Ride comparison between 1971 corvettes
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Ride comparison between 1971 corvettes
I wanted to get some feedback on what a "stock" 1971 corvette ride compares with each other.
What would you expect from a 350/270 hp, 350/330 hp LT-1, 454 LS5/365 hp, I know there is an LS6 but out of my league on $$$$.......
How much of a difference if ride would one expect? How about power and torque? I think I may need to look at each model more closely
Advantages and disadvantages of each? Thanks and best regards!
What would you expect from a 350/270 hp, 350/330 hp LT-1, 454 LS5/365 hp, I know there is an LS6 but out of my league on $$$$.......
How much of a difference if ride would one expect? How about power and torque? I think I may need to look at each model more closely
Advantages and disadvantages of each? Thanks and best regards!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
When you say "ride", are you referring to comfort? Handling? Acceleration? If you're talking stock, with bias ply tires, I would say the "ride" is fair, at best. These are 42 year old cars, after all, with suspension that is a carryover from the 60's.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
I was more in line with handling, acceleration, torque, and especially the sound.
Are we looking at a HUGE difference between the engine types in terms of perfomance and acceleration? Thank you and best regards.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
There was an old motortrend or car and driver test that I read very recently on another web page. I believe the cars tested were the 72 models. Test was done by 1 of the corvette racers back in the day. Apparently the LT1 was quite a stunning performer. The big block cars were sluggish handling due to the heavier engine. Cant recall about the base model. I wish I could remember where I saw it. Pretty Good article and left me with the impression these cars were very good handling
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
There was an old motortrend or car and driver test that I read very recently on another web page. I believe the cars tested were the 72 models. Test was done by 1 of the corvette racers back in the day. Apparently the LT1 was quite a stunning performer. The big block cars were sluggish handling due to the heavier engine. Cant recall about the base model. I wish I could remember where I saw it. Pretty Good article and left me with the impression these cars were very good handling
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ette-road-test
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
Actually comfort I know. They are not comfortable at all.
I was more in line with handling, acceleration, torque, and especially the sound.
Are we looking at a HUGE difference between the engine types in terms of perfomance and acceleration? Thank you and best regards.
Since I don't own a '71 with a different engine or suspension, I can't tell you how others handle or ride in comparison.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 249
Likes: 7
From: Wentworth North Carolina
Condition of suspension and even individuial car quirks play a role in your question. IMHO.
My 1971 Vert has been rebuilt with stock bushings and upgrade to modern shocks.
Very Descent Ride in my opinion for a 40 yr old car.
With Sharkbite or other systems even better, I'm sure, but your behind in the seat is the best way to judge for you.
Performance is a matter of condition of engine and what if any up grades.. mine started life as a 270 hp base.
Bored .30,Cam and head work has given new life from the rebuild.
Respectfully Patrick
My 1971 Vert has been rebuilt with stock bushings and upgrade to modern shocks.
Very Descent Ride in my opinion for a 40 yr old car.
With Sharkbite or other systems even better, I'm sure, but your behind in the seat is the best way to judge for you.
Performance is a matter of condition of engine and what if any up grades.. mine started life as a 270 hp base.
Bored .30,Cam and head work has given new life from the rebuild.
Respectfully Patrick
Last edited by kenpofan; Jul 31, 2013 at 03:18 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Really? Don't know if I agree with you there.
In my car, the PO took the 'heavy duty' front springs out and put the 'standard' springs in. Nothing special about the rear leaf. Shocks of unknown brand/age/quality.
I have to say that my 1970 Corvette rides more comfortably than the last Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Toyota Corolla I rented.
I am actually blown away by how well my car goes down the road. So is every passenger I've driven. No squeaks or rattles. No dartiness or roughness. Very smooth and pleasant.
Heck...my 2012 F250 diesel goes over a speed bump rougher than my Corvette.
So...I guess there are those that ride rough, loud, or otherwise poorly. But not all.
In my car, the PO took the 'heavy duty' front springs out and put the 'standard' springs in. Nothing special about the rear leaf. Shocks of unknown brand/age/quality.
I have to say that my 1970 Corvette rides more comfortably than the last Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, or Toyota Corolla I rented.
I am actually blown away by how well my car goes down the road. So is every passenger I've driven. No squeaks or rattles. No dartiness or roughness. Very smooth and pleasant.
Heck...my 2012 F250 diesel goes over a speed bump rougher than my Corvette.
So...I guess there are those that ride rough, loud, or otherwise poorly. But not all.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Racer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 475
Likes: 3
From: Windham NH
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
For some reason I had gathered we were talking about ride quality, clunks, jiggles, creaks, groans, and other things that don't make the car FEEL like a modern car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,274
Likes: 6
From: Corvetteville USA
I'm speaking all things considered. I gather also a 454 without power steering would significantly be more uncomfortable to drive than with one that has it. Would the same apply to small block cars?