jr9170

Being that both share the same suspension components/options,i was wondering if the handling was closer than a LS5 454 and a regular LT-1 ? As a 70 454 owner i know that in a straight line a LS5 is a beast,no disresprct to the LT-1 as they are beasts themselves,i can attest as i have driven plenty of them,but the LT-1 is the better all around handler as compared to the LS5.Would like to hear from those who have driven both and opinions of other LS5 and LT-1 owners.

66L36Coupe

Hey jr!

I can tell how much you appreciate the LT1's… I've never had a chance to drive an LS5, but I own a '66 L36. I figure the "seat of the pants" factor is about the same, so here are my insights comparing the big block hydraulic lifter Corvette to the LT1…

Note that my cars have vastly different different suspension (the L36 is standard suspension and 3.36 gears and the LT1/ZR1 has HD everything and 4.56's) That said the big block is a straight line beast - lots of torque and sweet sounds. But the minute you nose into a corner - it's all nose! Plowing exacerbates the understeer and the sense of confidence is lost.

With the LT1, there's an inherent feeling of balance and ability to correct understeer with the throttle. Granted, the stiff F41 suspension and hay-truck gearing help in that department, but I bet it's the same for the standard LT1 with 3.77's or higher. the LT1 is very torquey when wound-up…

Still - I love big blocks. Only owned the '66/L36 and an L46 and the LT1. The LT1 by far has a bigger "fun factor" than any other small block. But if I had to choose buying one regular production Corvette - it'd be a special high performance big block. Here's the order of my preference...: LS6, L89, L71 LT1, LS5, L46 and then the rest...

jr9170

Thanks Dan,how is the history search on your ZR1 going ?

66L36Coupe

I haven't had time to chase down any more leads. Last bit of info was from the NCRS shipping verification service - it corresponds to the shred of build sheet showing selling dealer as Guaranty Chevrolet in San Diego. I had the local Corvette club in SD run a brief story in their newsletter a couple years ago asking for info on the car, but no dice. And that's the last real detective work/outreach I've done. Have to get more inventive, I suppose...

Probably still more digging to do in the San Diego area and with past employees of Guaranty. I think the car spent more time in the Highland Indiana area from early/mid 70's to late 70's.

Cheers jr!

parkerracing

Bottom end torque vs top end RPM. The BB has a little more weight on the nose which you may or may not notice in the handling department. The big difference is the LS6 vs the LS5, totally different animal. As rare as these cars are, I doubt anyone would put enough miles on them to matter. /:\

Don Rickles

There's a low mileage 72 Lt-1 and super low milage 71 BB out in my garage.
Contrary to what most say, my 71 BB runs cool as can be. Never had an overheat problem or a hot drivers compartment. Not a rattle, it's in like new condition. A dream to drive and shifts perfectly! As you say, hold on hitting the straight runs! I've not "really" beaten on it, just a few blasts on bias ply tires.

Now the LT-1, it only likes being driven hard and fast! It can't stand sitting in traffic, and idles rough. It likes running in the higher RPMs, and definitely lighter and more nimble on the front end. Again, being an original car, I've not driven it to it's limits. Hate to cause major damage.......

66L36Coupe

Sounds like a great pair - and understand the contrast between the cars! One is a broadsword, the other a rapier. Both can get the job done in different ways.

jr9170

jr9170

Warren,was looking for your opinion on this thread.

early shark

Jerry,
I haven't driven an LT-1, so I can't give a comparison of the two. However I have owned two '72 ZQ3 Corvettes and I do have two LS6 Corvettes. The '71 LS6 engine weighs only 60 lbs more than a all iron small block. I have one LS6 Corvette that has F41 springs on it and it does not exhibit understeer characteristics from a nose heavy condition.

jr9170