Power Steering Necessary on 70 LT1????
06-28-2007, 06:42 PM
#1
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Power Steering Necessary on 70 LT1????
A friend of mine is considering purchasing a 1970 LT1 with power brakes but no power steering. I have a 70 big block with power steering and feel it is a very valuable option. What are Forum Members advice? Any other tips on the 70 LT1 model would be appreciated. I believe they had solid lifters, is that a headache? Thanks in advance for all your advice.
06-28-2007, 07:10 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
My 69Z didn't have power steering, and it wasn't an option.(robs power) If you must use it get small tires(thin) for the front....it makes a lot of difference.
Yes, they do have solids, but they're not that much trouble. I would love to have the problem with solids to own a 70 LT1. A good hot rod.
Larry
Yes, they do have solids, but they're not that much trouble. I would love to have the problem with solids to own a 70 LT1. A good hot rod.
Larry
Last edited by lebvette; 06-28-2007 at 07:13 PM.
06-28-2007, 07:37 PM
#3
Pro
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I drove my 70 with out power steering as a daily driver for almost a year. Once the car is rolling, I actually prefer the feel over crapy over powered GM power steering.
06-28-2007, 08:02 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
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On the early 1970 LT-1---power steering wasn't even available. I am not exactly sure at what production point it became available. Thats why the early ones also have a 6qt. oil pan.
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
SEMPER FI--1970 Dave
06-29-2007, 10:09 AM
#8
Racer
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Have a 70 s/b with big tires and no power steering or power brakes. After 10 years I'm in the process of adding power steering...adding p/s seems to be very straight forward....will report back.....I bought my complete kit from Ecklers....
06-29-2007, 10:23 AM
#9
Le Mans Master
I've driven both, and found normal street manuvering tollerable without pwr. But manuvering when parking, and quick cornering through twisty roads, parking lots, etc (ESPECIALLY with 4-speed) is not easy. Manual steer is not for everyone...
Eddie
Eddie
06-29-2007, 10:32 AM
#10
Melting Slicks
Power steering was not initially available on the 1970 LT-1 Corvette. All early 1970 Corvette LT-1s had a broadcast code of "CTU" and were installed with the large six quart oil pan mentioned above. The length of the sump interfered with the power steering equipment preventing its installation.
In late April/early May 1970, the oil pan sump for the LT-1 was redesigned and reduced in capacity to 5½ quarts which alllowed the power steering equipment to fit. These engines carried the broadcast code of "CTK"... The CTK engines were used when power steering was ordered and the CTU engines were used in non-power steering applications until the supply ran out. At that point, CTK engines were used in all 1970 LT-1 applications.
The 1970 LT-1 engine used with the ZR-1 option carried a broadcast code of "CTV" and used the large pan throughout production. Power steering was not available with this option in any year (1970-1972).
All 1971 and 1972 LT-1 Corvettes used the small oil pan and were available with power steering.
I've owned five early LT-1 Corvettes (4 1970s and 1 1971) and none of them had power steering. I never considered it to be a problem. As far as adjusting the lifters, I never had a problem with that either... Of course, I like to play around with old cars and I think that you tend not to mind the maintenence aspect of these old cars if that's the case.
Regards,
In late April/early May 1970, the oil pan sump for the LT-1 was redesigned and reduced in capacity to 5½ quarts which alllowed the power steering equipment to fit. These engines carried the broadcast code of "CTK"... The CTK engines were used when power steering was ordered and the CTU engines were used in non-power steering applications until the supply ran out. At that point, CTK engines were used in all 1970 LT-1 applications.
The 1970 LT-1 engine used with the ZR-1 option carried a broadcast code of "CTV" and used the large pan throughout production. Power steering was not available with this option in any year (1970-1972).
All 1971 and 1972 LT-1 Corvettes used the small oil pan and were available with power steering.
I've owned five early LT-1 Corvettes (4 1970s and 1 1971) and none of them had power steering. I never considered it to be a problem. As far as adjusting the lifters, I never had a problem with that either... Of course, I like to play around with old cars and I think that you tend not to mind the maintenence aspect of these old cars if that's the case.
Regards,
06-29-2007, 11:49 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
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CI 5 & 8 Veteran
I've owned five early LT-1 Corvettes (4 1970s and 1 1971) and none of them had power steering. I never considered it to be a problem. As far as adjusting the lifters, I never had a problem with that either... Of course, I like to play around with old cars and I think that you tend not to mind the maintenence aspect of these old cars if that's the case.
PS on BB is a necessary evil given the weight up front. I still don't feel real comfortable with the over steer. Doesn't take much to find yourself looking back from where you came if your not careful. I have had better luck with the solid lifters than I have had with those hydraulic lifters on the BBs I have wiped out a couple of those BB cams over the years.
Bullshark
07-01-2007, 01:30 AM
#13
had no power steering on my 69 Z and no power steeringor power brakes on my 66, after your barely rolling you will never
miss power steering. Now if all you do is parallel park your car or
run it around cones in a parking lot it will be a bitch, but for most
driving I would rather not have the sloppy factory design.
