Any year '68 -'71 clearly superior to the others mechanically?
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Any year '68 -'71 clearly superior to the others mechanically?
Ignoring potential resale/collector value is there anything outstanding from an engineering, comfort, driveability standpoint that makes any year in this range superior to the others? I left out '72 - '73 because of the diminished performance but include those too if you really think there's something about them that's noteworthy and superior to the '68 - '71. Or are they all pretty much the same?
#2
No. they are essentially the same from a "engineering, comfort, driveability" standpoint
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mortgageguy (11-16-2018)
#3
Le Mans Master
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They are essentially the same and by this time who knows what has been done to them. The one thing to keep in mind is that 68’s have a ton of one year only parts that can be hard to find if restoration work is part of the plan. Outside of that I would take any one of them and would include 72’s in your search. The horsepower was rated differently in 72 so they would run similar to a like 70 or 71 even with less compression. Unless the 71 was an LS6 of course. 73’s had the rubber front bumper and was the beginning of the change in the C3 appearance wise. Love them too, but usually in similar condition, a 68-72 will bring more money.
Bill
Bill
Last edited by 69ttop502; 11-15-2018 at 05:16 PM.
#5
Burning Brakes
They are essentially the same and by this time who knows what has been done to them. The one thing to keep in mind is that 68’s have a ton of one year only parts that can be hard to find if restoration work is part of the plan. Outside of that I would take any one of them and would include 72’s in your search. The horsepower was rated differently in 72 so they would run similar to a like 70 or 71 even with less compression. Unless the 71 was an LS6 of course. 73’s had the rubber front bumper and was the beginning of the change in the C3 appearance wise. Love them too, but usually in similar condition, a 68-72 will bring more money.
Bill
Bill
I wanted a 68 because it was made the same year I was, but if I was going from scratch to restore, I would limit it to 69-71.
For example the door locks are super hard to find and the locks are >$400 usually when you find them. Don't get me started on the gas pedal!
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ctmccloskey (11-18-2018)
#6
Race Director
The only real performance diminishment on a '72 vs the '71 is they said it had lower HP without really changing anything in the motor. Its an illusion. CR, cam, heads, manifold are the same.
Doug
Doug
#7
Le Mans Master
The only real standouts are the 70 LT-1 with 11:1 Compression (370 Gross HP) and the LS6 454. All the others are pure marketing differences......
#8
Race Director
Engineering-comfort...80-82. but I think you are focused on chromies.
#9
Team Owner
If the original parts have lasted this long, it shouldn't be an issue. And if they haven't, they've been replaced and the question is moot.
#10
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
^^^^They are old cars...its all how you keep up on them
#11
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While i own a 69 i really like a few things on the 68,
I love the dash mounted ignition switch, so much so im going to install a 68 dash pad to get it,
But i like tilt tele that 68 didnt have.
Im using a later dash top pad to run speakers,
The safer 4 stop lights tail lights on a 68 to me is better.
Moot on my 69 with custom tail lights
And while many hate it i dig the 68 push button door,
The 68 69 side louvers are my favs of the side vents,
68s early do not have the extra rear frame bracing i added it to my 68 frame under my 69,
I love the dash mounted ignition switch, so much so im going to install a 68 dash pad to get it,
But i like tilt tele that 68 didnt have.
Im using a later dash top pad to run speakers,
The safer 4 stop lights tail lights on a 68 to me is better.
Moot on my 69 with custom tail lights
And while many hate it i dig the 68 push button door,
The 68 69 side louvers are my favs of the side vents,
68s early do not have the extra rear frame bracing i added it to my 68 frame under my 69,
#12
Burning Brakes
While i own a 69 i really like a few things on the 68,
I love the dash mounted ignition switch, so much so im going to install a 68 dash pad to get it,
But i like tilt tele that 68 didnt have.
Im using a later dash top pad to run speakers,
The safer 4 stop lights tail lights on a 68 to me is better.
Moot on my 69 with custom tail lights
And while many hate it i dig the 68 push button door,
The 68 69 side louvers are my favs of the side vents,
68s early do not have the extra rear frame bracing i added it to my 68 frame under my 69,
I love the dash mounted ignition switch, so much so im going to install a 68 dash pad to get it,
But i like tilt tele that 68 didnt have.
Im using a later dash top pad to run speakers,
The safer 4 stop lights tail lights on a 68 to me is better.
Moot on my 69 with custom tail lights
And while many hate it i dig the 68 push button door,
The 68 69 side louvers are my favs of the side vents,
68s early do not have the extra rear frame bracing i added it to my 68 frame under my 69,
I got an Ididit steering column to get tilt so I fit better.
#13
Le Mans Master
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Seems compression dropped MY 1971
Seems I got my second 1971 about 15 years back. I'm partial to chrome front & rear bumpers; also to egg crate-ice tray fender trim shared across 70, 71, 72. If you want an antique driver that's an original piece (and plan to keep it so), suggest buyer pay attention to compression ratio.
It's my understanding GM lowered compression ratios globally beginning with model year 1971. Seems 1970 retained small combustion chamber and higher compression...more pep. But seems a driver with a lower comp, carb and non-computer motor fits better with today's typical pump gas. We can choose a model that best fits our wants and needs; then retain its originality... or pick one for modifications... whatever suits the owner.
It's my understanding GM lowered compression ratios globally beginning with model year 1971. Seems 1970 retained small combustion chamber and higher compression...more pep. But seems a driver with a lower comp, carb and non-computer motor fits better with today's typical pump gas. We can choose a model that best fits our wants and needs; then retain its originality... or pick one for modifications... whatever suits the owner.
#14
Team Owner
Nobody has even mentioned the '68 -'71 fiber optics lamp monitoring system. I really dig mine and it works great.......when it's working lol. I don't know why that is not used even today as it's some cool engineering. My guess it was discontinued in '72 to lower manufacturing costs. I know it's told me that a bulb is out and more importantly my brake lights were not working that led me to a intermittent faulty brake light switch.
EDIT - Also like the wiper door. Can be frustration to some but I'll never get rid of mine. One day I took my son to his football game in my '71 and when we came out someone was putting fliers under windshield wipers of all the cars. We just happen to be walking to the Vette when he got to it. We watched him look for the wipers for a minute or two and then just moved on to the next car. I pointed it out to my son and we were laughing about it.
EDIT - Also like the wiper door. Can be frustration to some but I'll never get rid of mine. One day I took my son to his football game in my '71 and when we came out someone was putting fliers under windshield wipers of all the cars. We just happen to be walking to the Vette when he got to it. We watched him look for the wipers for a minute or two and then just moved on to the next car. I pointed it out to my son and we were laughing about it.
Last edited by theandies; 11-16-2018 at 03:16 PM.
#15
Le Mans Master
The early 68's had smaller diameter wheel bearings- they were burning up bearings on the long races. Mr. Duntov made the engineers go to bigger bearings. No more problems.
#16
Burning Brakes
They are basically the same car, albeit with some minor changes in 69. The 69 machine had 8 inch wheels versus the 68's 7 inch wheel, so in theory this should make the 69-71 machines
a bit better cornering. As if to anticipate the larger wheels, the 69 spindles are beefier than the 68 versions as well. I believe there were some mods to the frame for 69 to negate some of the
body shakes as well, but I haven't been able to confirm that.
a bit better cornering. As if to anticipate the larger wheels, the 69 spindles are beefier than the 68 versions as well. I believe there were some mods to the frame for 69 to negate some of the
body shakes as well, but I haven't been able to confirm that.
#17
Le Mans Master
The 63-82 C2/C3's are basically the same and very similar:
"Frames from 1963 - 1982 are basically the same. There are a few small differences over the years. The biggest change came between the years of 1968 - 1969 when they added the large gussets to the uprights. " From another post a few years ago validating the statement above.........
"Frames from 1963 - 1982 are basically the same. There are a few small differences over the years. The biggest change came between the years of 1968 - 1969 when they added the large gussets to the uprights. " From another post a few years ago validating the statement above.........
#18
Dr. Detroit
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This is true^^^^^^^. All the 71-74 LT1/L-82's are basically the same engine with minor changes to effect the Gross HP (71 LT1) and the Net HP (73/74 L-82) +/- 5 hp.
The only real standouts are the 70 LT-1 with 11:1 Compression (370 Gross HP) and the LS6 454. All the others are pure marketing differences......
The only real standouts are the 70 LT-1 with 11:1 Compression (370 Gross HP) and the LS6 454. All the others are pure marketing differences......
The 72' was almost identical to a 71' in almost everyway except for the lack of fiber optics and amber front turns as well as other minute changes. The 72' engines were also the same....but rated with SAE net instead of gross horsepower which now years later we know that both were way off........
I like personally the 69' as it was more refined than a 68' and it still had a barrage of engine choices..........it also had no fender "flares" which makes for a tighter look....although the later 70-72's look cool with them as well.......69' had off road exhaust available too which was the only year and was a uber cool option......it also looks great!
I love my 72' though.......the eggcrate side gills and flares make it very unique in my eyes........
Jebby
Last edited by Jebbysan; 11-18-2018 at 11:31 AM.
#19
Burning Brakes
This is true^^^^^^^. All the 71-74 LT1/L-82's are basically the same engine with minor changes to effect the Gross HP (71 LT1) and the Net HP (73/74 L-82) +/- 5 hp.
The only real standouts are the 70 LT-1 with 11:1 Compression (370 Gross HP) and the LS6 454. All the others are pure marketing differences......
The only real standouts are the 70 LT-1 with 11:1 Compression (370 Gross HP) and the LS6 454. All the others are pure marketing differences......
Last edited by gearheadz; 11-18-2018 at 11:42 AM.
#20
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Nobody has even mentioned the '68 -'71 fiber optics lamp monitoring system. I really dig mine and it works great.......when it's working lol. I don't know why that is not used even today as it's some cool engineering. My guess it was discontinued in '72 to lower manufacturing costs. I know it's told me that a bulb is out and more importantly my brake lights were not working that led me to a intermittent faulty brake light switch.
EDIT - Also like the wiper door. Can be frustration to some but I'll never get rid of mine. One day I took my son to his football game in my '71 and when we came out someone was putting fliers under windshield wipers of all the cars. We just happen to be walking to the Vette when he got to it. We watched him look for the wipers for a minute or two and then just moved on to the next car. I pointed it out to my son and we were laughing about it.
EDIT - Also like the wiper door. Can be frustration to some but I'll never get rid of mine. One day I took my son to his football game in my '71 and when we came out someone was putting fliers under windshield wipers of all the cars. We just happen to be walking to the Vette when he got to it. We watched him look for the wipers for a minute or two and then just moved on to the next car. I pointed it out to my son and we were laughing about it.
I like it a lot, for the brakes, license plate lamp which ive been pulled over for more times than i can count,
Headlight optics are a bit redundant, i can see if they are on.
It was a weird cool feature they should have kept.