Is the LT 1 'really worth it'???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
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Is the LT 1 'really worth it'???
70, 71, 72 - performance as indicated in "Cprvette 1968 - 1982 book says it was hot. (But compression went down each year and cam stayed the same although intake manifold may have changed between 70' and 71'). Falconer also says that the 70' L46 350/350 was just about everything an LT1 was -but trouble-free? Why is an LT1 'trouble'? Valve adjustments? Yes - the books say they rev 1K higher, but that means you gotta' put your foot in in it and get the clock spinning to get it going??? I have an opportunity to get a 71' LT1 reasonably - but wondering if the 'trouble' is worth it. Thoughts from the well-informed and experienced LT1 ownership pls. My driving will consist of gentle driving to the gun club on the weekends and maybe a show or two - maybe. No 'daily driving. I've never driven one...but maybe will the in the future
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
From a driving standpoint i say no. I had one and it ran good but i got bored of it quickly. From an investment standpoint the ywill keep their value better than a stock motored car. For a driver car i would say the base motor wit ha more modern cam and good heads will be a better driver car. I honestly dont see all the hype of the LT1. It had more HP but it certainly did not light my fire.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I bought a 68 bigblock (which I love) because I couldn't afford an LT1 convertible in similar condition. I think they are well worth it because they are something special (relatively rare and high performance) not just for head to head performance comparison.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
They can definitely be worth it from an investment perspective and for bragging rights. For a driver...a lesser, more common engine can be a much more comfortable and realistic driver for most.
Automotive technology has progressed so much since the days of the LT-1 you can take an L48 or a crate engine and build a much better performer than a stock LT-1 with new, modern components...but they'll not have the value or panache of a genuine, original LT-1.
It all depends on what your priorities are and what makes you happy.
Automotive technology has progressed so much since the days of the LT-1 you can take an L48 or a crate engine and build a much better performer than a stock LT-1 with new, modern components...but they'll not have the value or panache of a genuine, original LT-1.
It all depends on what your priorities are and what makes you happy.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
I've owned both an L46 350/350 and LT1 350/370 - both 11:1 compression, 380ftlbs. Though they are close in spec, they each will leave you with different driving impressions.
If you like a "spirited" ride and like to rev (and the glorious solid lifter sounds and glorious exhaust note that goes with), then the LT1 is the clear winner. Above 4000rpm, it'll out-pull an L46 hands down (and just keep revving).
On the other hand the L46 is a very good all-around cruiser/performer, but there is a noticeable difference if you drive a Corvette the way it was designed to be driven; keep your foot in it and valves will float and lifters collapse at just over 6k. Had a situation like that where it felt like the L46 should have had about 1500rpm more to give, and it fell flat on it's face. I wasn't paying attention to the tach - just going by sound and feel (no damage thankfully..)
The LT1 feels like it'll just keep revving until YOU cry uncle or it grenades.
If you like a "spirited" ride and like to rev (and the glorious solid lifter sounds and glorious exhaust note that goes with), then the LT1 is the clear winner. Above 4000rpm, it'll out-pull an L46 hands down (and just keep revving).
On the other hand the L46 is a very good all-around cruiser/performer, but there is a noticeable difference if you drive a Corvette the way it was designed to be driven; keep your foot in it and valves will float and lifters collapse at just over 6k. Had a situation like that where it felt like the L46 should have had about 1500rpm more to give, and it fell flat on it's face. I wasn't paying attention to the tach - just going by sound and feel (no damage thankfully..)
The LT1 feels like it'll just keep revving until YOU cry uncle or it grenades.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 13,238
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From: YANKEES UNIVERSE 70 454-LS5 500 ft-lbs Torque
Dan,post that video clip of you driving your ZR-1/LT-1 so they can see what the LT-1 hype is all about.I think if you can buy an all original 71 LT-1 you should buy it as they are the complete package of handling,power and performance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
I've owned two LT-1s a 71 and still have a 72. I never had any LT-1 specific trouble with either of them.
I let my brother in law, (who owned a 71 base engine car), drive my 72 LT-1 and still have to laugh today at his comment when he returned, he said "I don't want my car anymore, I want an LT-1"
You won't be sorry.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
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From: Frederick Md
Lt-1 were just SPECIAL...and you should expect to pay extra for one...
I never heard of any specific problems with them .. as far as adjusting the solid lifters...LOL that is one of the Fun parts about this hobby...I actually enjoy doing it on my 64 with solid lifters.. and wish my 72 was a Lt-1
Bob G
I never heard of any specific problems with them .. as far as adjusting the solid lifters...LOL that is one of the Fun parts about this hobby...I actually enjoy doing it on my 64 with solid lifters.. and wish my 72 was a Lt-1
Bob G
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Historically, an LT-1 car (fully original) has been in demand and been a good investment. If you use that investment up by putting your foot in the engine and winding it out all the time, that investment is going to get used up pretty quickly...so, most folks only do that sparingly.
But, I think the future may not be so bright for the LT-1 'investors'. The folks who really thought the LT-1 was the 'holy grail' of Corvette options are getting pretty 'long in the tooth'. That means that fewer will be buying these cars (or even looking for them). The [younger] folks wanting the neat C3 appearance, but needing some GO FAST, can stick a modern F.I./electronically managed engine in that car body and have better performance than an LT-1 and actually get to use it!! If I'm right, the LT-1 car will go the way of the very early Corvettes ('53s) and start losing value. There will still be a contingent of collectors...but it won't have the same luster as in earlier times.
This hobby is just that...a hobby. If you're in this business as a big time collector, with a museum full of vintage cars, you just "play the game". The rest of us just 'have fun' and hope it doesn't cost us too much.
But, I think the future may not be so bright for the LT-1 'investors'. The folks who really thought the LT-1 was the 'holy grail' of Corvette options are getting pretty 'long in the tooth'. That means that fewer will be buying these cars (or even looking for them). The [younger] folks wanting the neat C3 appearance, but needing some GO FAST, can stick a modern F.I./electronically managed engine in that car body and have better performance than an LT-1 and actually get to use it!! If I'm right, the LT-1 car will go the way of the very early Corvettes ('53s) and start losing value. There will still be a contingent of collectors...but it won't have the same luster as in earlier times.
This hobby is just that...a hobby. If you're in this business as a big time collector, with a museum full of vintage cars, you just "play the game". The rest of us just 'have fun' and hope it doesn't cost us too much.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,607
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From: PA
That 1970 LT-1 engine was the finest carbureted small block Chevrolet ever offered.
Those 1970-1972 LT-1s will always be a favorite of mine... And probably why I will keep buying them.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran