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I chose buying my 71 LT-1 Convertible over the 70 due the difficulty and crazy cost of buying high octane fuel in NJ. The 71 IMHO is way better to own (in NJ) where fuel is an issue for a 70. In fact a really nice 70 I looked at was detuned for this reason. The other factor is I wanted the 71 due to being a bit more tame, less fickle, on my monthly car drives than the 70 LT-1. The 71 will also be more affordable. Under 50K for a good 70 convertible matching numbers car might be a reach. A 71 more likely, a 72 would be easier yet. Good luck on your search. The LT-1's are very rare cars. I have not seen one yet in 4 years of 10+ car shows.
Thank you!
I think he is open to a 71. He is also looking at the 69 L46. He just can’t break away from a convertible.
I have a 69 L46 and a 72 LT1 coupe. Love them both, great to drive. I chose the 72 LT1 as at the time a 70 was harder to find and the 72 is basically the same as the 71, but HP rated differently, but I felt better having confirmation of a real LT1 by way of the letter in the vin. I also have the build sheets.
Joe
I also considered the 70 L-46, however, fuel issues caused the same problem with the higher compression. The LT-1 engine with the special hood just looks much better than the base model. I'm partial to the roadster as well. I just think a Corvette from that era and earlier look better with the convertible. More comfortable with the top down in the summer than a coupe unless you have air. It all comes down to what you can afford. Again, best wishes in your search.
I also considered the 70 L-46, however, fuel issues caused the same problem with the higher compression. The LT-1 engine with the special hood just looks much better than the base model. I'm partial to the roadster as well. I just think a Corvette from that era and earlier look better with the convertible. More comfortable with the top down in the summer than a coupe unless you have air. It all comes down to what you can afford. Again, best wishes in your search.
Awesome thanks!
What does the high octane cost in NJ?
I also have a 69 L46 that needs work but it is all original. We have 93 octane here. It’s about $4 a gallon.
IHMO 69 is the highwater mark in so far as C3 styling is concerned.
The 68-69's have no flares and they beat the lower quarter and fenders up with road rash, however they look cleaner than the flares on the 70 and up cars.
I had a 69 L46 right after I got out of highschool in 1990 but wanted a LT1 so bad I could taste it, unfortunately they were just out of my affordability range at that time.
This weekend i attended the Garden State Corvette Club car show at Smithville, NJ (located outside of Atlantic City). There were over 400+ Corvettes registered and the car show was very well run. This my fourth year going and the first year I brought my 1971 LT-1 Convertible to the car show. I ended up getting 3rd in class which I was very happy about. This show had another LT-1 which is the first I have seen in over 10+ corvette shows. The owner was from Delaware and drove his car from his house. I also met another 5 LT-1 owners who have cars, but not running, needing restoration or to far from home to drive (Doylestown, PA). A lot of beautiful C-3 Corvettes in attendance.
Excellent car show. I highly recommend this car show to spectators and owners alike. Some very impressive C-2 big blocks and even a C-1 Fuel Injected car present. A lot of the newer corvettes out as well. The Boardwalk Corvette Club also shares the same location in the Spring. They also run an excellent car show. There Ocean City Boardwalk Corvette show is a must attend if your in the area.
Anyone know what a complete 1971 LT-1 engine is worth? everything but the carb.
I would think that it would depend on the needs or wants of the specific buyer. If it’s a non CE it would be worth more than a CE engine. I would post lots of pics of the important LT-1 only stuff (head #’s, screw in studs, guide plates, winters intake, #’s, etc). Someone intent on getting a little more “correct” motor into their ‘71 LT1 would pay more than someone else. It still would not be “#’s matching” though, unless the actual car it came out of could be found. That guy would have to be on the prowl for his missing motor and see your ad. He would certainly be willing to pay more than others. My ‘71 has a ‘70 dated CE motor with everything else being correct for an LT-q, and if I needed an engine (assuming I cared about originality) I would pay a little more for it than a CE or other engine, but maybe not a ton more as again it would still not make mine #’s matching, Sorry I was not able to put a $ figure on it, but maybe someone else here can. As a side note, the parts separated may be more sellable, or quicker to sell. A guy just needing the intake, a guy just needing the heads, etc may be easier to find as a buyer than the guy needing/wanting the whole deal.
Last edited by litevette; Oct 25, 2025 at 08:07 PM.
After some back and forth with myself, I decided on purchasing a complete Al Knoch interior carpet set for my 1971 LT-1 convertible. AA was also highly recommended per this forum.
I also purchased a complete Dynamat heat and sound set for the interior.
I will post some pictures when finished and give my honest opinion on the fit and quality.
The carpet being replaced is in VG condition. May consider selling, or giving away, if no damage when removed. Back is original,carpet, front was replaced at some point. Being extremely nit picky doing this but I think it will make the car look even better
My LT-1 is Laguna Grey which I don't see many of plus the light saddle interior I think it is a great looking combo it has a 3.70 w/ close ratio M21 AM/FM and alarm. I have the tank sticker and it was judged NCRS second flight before my purchase. I've worked to solve the few issues from the judging sheets.
My LT-1 is Laguna Grey which I don't see many of plus the light saddle interior I think it is a great looking combo it has a 3.70 w/ close ratio M21 AM/FM and alarm. I have the tank sticker and it was judged NCRS second flight before my purchase. I've worked to solve the few issues from the judging sheets.
Your car looks fantastic! Always liked Laguna gray!
My LT-1 is Laguna Grey which I don't see many of plus the light saddle interior I think it is a great looking combo it has a 3.70 w/ close ratio M21 AM/FM and alarm. I have the tank sticker and it was judged NCRS second flight before my purchase. I've worked to solve the few issues from the judging sheets.
Not many Laguna Grey ‘70 LT-1s left. Here is my original roadster. Original wheels are in storage.
Just had my new Al Knoch (AK) carpet installed in my 1971 LT-1 Convertible. Did not realize how bad the old carpet looked until i saw the before and after. I highly recommend the AK carpet, fit was excellent and looks just like the original weave and thickness. Also put down a heat/noise shield under the carpet. Ready for this years driving to and from local car shows.
Seems like a lot of LT-1 owners are surfacing on this thread. Wondering if anyone on the thread might have (or know) if my '71 is still around in someone's hands. I bought the car in 1984 from an NCRS member (Scott, who worked for Chamberlain Garage Door Openers) in a Chicago suburb. I flew out to see the car, struck a deal and shipped it back to Long Island. It was freshly repainted with a GM PaintPack and nicely detailed. My first drive on home ground found plumes of blue smoke pouring out the back on deacceleration...I was far from pleased. I did a full rebuild on the engine except using 1970 LT-1 pistons to restore the higher compression. I had it for less than a year when a friend called from Pittsburgh offering his '63 original paint Fuelie 2-top convertible. I couldn't pass it up and sold the LT-1 to a buyer in Smithfown, Long Island. No idea what became of it afterwards...
Anyone?
