Kevin_NYC

I have been wanting a 1970-72 Vette for some time...

Narrowed it down to 1970 Silver Coupe, blk leather, 4sp, a/c

Now which '70 engine is the best?

I have a '12 C6 and 550hp mid engine exotic; so hi-po hp is not a necessity

Are the different engines drastically different in drivability, character, etc? Obviously the 454 is more collectible as a big block; but does maintenance and need to have it set up right make it an issue? Also is a/c avail with Manual 4sp big blocks? '70 Brochure option grid seems like it says no?

Thanks

Iceaxe

Good luck, with the list you have above you will have a really hard time finding a good car, add in a particular engine and you really narrow up the car pool even more.

Buying a classic isn't like buying a new car where you get to pick and choose your options. And extremely narrow list will probably come with a crazy price tag because when you find the exact car the owner probably will not be looking to sell.

Add in the fact that 1970 was a very low production year and blk leather was not a really popular option.

Kevin_NYC

Actually, Pro-Team has had a
Dozen of this exact spec over the years....

I had other collectible cars...so been watching since '96

I would be flexible on Vinyl -- but nothing else

1974ta

454, 390 hp 4 speed will have the most HP and torque. A/C was available with 454. Nothing runs like a big block. When right they ran fine for what they were.

LT-1, 370 hp is a blast and winds up to 7000 RPM. Solid lifter motor so more maintenance needed but a total blast to drive. No A/C available on LT-1 until 1972.

L46, 350 hp - Blast to drive and will require the least maintenance versus the first two. Not as much fun or as fast as an LT-1. A/C was available but pretty rare on 70 L46. Same bottom end internals as LT-1 but with hydraulic lifters and cam, Q-jet versus holly. Best drivability of the bunch and one of Duntov's favorites.

Base 350 is boring and really slow.

Frankly I think the 71-LS6, 4 speed, fiber optics is the ultimate 70-72 bumper car for drivability and SOTP driving experience. 425 hp and stinking fast for back in the day. Do not believe A/C was available but not 100% positive. LS6 cars are VERY expensive if real and only available in 71.

All hp ratings are at the flywheel and gross not net versus 72 and newer ratings which are net.

If numbers matching is no big deal, I would go for an LS conversion that has been done right and has A/C and has a 5 speed. You get the looks of the chrome bumper C3 and updated performance.

None will compare in performance compared to LS powered vettes and the new C7 LT-1.



Bill

Kevin_NYC

Thanks Bill!

Jasonb86

I have a '70 L-46 and really like the car. The engine has been rebuilt with a mild cam, LT1 intake, and ceramic coated headers. Car runs strong with plenty of power - it's a lot of fun to drive and always tempts you to go faster. Also, my car had factory AC, pw, ps, power brakes, leather, tilt/tele, and alarm. Red/black with the 4 speed. In a lot of ways it's like driving a classic but without giving up on the mourn conveniences. I think you're on the right track looking for your car, though I agree with that specific combo it may take a while to find one.

Alan 71

Hi Kevin,
Looking for an older Corvette….NICE!
I think Bill did a good job describing the differences between the various engine possibilities available to you. Although I'm not so sure the "base 350 is boring and slow".
It sounds like you're getting your horsepower fix from your 550 hp mid-engine exotic. Because of that I think you may be able to search for what ever is the nicest/best, silver, 4-speed, a/c, car you can find.
I think it would be a good idea for you to think about whether an original or modified car is right for you. You'll find a wide range of cars that fall somewhere in the expanse that's between original and modified.
I do think you need to be aware of the fact that your early 70s Corvette is likely to require more tending on a regular basis than the other 2 cars you mention. Also, that the tending should be done by someone very familiar with 70s Corvettes. If that's going to be you, you'll need to do some homework to learn just what you have and how to work on it.
I also believe you might be wise to widen your search to include 69 cars which are very similar to the 70s and some people think are a bit more interesting. They'll be a little more money but will give you more cars to consider.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

tokim

Silver, blk interior, and a 4spd w/air..sounds like a great choice to me.
I agree with Alan 71 (questioning base engine being boring). I have a '71 and a '72 both with base engines, both with 4spds..I don't consider them "boring"
Don't settle, you obviously know what you want.
Good luck in your search.

1974ta

Sorry about the boring and slow comment on the base 350 4 speed.

When I was looking years ago I drove a Base 350 70 4 speed and then an L46 4 speed. I went with the L46. While not boring there is quite a difference in the base versus L46. I still have the L46 Convertible and must say it winds up pretty good and is a blast.

I was also looking at an LT-1 convertible and didn't want to spend a whopping $26,000. Geeze I do some dumb things. It was numbers matching too. The L46 Convertible cost me quite a bit less but I sure wish I bought the LT-1.

Buy as much as you can afford and maybe a little more.

Enjoy the hunt too. I found that to be part of the fun.



Bill

kenba

You could get a 454/4-speed With AC. In fact I have a 70 conv.with those & all other options except leather & wheel covers which I hate.

7T1vette

I'm not sure why anyone with an 'original', 40+ year-old C3 with an LT-1 engine would want to wind the he!! out of it and use the engine up. Sure, it's a blast to do it...but why waste the engine? It only has so many of those full-rpm winds in it.

The 454, on the other hand, can give you plenty of acceleration without winding it so tight. But, it uses more fuel.

The best engine option for 1970 C3's is the L-46, which is the LT-1 engine, but dialed down a bit. Plenty of power...wider torque band....better fuel mileage when cruising.

So, IMO, the choices are:

#1 L-46
#2 454
#3 LT-1 (much more expensive than the others, too)

In the end, ANY 1970 engine is GOOD...just some better than the others.

kenba

I agree they are all good engines but the L-46 is NOT like a LT-1. Almost everything about it is different. Even the block is machined for a 4 bolt main & the early ones were different from the carb to the oil pan. Gas mileage has more to do with the rear end than the engines RPM to MPH

qwank

I agree, I would love a '70 L-46 or big block

1974ta

Bottom end of L46 is identical to LT-1 including rotating assembly and 4 bolt main. The heads are identical as well except for screw in studs.

Differences:

LT1 has an aluminum high rise intake, L46 is low rise cast iron.
LT-1 has solid lifter cam and screw in rocker arm studs. L46 is hydraulic and almost always does not have screw in studs.
LT-1 has Holly double pump, L46 has Q-jet.
LT-1 exhaust swagged to 2-1/2" from 2" exhaust manifold, L46 is 2".

Note that early LT-1s had a 6 quart oil pan and could not be ordered with P/S because of the oil pan. This changed depending on the build date. Later 70 LT-1s could be ordered with P/S.

Bill

Kevin_NYC

Wow!

Thanks guys, you know your stuff

What would price ranges be for:

454
LT-1
L46

Show/Concours
Original/mint
Driver

Also, are there go-to vendors or restoration shops or is it single listings via Corvette Clubs/NCRS Registry or attending Bloomington show?

All I know are ProTeam and Corvette Repair Inc (NY).

I'm in SoCal...so imagine there are lots rust free cars here.

1974ta

Numbers are rough guesses all based on coupes

Concurs Bloomington Gold 454 - $50k
Mint NCRS Top Fliight 454 - $50k
Original/Survivor 454 too many variables but maybe $50k
Driver 454 - $35k

L46 coupe with A/C in Top Flight condition probably $30k plus only because of A/C.

All assumes true original drivetrain with matching numbers engine, transmission, and rear.

Before buying have a very knowledgeable person inspect the vette with you present, if at all possible.

Really nice bumper cars are not as plentiful as some would believe. The cost is as much to restore a C3 as a $100k midyear and will fetch just a fraction of the cost to restore versus a midyear corvette.

Best bet is to buy a completely restored bumper car as someone else has already spent more than it is worth in all likelihood. Now if you want a toy to restore and money is no object, by all means buy one that needs work.

Avoid a rusty C3 like the plague unless, in my case, it is an LT-1 Convertible, Daytona yellow, with deluxe interior with all original documentation. Even then I would think twice. Rust is like an iceberg. 80% or more is unseen.

Mechanical things are relatively easy to fix. If you buy one and it needs paint, unless you can do it yourself, plan on spending $8k- $15k to do it correctly if paying someone.

Just some random thoughts. I am sure others will chime in.

Bill

Alan 71

Hi Kevin,
I believe you might consider joining the NCRS if you're not a member.
Then you'll begin to receive a publication called THE DRIVELINE every other month. It's full of classified ads for cars, parts, services, etc.
I'd say there are generally about 3-4 1970 cars for sale. (This issue there are 2-69s, 3-70s, 2-71s, and 2-72s.) You could also buy some back issues to check the 70s for sale and thus begin to get an idea what kind of cars are for sale and the asking prices.
Buying from the larger dealers… Pro-team, Corvette Mike, etc, has it's positives and negatives. (at the moment I can't think of any positives).
I believe the nicest cars are quietly sold from owner to owner.
There are some NCRS people that you might want to contact to let them know what you're looking for since they sometimes are aware of cars that are for sale under the radar.
Again, Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

Iceaxe

There is a fun APP for Android smartphones called "Corvette DNA+" that is fun to play with. You can enter a Corvettes, year, options, condition, etc and the app will price the car. The app is free. I don't know if there is an Apple version.

I find the most useful feature of the app to be I can see which options were available together. For example it lets you know that 4:11 gears were not available with AC, yada, yada....

nelson007

I am in the process of doing a body off restore of my 1970 LT1.
I read in the Corvette sales literature that the LT1 had a special exhaust system.
Does anyone know what it is?
Thanks,
Nelson007

kenba

The have a 2 1/2 exhaust pipes but neck down to 2 at the manifolds. L-48'S have 2 all the way.