Would like some comment from LT1 owners. I'm negotiating on a 1970 LT1 with 4:11 gears. I was wondering about drivablity issues with this engine/gear ratio. I remember the days when I had a 69 Z/28 and I was running 4000 at 80 MPH which was not the best ride. I Don't intend to be driving this car as hard as I did the Z/28 ( gas was only .38 cents for Sunoco 260) But would like to hear from those that own them. Oh yes, I spent a lot of time adjusting the valves and replacing plugs on that DZ302.
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Re: 1970 LT1
Steve -
It will be about 3800 at 70, 4200 at 80. -
Re: 1970 LT1
Well, for the cost of a replacement differential gear set and posi carrier, and a few hours of labor, you can convert your 4:11 to either 3:55, 3:36 or any other ratio that you fancy.
Depending on the condition of the car, the price, your available free funds, etc, this may only be a speed bump in the grand scheme of things. Unless you go for a PV, no one will ever know you have switched out the gears.
My 72 has 4:11 gears to it originally and I drove it that way for about 1800 months, including a 1500 mile round trip to its first judging. Not a fun ride on the interstate. Now it has 3:36 that I like much better. If I ever choose to PV it, I can put the old gears in over a weekend.
Gary
72 LT1Comment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Gary--
Yours is the only 150-year old 72 LT-1 that I've run across. Probably adds to the value!
I've always liked 3.55 and 3.70 gears--3.55's are really the best of both worlds.Comment
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Would you believe 18 months?
To quote Steve Martin: Well Exuuussseee Me!
Geesh, just what I need is an eagle eyed editor. I thought I left her at home, minding the house.
Thanks for pointing out my typo.
GaryComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Steve,
I owned a 70 LT-1 for about 8 years in the seventies that had a close ratio 4 speed with 4:11 gears. In fourth gear if you doubled your rpm's thats about how fast you were going ( 35 hundred x 2=70 ). Although it was an engine beater my wife liked it because she didn't have to downshift to pass slower cars on the highway. For performance driving it was a good combo. If by chance the car your looking at is #14741 let me know as I can give you an education. Good luck.
WayneComment
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Re: Would you believe 18 months?
Gary--
Not nit-picking, just teasing!
MikeComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Thanks to everyone for sharing your views. I like the idea of swapping out the gears.
I recall the Z/28 had me adjusting valves all the time. I cut up some old rocker covers and had little clips to control the oil cause I always did them hot & running. I wish I had that formula Dick listed for adjusting them cold back then. I also remember the DZ 302 would eat spark plugs. I was young and foolish and always ran that car hard which might be why I could never keep the valves adjusted or plugs in it.Comment
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Re: Would you believe 18 months?
Mike, I understood it as teasing. If you can't take teasing on this board, you need to go somewhere eles. Besides, who misses a typo that gross?
Like, duh!
GaryComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
The OE valve clearacne specs are WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too loose and you don't have to do it "hot and running" or very often.
E-mail me if you want the modern procedure and specs.
AC plug heat range "5" or equivalent will not foul as long as the mixture is reasonable. The OE heat range "4" is too cold for normal driving.
DukeComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Steve....Switch your brand of plugs to Autolites and you won't be changing them 1/2 as much. I have a 72 LT1 and had the same problem with plugs. I read a posting on here a few years back for BB plugs. I thought if it worked for BB it might for the SB, tried it and it does work. The plugs get at least twice the mileage between changes.Comment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Brand is immaterial. It's a matter of using a heat range that is matched to driving conditions, and the OE heat range is too cold for normal driving.
DukeComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
I also found that extended tip plugs lasted longer and were less likely to foul in my LT-1.Comment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Steve, what about the 68 do you still have it or are you adding to the collection. see you this summer. DonComment
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Re: 1970 LT1
Yes , It's still down to my Moms garage collecting dust while I collect parts. The 68 has birdcage issues so it will not see daylight for some time. I'm working with the new frame now and will address the rusty cage at another time. Thanks to the great folks on this board I think I have that problem solved as well. If I get the LT1 The 68 will be sold.Comment
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