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It would be difficult for the 70 to be "originally an LS-6" , because the optional LS-6 was only available during the 71 model year.
I should have clarified - current owner purchased it in 1983 and it came with an LS6 at that time. Replaced with a period-correct LS7 when he got as he found a crack in the block.
Originally Posted by Duntov
One thing to add is that compression ratio may make it harder to find gas that won't cause pinging.
That's a good point - I think the 71 LT-1's were lowered to 9:1 and it looks like the 70 LS7 motor was higher at 12.5:1 (I think).
Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Which one do you want? You're going to be the new owner.
Leaning toward the LT-1 but hoping I won't be sorry for passing on a BB!
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
I couldn't care less for #'s matching and I would not buy a vette for investment. I would buy that LT-1, drive the hell out of it until it broke, fix it, repeat as many times necessary until it's time to move on. I haven't reached that point in 29 years with my '76 and probably never will.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
the LT1 is the better investment and is worth more than the NOM 70. You can alway pull the motor and put in a big block and you will have the NOM. The LT1 is a rare option and you can flip it for more and go buy another NOM at any time. Just make sure it is a numbers matching car. If you rebuild the LT1 motor you can replace the pistons and heads to get back the the 11:1 compression of the 70 LT1. More HP.
I've got a 72 LT1 ( same motor, gross vs net HP rating)and it is plenty fun and doesnt ping with 93 octane. I would change the heads and pistons though just because I always like to work on things and make them better.
I couldn't care less for #'s matching and I would not buy a vette for investment. I would buy that LT-1, drive the hell out of it until it broke, fix it, repeat as many times necessary until it's time to move on.
All great input - I was leaning toward the LT-1 and the general consensus here validates those thoughts. Going to look at it tomorrow - I think I know everything to look for (tach, no overflow, CGZ stamp, welded cross-member by tranny, 5-blade fan, aluminum intake/manifold). Any other items I need to keep an eye out for on a 71 LT-1 other than the obvious ones?
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
No fuel return line. I THINK it had the heavy duty u joint collars, not the thin straps. There may be than just the CGZ stamp available for that year. It depends on the options for the year
Oh, forgot to mention - seller just told me that there is some "play" in the steering wheel and some bolts just need to be tightened (?). Any clue what he's talking about here and does it raise any flags? He just disclosed this to me.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Could be tie rod ends, bad steering box, there are adjustments that can be made to the box, look up the cost of a rebuilt one plus labor and deduct it from the price. Tie rod ends are cheap. Have a helper swing the wheel back and forth and you should see where the slop is.
...seller just told me that there is some "play" in the steering wheel and some bolts just need to be tightened (?). Any clue what he's talking about...
Many thanks to all for the advice and great input. I finally went with the LT-1. Took a trip to TN on Tuesday to take a look - everything checked out, so I brought it back home with me. I'll post some pics to a separate thread when I take some pics, but here's the tank sticker:
Many thanks to all for the advice and great input. I finally went with the LT-1. Took a trip to TN on Tuesday to take a look - everything checked out, so I brought it back home with me. I'll post some pics to a separate thread when I take some pics, but here's the tank sticker:
Hi rb74,
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!
The Order Copy appears to describe a pretty nice 71!!!
I'll bet you're really excited!
I'll be looking for the photos too!
Regards,
Alan
Hi rb74,
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!
The Order Copy appears to describe a pretty nice 71!!!
I'll bet you're really excited!
I'll be looking for the photos too!
Regards,
Alan
Thank you Alan. You have been especially helpful across a number of threads that I've posted, so I really appreciate all of your advice and assistance! Will post some pictures as soon as the weather clears up...
