Chevelle LS5 vs. Chevelle L78 (1970)

[mc25t190]

The L78 has lower production #'s, i think, which is more desirable, trying to help a friend, seriously. The 454 LS5 has 360 hp, the L78 has 375hp. i would think the L78.

[Enoch]

Kevin, go with the solid lifter car the High Performace cars will always do better. (As if you did'nt know)
Rich.

[Mr70]

The 1970 LS5,4298 produced,does have more torque.500 @3200 RPM,and is more streetable.
The 1970 L78 is 415 @3600RPM.2144 produced.
But the L78 has a Higher compression @ 11:0:1 Vs. 10:25:1 of the LS5.
It is up to the owner to decide which he would prefer.
I prefer the L78.

[T Billigen]

That does'nt surprise me! I agree with Rick, L-78 much more desireable

[mc25t190]

should the values be close? what price range should these cars fall in assuming they are fresh frame off restored, documented, 4 speeds. i have no clue????

[69_BM_LS7]

Kevin-If you are talking 1970 convertibles the white L78 sold at BJ a year ago the buyer paid $108,000. A dealer in Illinois has a fathom blue coming in and is going to ask $150,000. Obviously asking price does not mean much until it sells. I have not seen a recent LS5 convertible sale.

Kevin,

I'm going to go against the grain here..If you are refering to converts then the L78 (provided it is documented) is going to be the buy for an investment. However for sheer driving and enjoyment an LS5 with a 4spd and air is my choice. I have always thought the LS5's never got their "due," and it is only recently that prices have gone up to the point of the L78 Chevelles. That being said it is my opinion, and we all know what they are like...if you are going to buy a L78 today, just buy a LS6 and be done with it. I mean when looking at the L78 and the LS6 side by side..the only thing the L78's have over the LS6 is fewer made....not as much hp, not as big of an engine, same available options (no factory ac (C60), and more importantly.. not as much mystique. If you want a slightly undervalued, highly optioned car, find a nice LS5, CI, gauge, buckets, and a 4spd...with air. Best of both worlds...just my opinion.

[ohhawk]

[ QUOTE ]
Kevin- I have not seen a recent LS5 convertible sale.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've followed these prices for a few years with a number of sales and listed no sales. Like most rare popular musclecars their prices have moved strongly in the last couple years. NADA guide says low 60's for a very nice one. Most recent action I've seen on a LS5 convertible was at an auction in the SW within the last 60 days. A touted #1 LS5 convertible (gray) was bid to nearly 60 but reserve on it was mid 80s (high in my opinion). Florida dealer had documented one in the last 12 months that was listed at $57,000 and sold. White one / red interior. True documented versions are hard to find. Many that get listed do not have documentation when you call and inquire. I posted on the Team Chevelle board quite some time ago and asked how many Chevelle enthusiasts knew of a documented LS5 convertible in their neck of the woods....I received no reponses. To date the fella that has posted in the "wanted" section on this board has not received any posted responses. Hopefully, Mr. Matisson's efforts may surface something for production numbers.

[69_BM_LS7]

I just checked the results of the BJ auction for last year and found a LS5 convertible,auto,air car sold for $52,380. It was described as a restored car.