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Was power steering an option on the LT-1 and if so, when was it available. I have traded emails with several people stating it was available. Some have seen early models with the option. I am confused since the CTK coded block (smaller oil pan than the previous CTU code to allow for the PS option) doesn't show up till 5/7/1970 about s/N 8607.
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Re: 1970 LT-1 PS option
Power steering was available on the 70 LT-1. I think there is an article in a 70 Corvette News magazine about this. The oil pan was changed for the option of power steering. There could be something in the archives about this also. -
Re: 1970 LT-1 PS option *TL*
We did a story in The Corvette Restorer on this very subject. I am traveling and don't have my Restorer CD with me so I can not give you the issue number.
TerryComment
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Re: 1970 LT-1 PS option
I would like to get my hamds on that article when you return. I am looking for anything else regarding the car as well. I am running into a number of dead ends. Thanks in advance.Comment
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Re: 1970 LT-1 PS option *TL*
I will not be home until late Friday, but maybe someone else can help look it up. It was on the order of 3 to 4 years ago, maybe 5 years. The title was CTU to CTK suffix change, or something with those two codes in it.
Terry
TerryComment
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Time flies...
Terry, I believe the article you authored and are referring to is in the Spring 1994 issue #20-4 and is entitled "1970 LT1 Suffix Code Differences CTU versus CTK" A mere 8 years ago. ~Juliet
2019 Sebring Orange 8-Spd Coupe (daily driver & autocross) 6k mi.
1970 Bridgehampton Blue Convertible - Chapter Top Flight 2005 68k mi.
1965 Coupe (Greg's project No Flight)
Gone but not forgotten:
1987 Yellow Convertible 199k mi.
2002 Yellow Convertible 100k mi.
2007 Atomic Orange Coupe 140k mi. RIP flood 2015
2007 Lemans Blue 6-Spd Coupe 34k mi.Comment
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Re: Time flies...
I am not sure the article that Juliet referenced is the one your looking for. The Restorer did have an article that was specifically about the problem of replacing an oil pan on an LT-1 Vette with power sterring and finding out two different oil pans exist due to the addition of the power steering with the LT-1 option. I am not sure this was in 1970 or if it was later. The article covered all the details. So if this is not the article keep looking for the correct one.Comment
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Re: Time flies...
Well, it does have the suffix codes in the title and it does go into the oil pan and PS pump clearance differences and discusses the transition of March 1970. We'll have to wait until Terry checks back in to find out for sure. ~Juliet2019 Sebring Orange 8-Spd Coupe (daily driver & autocross) 6k mi.
1970 Bridgehampton Blue Convertible - Chapter Top Flight 2005 68k mi.
1965 Coupe (Greg's project No Flight)
Gone but not forgotten:
1987 Yellow Convertible 199k mi.
2002 Yellow Convertible 100k mi.
2007 Atomic Orange Coupe 140k mi. RIP flood 2015
2007 Lemans Blue 6-Spd Coupe 34k mi.Comment
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Re: Time flies...
On the cover of Corvette News FEB/MAR 1970 is a 1970 LT-1 on a cold Michigan nite with snow on the ground. Inside this issue ia an article by Karl Ludvigsen about his test drive of the 1970 Corvette and the LT-1 engine. On page 8 is this issue last paragraph on the left reads "Our test car also had power steering, which at first wasn't to be paired with the LT-1 but now seems likely to be available. Still a linkage-type system, it has the advantage of providing some road feel so you can tell what's happening at the front wheels." Futher in the article it mentions the test was done in January. Just have to add this. "It wound effortlessly to the 6500 rpm I use in our test and can certainly go higher reliably with special preparation. With the close-ratio box, thats good for 63 mph in first, 85 in second, 110 in third and-given enough room-140 in top. During our test we saw 5700 rpm in top gear, which was quick enough." The power steering pump on the LT-1 evidently could handle the rpm.Comment
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Indeed Time does fly, but not me *TL*
Juliet nailed it. That is the article I had in mind, and I quoted from the Corvette News article as well. Interesting cover on that Spring 1994 issue also.
When I found the issue on the CD the "time flies" expression came instantly to mind. I wish I had flown from California - three days on I-80 is way too much fun.
TerryComment
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Re: Time flies...
"It wound effortlessly to the 6500 rpm I use in our test and can certainly go higher reliably with special preparation. With the close-ratio box, thats good for 63 mph in first, 85 in second, 110 in third and-given enough room-140 in top. During our test we saw 5700 rpm in top gear, which was quick enough."
Given mine sat for 24 years and has only 410 miles since resurrected, I have kept it to 4000 RPM. Did that in 1st a little too easily!
This articles now adds to the curiosity. Obviously the power steering was to be an option AND the engine suffix code, oil pan change was there to accomodate it. But was it actually released as an option. Assuming I have an original pan from June 1970, was mine option without PS and kept the old suffix and pan? Were ALL built after May CTK with smaller pans and mine replaced with a larger one that happened to be found (can't believe there were that many.)
Any other sources to hunt would be greatly appreciated.Comment
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