Which would you choose?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 145
Likes: 6
From: Roswell, Georgia
Which would you choose?
Okay - fun experiment that I'm sure has been played-out here many times before. I have an opportunity to purchase one these cars (not both!) for similar money. They are both driver quality, and one is numbers-matching while the other is not. The details:
Obviously, two very different vehicles, but condition remaining equal on both (solid, decent paint, no rust, good interior), which is the better vehicle for a driver that can be enjoyed on the weekend and tinkered with over the years? I want something that will rumble through the neighborhood, be a looker and fun to drive, so I don't want to disappointed by a small-block, but it seems that the LT-1 is a pretty special car.
Thoughts/opinions?
- 1970 Convertible LS6: driver quality red/black, NOT numbers-matching. Originally LS6, now LS7 as owner (corvette mechanic) put a period-correct LS7 motor in the vehicle.
- 1971 LT-1 Convertible: driver quality red/black, numbers-matching.
Obviously, two very different vehicles, but condition remaining equal on both (solid, decent paint, no rust, good interior), which is the better vehicle for a driver that can be enjoyed on the weekend and tinkered with over the years? I want something that will rumble through the neighborhood, be a looker and fun to drive, so I don't want to disappointed by a small-block, but it seems that the LT-1 is a pretty special car.
Thoughts/opinions?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 421
Likes: 17
From: Newport News VA
To me, the 71 is the way I would lean. But I am a numbers matching type person. It really depends on what you want from the car. No sound like a big block. But you can always go with side pipes on a sb.
Last edited by Makonut; Mar 10, 2017 at 06:19 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
The LT1 is the mouse that roars but its still a mouse,
In my 35 plus years of messing with corvettes one thing i noticed and fully relate to,
When asked what engine is in a corvette the crest always seems to drop when the reply is anything except big block,
LT1 is very close but its an engine wanting to be revved, i dont want that in my street car, now some cats love that but its not my cup o tea,
You cant really go wrong both cars are convertibles, but the bb wins me hands down.
In my 35 plus years of messing with corvettes one thing i noticed and fully relate to,
When asked what engine is in a corvette the crest always seems to drop when the reply is anything except big block,
LT1 is very close but its an engine wanting to be revved, i dont want that in my street car, now some cats love that but its not my cup o tea,
You cant really go wrong both cars are convertibles, but the bb wins me hands down.
Last edited by The13Bats; Mar 10, 2017 at 06:19 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,986
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
Id take the numbers match LT-1. Id rather drive a small block anyway, and the investment value of the real LT-1 vs an NOM car isnt close. LT-1 all day long.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Rb 74,
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'd go for the LT-! too!
Regards,
Alan
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'd go for the LT-! too!
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,705
Likes: 983
From: Orlando FL
Another vote for the 71... for similar reasons as stated above.... I like the "numbers" matching. And I already HAVE big block in another car in the garage if I just want to melt tires and waste fuel. The Vette, I want to drive....so a sensible small block works for me as a "sight seeing" cruiser.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 119
Likes: 20
From: Atlanta GA
Definitely the LT-1. As cool as big blocks are, I don't like the extra weight and the impact it has on handling. The LT-1 is also a much better choice from an investment perspective.
I'm also a little biased, I have a '72 LT-1.
I'm also a little biased, I have a '72 LT-1.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 150
Likes: 42
From: mountains of N.E. Georgia Georgia
I'm a numbers matching kind of guy too. I'd go with it. Anyone can put a big block engine in a car with all the go fast parts. Try to take a modified car and return it to numbers matching...ain't gonna happen.
Resale value and ease of sale for you or your great grandkids will be better with the #'s matching car.
Good Luck and enjoy!!!
Resale value and ease of sale for you or your great grandkids will be better with the #'s matching car.
Good Luck and enjoy!!!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 84
From: Round Rock TX
Having a big block 70 and my father having a LT-1, it's a lot easier to work on the LT-1. The LS5 is heavier, but both look good with the hood up.
Years ago my LS5 (before I owned it) and my dads LT-1 took off from a stop together. The LT-1 was ahead and at around 100 mph the LS5 went by. Both were stock, LS5 with m20 and 3.08 rear. The LT-1 with m21 and 3.70 for reference.
Years ago my LS5 (before I owned it) and my dads LT-1 took off from a stop together. The LT-1 was ahead and at around 100 mph the LS5 went by. Both were stock, LS5 with m20 and 3.08 rear. The LT-1 with m21 and 3.70 for reference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 951
Likes: 215
From: Foothills of the Adirondacks.