History
Chevrolet first introduced the RPO LT-1 motor package in 1970. With 370 gross horsepower at 6,000 RPM, it featured many hi-performance and heavy duty components, including solid lifters, heavy duty starter, forged TRW aluminum pistons, 11:1 compression, four bolt main cap block, Tuftrided crank, special hi-lift cam, high rise aluminum intake, Holley carb, baffled oil pan, and transistor ignition. Also included were larger capacity components not found on the base 350, such as a larger rad, hi volume oil and fuel pumps, and 2 1/2 inch exhaust. Stock 1970 LT-1 Corvettes were reported at the time to be able to achieve 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, and do the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds.
For 1971, as part of an effort to meet new incoming government emission requirements, compression ratio’s were lowered to 9:1, resulting in a reduced 330 gross horsepower. Also, 1971 was the first year that the LT-1 could run on un-leaded gasoline. In 1972 engine ratings were reported as an SAE net figure of 270 horsepower, but otherwise the car remained relatively unchanged.
The LT-1 option cost $447 in 1971. The 1970 Corvette base price was $5469 USD. Total LT-1 production for 1971 was 1,949 cars. Over three years, 4,977 LT-1 Corvettes were produced, including 53 with ZR-1 “off road” packages, making them among the rarest of all Corvettes ever made.
Specifications
In 1995 we contacted General Motors Canada at 1-800-263-3777 and by providing the VIN number, for a small fee their researchers were able to provide us with the original build specifications of our car. This service is apparently only available for cars that were originally sold in Canada.
| TRIM: PAINT:PRODUCTION PLANT: PRODUCTION DATE: SHIPPING DATE: MODEL NUMBER:ENGINE: DEALER: |
417 – SADDLE VINYL 52 – SUNFLOWER YELLOW ST. LOUIS MISSOURI JUNE 21st, 1971JUNE 22nd, 1971 19437 – SPORT COUPE 350 CU. IN. – 330 H.P. 95191 – BARRY CULLEN CHEV OLDS GUELPH |
|
OPTION
F62
GS4
G81 LT1 M21 N37 PU9 U69 Z49 |
DESCRIPTION
DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER – 3.70 RATIO
DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER – POSITRACTION ENGINE: 350 CU. IN. SPEC HI-PERF – V8 4-SPEED MANUAL TRANS – CLOSE RATIO STEERING WHEEL – TILT & TELESCOPIC F70-15-5 TIRE – NYLON B/WALL – WHITE LETTERING RADIO – AM/FM PUSHBUTTON MANDATORY CANADIAN BASE EQUIP MODIFICATIONS FRONT |
Of note is the lack of comfort and convenience options so common on modern Corvettes. This car originally came equipped with manual steering and manual brakes (no power assist options). In January of 2000 a power brake kit was installed, including a new booster and master cylinder and stainless sleeve calipers. The rear window is removable, and stores on a drop down hinged fiberglass shelf under the rear deck. All LT-1’s were equipped with Muncie 4-speed manual M21 transmissions. Air conditioning was unavailable with the hi-revving LT-1 motor until 1972.
Details
The A.I.R. system is missing, as well as the original K66 transistor ignition. We have replaced the ignition system with a Mallory Unilite, Crane HI6 box, MSD Blaster II high voltage coil, 8mm silicone plug wires, Split Fire plugs and an Accel cap and rotor. This extra sparking power really helps prevent flooding when starting, provides better fuel mileage, and some horsepower however, the cap and rotor need to be replaced every season.
Other minor modification (non original) include a Vette Brakes rear anti sway bar, Eagle GT4 radial tires, Hurst Shifter with stock looking stick, powder coat heavy duty trailing arms, K&N filter, roller tip rocker arms, stock spec 2 1/2″ stainless exhaust (heat riser replaced by spacer), and stainless brake and fuel system. A Winters Foundry original LT-1 aluminum intake was purchased in 1996 and replaced the non-stock Edelbrock that came on the car. Block, heads, carb and transmission are all matching numbers original.
Driving Impressions
At speed, the car handles surprisingly precisely, and with little steering effort, (though parking with manual steering can be a bit of a chore). The controls feel very sensitive, with light, very quick ratio steering. The throttle response is unbelievable, from the hole right up to the 6500 rpm red line. It’s easy to see how they got 0-60 times in the low five seconds out of the LT-1’s when they were first reviewed in 1970.
The Corvette was designed to be a front-mid engined sports car, and when equipped with a small block motor, front to rear weight distribution was near even. With the addition of the aftermarket rear sway bar (standard on the big blocks that year) our LT-1 corners like it was on rails.