1970 LT-1 power steering
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
1970 LT-1 power steering
Was power steering an option on the LT-1 and if so, when was it available. I have traded emails with several people stating it was available. Some have seen early models with the option. I am confused since the CTK coded block (smaller oil pan than the previous CTU code to allow for the PS option) doesn't show up till 5/7/1970 about s/N 8607.
[Modified by Robert N, 6:55 PM 8/13/2002]
[Modified by Robert N, 6:55 PM 8/13/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,914
From: Washington Michigan
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
I'm on the road and don't have my references handy, but I don't think so; as I recall, the unique long-sump oil pan used on the LT-1 didn't allow space for the power steering cylinder to move back and forth in front of the pan.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 316
From: Massachusetts
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (JohnZ)
Later LT-1's had the smaller oil pans to accomidate power steering. The General came to his senses and decided LT-1 owners needed power steering. My 70 LT-1 VIN #14803 has the smaller oil pan.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,123
Likes: 476
From: NM
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
Early '70 LT1s had a larger oil pan (6qt I believe) that interfered with the p/s equipment so P/S was not available. Later in the production year (don't know when) they went to a 5 qt pan and P/S was made available.
tom...
tom...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
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From: Tucson AZ
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Dave Strickland)
Mine is 13806 and while the original block is missing (lucky me - Jan 1971), it does have the larger oil pan. Granted this can also be non original, but that is part of my issue. If the change was made at s/n 8607, as NCRS in the TIM&JG shows, to the smaller pan, mine is wrong. However, there are at least 3 listings on the registery (Juliet's) dating to s/n 1268 that list the option. I'm really confused.
I realize the wrong block will hurt me with NCRS, but I am more concerned with originality and the oil pan / PS option has given me a headache
I realize the wrong block will hurt me with NCRS, but I am more concerned with originality and the oil pan / PS option has given me a headache
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 316
From: Massachusetts
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
One cannot go by a registry for things like this as many of the cars have been altered and/or restored. The NCRS has considerable resources to obtain factory original information. In this case and many other cases there is not set date for a change over but a lot of research will yield an approximate point where various changes are made. The NCRS uses Chevrolet factory information as well as observance of many original cars prior to publishing their Judging guide. It is the most credible published data available, by far.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,103
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From: Tucson AZ
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Dave Strickland)
Agreed on the registry for this info. For a specific car, does the NCRS publish details such as this? I have the TIM&JG, but some areas are glossed over.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,307
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From: Massachusetts
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
Robert, The NCRS does not respond to a specific car. The JG and knowledge of the judges and team leader both come into play when a car is judged. In most cases an approximate change over point is mentioned if it factually known. The JG is not written around guesswork. The JG is silient if there is a lack of factual information and general ranges are given. An example would be casting dates for engine blocks can be up to 6 months prior to build date.
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 316
From: Massachusetts
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
Any experienced NCRS member will give you that exact advice. You will learn so much and save yourself countless dollars and time by going that route. So many people spend all sorts of money only to learn it was not necessary. Good Luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 7,072
Likes: 4
From: Maryland
Re: 1970 LT-1 power steering (Robert N)
Robert, the caveat with the registry database (as has been already mentioned) that the data is only as good as what is provided to me. If a LT-1 is listed with PS and they also have their engine code (CTU vs. CTK) & engine assembly date listed and the dates line up then it's more likely to be accurate info, however I'd recommend you put the registry to use and e-mail the car owner (if available) and ask them directly about it. Terry McManmon wrote an article for the Restorer and indicated a change date in March. It's the Spring 1994 issue (I think - navigating the CD-Rom ain't purty). ;) ~Juliet
Racer
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!
Robert, the caveat with the registry database (as has been already mentioned) that the data is only as good as what is provided to me. If a LT-1 is listed with PS and they also have their engine code (CTU vs. CTK) & engine assembly date listed and the dates line up then it's more likely to be accurate info, however I'd recommend you put the registry to use and e-mail the car owner (if available) and ask them directly about it. Terry McManmon wrote an article for the Restorer and indicated a change date in March. It's the Spring 1994 issue (I think - navigating the CD-Rom ain't purty). 
~Juliet
~Juliet
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,478
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From: New York
about ten years ago I owned LT1 VIN# 1034. It was NOM but had PS. I always wondered if PS was available on early LT 1s. I thought at the time it was dealer installed. I have often wondered where this car is now. I sold it to GM Downunder in Costa Mesa. It was a blue/blue conv with the interior dyed black. It was a rock solid Oklahoma car that I wish I would have kept. I hope it has a good home and a appreciative owner. Thank you
Best,
Dave
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Le Mans Master
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From: Omaha NE
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That post is 20 years old...
You might want to start a new thread up in C3 tech/performance...
You might want to start a new thread up in C3 tech/performance...
Last edited by SEVNT6; Jun 20, 2022 at 05:06 PM.
