 though.
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