Thoughts on LT1 with NO PS,PB.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: San Clemente CA
Thoughts on LT1 with NO PS,PB.
Hello,
After a long break without a C3 I am getting the bug. Been searching for 1970 LT1
A friend called me with one for sale under 30K, but it is lacking power steering and PB. I have never drove a car without either, how bad is it? Has anyone got one without and regretted it. And last if I can not stand it how hard is it going to be to sell?
Thank you.
After a long break without a C3 I am getting the bug. Been searching for 1970 LT1
A friend called me with one for sale under 30K, but it is lacking power steering and PB. I have never drove a car without either, how bad is it? Has anyone got one without and regretted it. And last if I can not stand it how hard is it going to be to sell?
Thank you.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
An LT1 if priced going rate will sell just fine, they are sought after,
In the early 90s i dd my modded 66 no ps or bb and i didnt have issues, parking takes a little more effort but nothing epic
In my way of thinking an LT1 is a performance engine, hipo car
The lack of ps bb to me adds a cool factor,
In the early 90s i dd my modded 66 no ps or bb and i didnt have issues, parking takes a little more effort but nothing epic
In my way of thinking an LT1 is a performance engine, hipo car
The lack of ps bb to me adds a cool factor,
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,381
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
No power anything on my '71 and it drives fine. The only thing you'll notice is steering effort in parking lots etc. At least that's the only thing I notice when driving my Vette compared to my other vehicles.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 297
From: Slovenia, EU
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
If I would buy again a C3 I would definately look at a car with manual everything!
No PB, PS, PW! Nothing!
In Europe I was used at buying a car in the late 90s that didn't have anything power. Only brakes were, everything else was manual!
The only thing that I remember is that I had to change the steering joint quite often as with time it got some slack because of the parking. That was it!
No PB, PS, PW! Nothing!
In Europe I was used at buying a car in the late 90s that didn't have anything power. Only brakes were, everything else was manual!
The only thing that I remember is that I had to change the steering joint quite often as with time it got some slack because of the parking. That was it!
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,558
Likes: 548
From: Round Rock Texas
“How bad is it?” It’s really not bad at all. I grew up without any power options of any sort in my ‘67 Camaro. It’s almost fitting for a ‘70’s performance car in my opinion to be without P/B P/S, etc. I’m searching now, and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a C3 without power assist. Best of luck!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 134
Likes: 24
a decent 1970 for 30K? If it is a real one, go and buy it.
If you are unhappy, you can sell it for more, and easily.
You then still have the option of adding assistance for steering (easy) and brakes (a little less, but still not rocket-science)
But I would certainly leave it as is. Manual brakes on a C3 are as powerful as assisted ones. Just need to press a little harder.
If you are unhappy, you can sell it for more, and easily.
You then still have the option of adding assistance for steering (easy) and brakes (a little less, but still not rocket-science)
But I would certainly leave it as is. Manual brakes on a C3 are as powerful as assisted ones. Just need to press a little harder.
Last edited by GregX1; Jun 18, 2018 at 10:12 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
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
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,708
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I agree with what others have said above.
No power steering is at least as good, if not better than PS except for parking. You’ll enjoy the feel while driving.
Manual brakes are fine as long as the system is in good condition. PB tends to hide flaws in the braking system better.
No power steering is at least as good, if not better than PS except for parking. You’ll enjoy the feel while driving.
Manual brakes are fine as long as the system is in good condition. PB tends to hide flaws in the braking system better.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,518
From: Virginia
I switched to manual steering on my 80. It feels great, and I would never go back to stock PS. I have no opinion on PBs, other than to point out that if you find manual brakes lacking, a Hydroboost conversion may be the way to go. You'd have to add a power steering pump, though, so you may as well get a Borgeson box at that point if you spend a lot of time in parking lots.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 282
From: Bedford New York
My LT-1 has power steering and power brakes. I wish it had neither. The power steering gives almost zero road feedback and is almost effortless, saw as the "allure" of these systems back in the '70's. My brother's LT-1 has manual everything and it feels much more proper, like a sports car should feel. The power brakes are nice, but not all that much better than manual brakes. For the sake of simplicity.....and less things to go wrong/fix, I'd opt for manual brakes.
Last edited by Tonio; Jun 19, 2018 at 12:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: San Clemente CA
Thank you all,
No PS and no PB seems like it is no problem. I am going to go look at the car, it is not a steal, not numbers matching, repaint (rough) with scratches. If I pass 50-50 rather pay more and get exactly what I want I will be happy to pass it on, just message me. It is green with tan,
No PS and no PB seems like it is no problem. I am going to go look at the car, it is not a steal, not numbers matching, repaint (rough) with scratches. If I pass 50-50 rather pay more and get exactly what I want I will be happy to pass it on, just message me. It is green with tan,
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It is "no problem" for those who are used to having cars without them.
For you, it would be a problem....at least for a period of time until you built up your leg muscles (it is a manual transmission car, so the left leg will be busy) and arm muscles.
Power steering is only 'important' when the car is at rest or at very slow speeds (under 3 mph). With any speed at all, P/S is not really necessary.
Manual brakes will stop just as well as power brakes...but the pedal effort to do so is much higher.
So, if you are in reasonably good physical condition, it's no big deal. If you have some physical 'issues', you might do better to have P/S & P/B on the car you purchase.
For you, it would be a problem....at least for a period of time until you built up your leg muscles (it is a manual transmission car, so the left leg will be busy) and arm muscles.
Power steering is only 'important' when the car is at rest or at very slow speeds (under 3 mph). With any speed at all, P/S is not really necessary.
Manual brakes will stop just as well as power brakes...but the pedal effort to do so is much higher.
So, if you are in reasonably good physical condition, it's no big deal. If you have some physical 'issues', you might do better to have P/S & P/B on the car you purchase.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Thank you all,
No PS and no PB seems like it is no problem. I am going to go look at the car, it is not a steal, not numbers matching, repaint (rough) with scratches. If I pass 50-50 rather pay more and get exactly what I want I will be happy to pass it on, just message me. It is green with tan,
No PS and no PB seems like it is no problem. I am going to go look at the car, it is not a steal, not numbers matching, repaint (rough) with scratches. If I pass 50-50 rather pay more and get exactly what I want I will be happy to pass it on, just message me. It is green with tan,
Then do that and dont settle, you wont be happy with anything else...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
For earlier years without reference to the original motor built into the serial number, I admit there's the problem of forgery, cars which were base models being passed off as higher performance cars. The tank sheet may be the only proof available. For years which the original engine installed can be proven, I see no reason they cannot be restored and get as much respect as originals. They may not fetch as much $$ as originals, assuming true originals are more rare.
It is important a potential buyer be aware of the premium paid for a thought to be original LT-1. A NOM LT-1 will likely trade at lower values. Could be a fun driver, cheaper than an original, no risk of lost originality.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
However
If it was a born at the factory LT1 i dont care if someone stuck a buick v6 in it with a corvette summer body kit on it the car is still an LT1,
Doesnt matter i drop a bb, a 4 speed etc in my 69 and tack on flares and an L88 hood the car is still a near base model 69,
Real factory L88 cars fetch big money and very few have the original engines which were mostly blown up years ago,
Some have the orginal engine rebuilt and some not even that but they are still real factory L88s.