'72 Big Block vs. '71 LT1?

[moto]

If both of the following cars were in the same basic condition (nice driver qulity), had the same options and you could purchase either one for the same price, which one would you prefer to own: a '72 Big Block Covertible 4 speed or a '71 LT1 Coupe?

 

[Jeffvette]

LT1....easy choice for me. I drove a 70 LT1 and the car just amazed me. Wish I had bought it as it was a steal at 10k.

 

[WayneLBurnham]

You're serious?

Dudes,

With respects Jeff, are you bonkers? :argue :gap(That was a deal, sorry you missed it...)

They're not even the same type of car....

OK, I'll leave off my usual obsessions with engines...for a minute..

If it was a SB convertible vs. a BB coupe...maybe, maybe they're be a second's worth of consideration...

...but a convertible is so much more enjoyable to drive, at least here in Texas, especially with the typically iffy HVAC systems on old 'vettes....

For those who like changing clutches, a nice 4 speed is excellent too....

Now, Rule #1, for those who may have forgotten it:

THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT!!!

and a very good running stock SB - of any specification - is doing very good to get 325 hp/350ft lbs torque, but a fairly weak BB can easily still pull 400/450 with a few upper end modifications, and yet there's only what, 150, 175 pounds difference?

(As for factory ratings: the '71 LT1 was rated at 330hp, the '72 LS5 rated at only 270, but the '72 LT1 was only rated at 255, and supposedly the difference was mainly rating methodology and not actual output, which changed in '72.)

The important thing is it is about the same cost to get that BB to the bad-ass '71 rating levels of the LS6 - 425 hp - as it is to nudge that LT1 over the hp/cube mark to 365 or so. All that requires is cam kit, intake, headers, low restriction rest-of-exhaust, decent ignition, rebuilt carburetor. Doubling that upgrade cost on the BB with a nice set of heads matched to that cam and intake will take it well past the specs for the proposed LS7 - 460 hp to perhaps 475 hp, but a similar second level upgrade to the LT1 will not bring the same dividend, as the LT1 heads were already decent - you might see 385 hp tops with that huge additional cost.

Big blocks, simply put, RULE!

Now be aware there could be vast differences of conditions in both...and that would matter....and the SB can rev a good 750 higher regularly, 1K temporarily than the BB, so this can affect upper speed...

But I'd have to go way the other way from Jeff - you'll LOVE that convertible AND the BB!!!

GET IT!!!!

 

[BBB454]

I've never driven a small-block C3 (let alone an LT1), so I can't make the comparison. If I were you, I would drive them both and see what feels best to you.

Oh, and make sure the convertible top is down when you drive the '72!

I know I love my convertible & wouldn't ever trade it for a coupe (though for a second Vette I might consider a coupe)...

 

[MoeJr]

Go for the LT1. Much better handling than the BB and an 71 LT1 will keep right up with a 71/72 BB(non LS6). The LT1 will be much nicer for spirited coastal drives too much weight up front with the big block. Just my .02.

 

[tonyk72]

hope this will help you decide...

http://www.corvettearchive.com

a few great articles on comparison drives between the all 3 corvette models, base SB, LT-1 & BB


The aura of the BB always appealed to me, but when I found my LT-1, I couldn't pass on the deal...
anybody wanna trade?
I have yet to drive her, shes just sitting in the garage 'till Spring.

I also personally like the coupes better...I just love the roof lines...

 

[cruzer99]

Get them both......That way you have the best of both.

 

[Jeffvette]

Re: You're serious?

Dudes,

With respects Jeff, are you bonkers? :argue :gap(That was a deal, sorry you missed it...)


But I'd have to go way the other way from Jeff - you'll LOVE that convertible AND the BB!!!

LOL, considering I was 15 at the time and starting to look for a car, and it cost 10 grand....my parents wouldn't help

I've also driven the same year 70 BB with the 454/390 engine, I loved the power rush, but it was to cumbersome in city driving situations.

What it boils down to is, what will make you happy.

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

From what I understand the 71 LT1 wasn`t available with A/C.Some people at the time referred to it as a small block L88.It was a special engine.RAT Like power combined in a lightweight package.The LT1 would certainly have a handling edge on the BB.The LT1 was a solid lifter engine also,compared to the hydralic cam.
I personally would chose the LT1.:cool

 

[Tom73]

Equal condition? Same price? Then....

Cars&Parts Corvette magazine has one of the best price lists out there. They say to add $3,500 over base for the LT1. Or add $5,000 over base for the LS5. That gives the big block a $1500 advantage. Then a convertible will run from $5,000 to $8,000 more then the coupe.

So...dollar wise it is a no-brainer, the LS5 conv. Anyway, convertibles are just more fun.

tom...

 

[robert kirk]

BB vert all the way.

 

[jim coulter]

Will it be a daily driver, and how far to work? I've got a big block in my 71, but I wouldn't want to drive it to work everyday (110 miles usually round trip). Instead I drive the 84 with the 350 and 20.9 mpg. Just a thought

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

For daily driving I wouldn`t recommend the LT1 either.They were known for their hot headed nature.Sky High compression and stiff suspension.They were a small block race package.I`d still take it though!

 

[MoeJr]

1971's LT1 CR was 9:1. 70's were the hot blooded 11:1 motors

 

[mvftw]

The '72 has the 3 reselling advantages going for it, BB, Convert, & 4 spd. Hands down the better chioce:cool

 

[BigBrakeFuelie]

1971's LT1 CR was 9:1. 70's were the hot blooded 11:1 motors

Yeah your right.I think in 72 they toned down the compression even further.

 

[MoeJr]

CR stayed the same for LT1 in 72 just changed the HP rating from 330 Gross to 255 net.

 

[LIRacer]

I have yet to meet a BB that could stay with my LT-1. After 3500RPM goes by so do I. I have emabarrassed a few C5s along the way.

 

[DkBG]

Both are already sought after by collectors but in my opinion the big blocks will be the real prizes . Look at what the big block C-2's go for . Cliff

 

[basilio]

big block vs. small block

There is no question that the big block is the way to go. The way a big block feels and sounds is like no small block--LT-1, L82 or whatever. For those who haven't driven a 454 or 427, I
urge them to drive one. What a treat. The torque just creamily oozes.

The newer Corvettes have nothing to offer similar to this as well. For me, I will go on to state that the Corvette as we know it died in 1975 when the 454 was no longer available. Long live the big blocks 1965-1974!!!!!