dvlvette

Hi guys, New owner from BC Canada.
1970 LS5 4 speed car. Low option (except deluxe interior). Special 3.70 rear axle ratio. Looks like 139000 miles. Canadian import from new. The car is in very good condition in my opinion. Previous Owner claims a restored in 1986 by another previous owner.

Drive train (eng trans and diff)numbers are matching. However the trans was on its way out. I elected to install a TKO600 overdrive. I bought the car to use and drive on sunny days in the summer and fall. I have saved the original trans and will rebuild at my leisure.

I have a question regarding long term value and numbers matching. I notice from my build sheet that a few items of this car have been upgraded. Number one is the paint colour(was red originally). 2 is added power steering. 3 is changed steering column to tilt / tele. Not to mention my 5 speed upgrade. So in the long run will these detract from the value of the car or not a big deal.

I plan on keeping and enjoying the car, just want to have the right plan in mind as time roles on.

Thanks

TMU

The main thing is the engine which you have and you still have the original transmission so that would help mitigate any detraction due to your tranny swap.

The color change will put off some, but at least the original color is highly desirable should you or a future owner want to repaint back to stock.

If the other added components are correct for the year, but not original to that specific car, I don’t think it will have much impact.

Welcome and congratulations looks like a very nice ride!

Bob K

I agree with TMU. The changes made, with the exception of paint are easily changed back if someone wanted to. The P/s and tilt/tell column are nice additions. Keeping the born with trans will allow someone to return to stock, if they desire, with very little expense.

Looks like a very nice car.

Bob K.

Alan 71

Hi dvlv,
Welcome!!!
First posts!!!
Nice to see you here!
VERY nice looking bb 70!!!!
Some of the things that have been changed on it certainly affect the car's value to someone that's interested in originality.
BUT, there's not much reason or sense to do anything about them now since they have no effect on your enjoyment of the car.
When the time comes someday to paint it again someone MIGHT decide paint it the original color again.
Until then the fun is all yours to be had!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

dvlvette

Thats guys,

Those are my thoughts as well and thats what i was hoping to here! Like i said i bought the car to drive it, not just look at it. Just wanted to make sure that i didnt detract from the car.

No matter what it sure is fun!

joewill

usually the biggest hits one would have to take in the originality wars are the engine, paint, interior, other minor options.. in that order. but as long as you paid a correct price for your car, then from what I see it will compete in the market just fine.
I don't think there is hard evidence that non-original cars appreciate or depreciate at a different rate than the more original cars. I certainly would not remove the PS and T/T or the 5 speed.

As I said, your entry price is the critical factor in maintaining market value. work on the little things that improve the overall condition and perhaps eventually correct the color. But a repaint usually costs more than it is worth, especially if your car does not need painting.

imariver

is it just me, or does that fan belt look a little too close to the upper radiator hose?

BBCorv70

Looks like it may be a non factory belt configuration. On LS5, the alternator usually runs off the PS pump.

dvlvette

Thanks for the heads up! The belt is not touching and it functions fine, but there is definately something not quite right there. Must have been the addition of PS pump.

Does anyone know where i can find a diagram of the correct belt layout and pulley configurations?

Thanks!

danthony

Welcome to the forum, looks like a great car.

One fun thing about our hobby is that you can spend the next few years collecting parts that bring the car back to the level of period correctness you want (or don't for that matter). Seems like your's would be easy. paint being another investment that you'd decide at the right time if at all.

For now, enjoy it as it is, it really presents nicely

71 Green 454

Welcome to the LS5 club.

Not my engine, but with power steering and no AC, your belt routing should look like this:

joewill

The belt diagram is in the assembly manual.. as a new LS5 owner the assembly manual and the wiring diagram should be your 1st purchase!

notice there is no way to tighten the crankshaft pulley to water pump pulley belt.
there has always been lots of head scratching on that one.

BBCorv70

That's most likely what happened. It's an easy fix if you want to duplicate the factory configuration. I can't see your alternator pulley in the photo. Be aware there the LS5 had a different pulley for the alternator. Most vendors sell reproductions.





Was that belt installed on non AC cars? There's an idler pulley available to tension that belt, think it's part of the AC option.

jr9170

dviv, be sure to post your LS5 in the 70 LS5 owners thread and the 70-72 LS5 owners thread here in C3 General. Congrats and welcome to the LS5 owners club...

dvlvette

Thanks for the heads up on the alternator pulley. It looks to me like the alternator is mounted with the wrong bracket. I will have to investigate the correct parts. I will also look for the assembly manual. I really want to get rid of the chrome one and go back to stock.

Thanks,
DVL

dvlvette

It is a fun hobby for sure. I didnt ever think that I would enjoy it this much.

Lol I even treated myself to a new shop toy!

jr9170

Hope you can post pics and info in the two LS5 owners threads here in C3 General...Thanks Jerry

Dirty Dalton

70's Rock!

BBCorv70

Looking at the backside, it looks like you have the right brackets. I can't see the front. As someone else suggested, an AIM would be very helpful, showing you exactly how it was configured complete with part numbers. I mentioned the pulley because I had the wrong one for years, the stock belt seemed a bit long, adjustment was near the end of travel. The correct pulley is a bit larger diameter than the one I had before.