C3 Choices...

[firstgenaddict]

I am looking at buying a C3 vette...

Either a 70-72 Lt1 roadster or a 69 L71 coupe...
Anyone who has both or either give me the pros and cons...

[MosportGreen66]

We have a '70 LT1 Convertible. Al Grenning certified engine and trim tag. Born with OEM drivetrain and an original nose. The heads were ported, slightly bigger cam, .30 over otherwise bone stock. It got an M21 and 4.11s. What a kick ass car. I think total production was about 1200 LT1s in 1970. Convertibles are about 20% of that production I think. They're not easy to find but make a wonderful car. The LT1 is one of my favorite motors ever built. Also, the sharks sit lower, they're sleeker cars... very nice driver experience and with the small block, you don't have the weight of the L71 in the nose.

[firstgenaddict]

The Weight and feel was my question... I had a 69 L46 m20 3.70 which I LOVED. I sold it when I went off to college in 1990... wished I still had it.
I flew up and looked at a one owner Original paint daytona yellow 70 LT1 (scale on and in the frame and needs rad support) the other day and am considering a Mulsanne over Blue 70 LT1 roadster (no frame issues) but through a friend have the chance to pick up a 55k mile never been apart Blue Blue redline 69 L71 3.70 M21 which needs paint... Born with drive train formerly owned by Kevin McKay.

3.70 with an M20 L46 feels about the same as a 4.11 with a M21 out of the hole...
Effective first gear ratios
3.70x2.52=9.34
4.11x2.20=9.042

I figured the strong LT1 with the right gearing would be BRUTAL and fun to drive without the big block weight.

[68camaroz28]

I am looking at buying a C3 vette...

Either a 70-72 Lt1 roadster or a 69 L71 coupe...
Anyone who has both or either give me the pros and cons...

Well the 68 L71's are a little less money but long term either the 70 LT1 or 69 L71 would be the best investment overall James. We have a C3 but its a 68 427/400.

[firstgenaddict]

I would take a 68 L88...if you twisted my arm... hard. ;)
Personal taste and probably because it's what I had (69 L46 Daytona Yellow) when I was 18... I like the interiors of 69's look much better DASH and door panel wise, I prefer the drop down door handles, and don't like the back up lamp below bumper look.
I really would prefer an original paint car. Probably should have bought the 70 Daytona Yellow LT1 the other day complete to smog pump and tcs solenoids but the rad support being crunchy was concerning.

[Rumbleguts396]

Don't forget the smallest 427. The 390 H.P. They are easier on the wallet and are very street/driver friendly. What you can save on purchase price can be applied to a higher quality car purchase if you have a certain budget to stay within. Awesome ride for your buck !!! ROB

[firstgenaddict]

Don't forget the smallest 427. The 390 H.P. They are easier on the wallet and are very street/driver friendly. What you can save on purchase price can be applied to a higher quality car purchase if you have a certain budget to stay within. Awesome ride for your buck !!! ROB


There is a huge difference in SOLID LIFTERS which is why I stick with solid lifter 4 speed cars.

[Big Block Bill]

X-2 on the Solid Lifter 4-Speeds

I obviously LOVE Big Blocks but after owning an original, un-restored 69 gold L-89 Coupe, I would prefer a LT-1 4:11 gear small block in a C-3. You just can't beat a high winding small block. Just my opinion.
Bill

[Rumbleguts396]

Totally agree, Nothing beats a Solid lifter 4 speed. Just offering out other options for a budget/driver C3. ROB

[firstgenaddict]

I loved my L46... the ability to rev and the light nose are appealing, however I have lusted after L71's since the MID 1980's, that being said... I have since realized that falling in lust or love with a car rarely gets you anywhere other than spending more than you intended.

[Dave Rifkin]

I too love the LT-1 engine and was fortunate enough to own a 1970 Z28; stupid me sold it and now can't afford another.
So I "settled" for a 1969 L46 with 3:70 rear in factory black. I would still prefer another Z but, what can you do?

[GrumpyJeff]

Im all about hi winding, small block & 4speeds. So last year I was in the market for a nice 70 LT1 in the $50k range or 69 L46 in the $30 range. After looking at dozens of cars . As never owning a Vette I just couldn't pull the trigger on any one car. When I came across a two owner, Original paint,427/400, 4spd "driver" for less than half of my max budget. while not a tire shredding street screamer, Probably the the most fun road car I've ever owned In my opinion 1968/69 390/400 427 cars are the best bang for your buck in the entire "Muscle Car'' hobby

[MosportGreen66]

And it’s a great car Jeff

Post pictures from Instagram. You bought a wonderful car.

Dan

[GrumpyJeff]

Be my guest Dan, to post pics . I still haven't figured it out yet !!! and thanks you for the insight into the Corvette market haha. You made it a whole lot easier w/ your knowledge !!!

[L72Biscayne]

In the passed I've owned several Corvettes from C2 big blocks to C3 small blocks. My favorite was my 70 LT-1 convertible M21, 3:70. That car was a rocket ship. It would rev and pull to the moon. I had an L46 M21 4:11 Car that was a fast car but nothing like a nicely tuned solid lifter.

[RPOLS3]

There is a real nice 69 L71 for sale currently by a member here


https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=149562

[Lynn]

70 LT-1 kicks ass for sure. You can have virtually the same engine for about 1/2 the cost if you can find a 69 L46 four speed. Put in an LT-1 camshaft, a highrise and a holley and you ahve the same performance as a 70 LT-1.

If you find a late 69 L46 four speed missing the original engine, I have an HW coded L46 with no partial vin. It is currently in my black Z with the LT-1 cam, a high rise, 4053 Holley and headers. Plan to pull it this winter, and it will need a home.

Almost forgot; I have never owned either a 69 or 70 Corvette, but worked on quite a few. I ALWAYS preferred the feel of the small block cars. Maybe just in my head, but the BB cars felt too nose heavy for me.

[Lynn]

Here you go. This guy already put the LT-1 manifold on if for you.
No reserve auction. I would definitely be looking at this one if I were in the market.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Chevrolet-Corvette/163187935292?hash=item25fec2483c:g:CXcAAOSwl71bZ1d G&vxp=mtr

[firstgenaddict]

I had a Daytona Yellow 69 L46 30 years ago before college... although I do love the 69 body over the 70 I have had eyes for LT1's for 30 years as well...
I am going to go up a step to the 70 LT1, supposed to fly out to look at a roadster early next week.

[L72Biscayne]

I had a Daytona Yellow 69 L46 30 years ago before college... although I do love the 69 body over the 70 I have had eyes for LT1's for 30 years as well...
I am going to go up a step to the 70 LT1, supposed to fly out to look at a roadster early next week.

PM sent

[iluv69s]

I had a 70 LT-1 Z and also a 69 two top L71 vette. Both all original 4 speed cars (except L-88 hood on vette). The LT-1 w m-21 and 3.73's winds past redline and pulls like heck. A real blast to drive. Light front end in the camaro. Could have definitely used some larger and newer technology tires. (car was basically 98% all original) But the BB L-71, top down, with 4:11s and sidepipes is also a sound and sensory and visual thrill. Wish i had them both back !

If a 69 vert is out of the question, I'd go with the LT-1. But just being a convertible would sway my decision !
Good luck with whatever you buy !!