'72 Big Block vs. '71 LT1?

[69autoXr]

It seems silly to me that anyone would think that if both were in the same condition, the 72 BB would fetch more than the 71 LT-1. There's nothing much special about a 72 BB, while the LT-1 had solid lifters, Holley carb, etc. The only thing the 72 has going for it is the convertible top. And of course the LT-1 would have a four speed, and most likely a close ratio at that. While I really want my next Vette to be an LT-1 convertible, between these two, I would easily take the LT-1.
While I'm hugging the corners in my LT-1, I'll be looking back at the 72 BB vert with the twisted frame plowing off the road!

 

[basilio]

bb vs sb

There is nothing special about the 454? I can give you 454 reasons! Let's just say its a matter of inches--some of us have more inches than others and not just in the car!

As to solid lifters and Holley carbs, these can be easily added to a big block if it did not come with these items. But a big block will always be a big block. A small block cannot be made into a big block.

Let us not forget the ZL-1, L88, LS6, etc.

I dare any factory small block to go against my big block with Gymkhana factory suspension. Well see which one ends up in pieces by the side of the road!
Long live the 396,427,454!!!

I will take a big block any day over an LT-1.

 

[69autoXr]

Well, we're not talking about the ZL-1, L-88 and LS-6 here though, are we? I have immediate respect for these amazing racing engines and their outstanding racing achievements. Believe me, my dream engine is a ZL-1: big block torque with small block handling. But in this particular case, the debate is 72 454 or LT-1.
"Let's just say its a matter of inches--some of us have more inches than others and not just in the car!"
Can we keep the discussion on the cars, please? There's other forums out there if you have something else you want to talk about.

 

[basilio]

By the same token, let's be positive about the 454 and not bash it because we have a particular agenda.

I own a big block and a small block Corvette and am coming from a neutral perspective.

I am sure if someone looks hard enough they can find a big block basher's web site. Maybe Corvette bashing comments can be posted elsewhere!


Are we going to be so politically correct and not be able to say something like "No substitute for inches" or "It's a matter of size" or "Some of us have more inches and it's not just not just in the car"? Sounds like "big brother" to me.

I am going to excercise my right to state that I would take the "72 Big Block over the '71 LT-1.

 

[MoeJr]

No small block can touch a big block when it comes to shear torque. I agree the LT1 is a sweet motor and a 71 Lt1 Vette will have a handling advantage over the 72BB stock for stock. The LT1 cannot match the 454 in the 1/4 mile and a few suspension tweaks will bring the BB into the LT1's handling bracket. I would take the BB anyday. If memory serves the Shark era SCCA and Trans Am vettes were BB powered. Just my .02

 

[Tom73]

It seems silly to me that anyone would think that if both were in the same condition, the 72 BB would fetch more than the 71 LT-1. There's nothing much special about a 72 BB, while the LT-1 had solid lifters, Holley carb, etc. The only thing the 72 has going for it is the convertible top. And of course the LT-1 would have a four speed, and most likely a close ratio at that. .... While I'm hugging the corners in my LT-1, I'll be looking back at the 72 BB vert with the twisted frame plowing off the road!

You may find this of interest. In June 71 issue of Car and Driver they did a comparison test of the LT1, LS5, and LS6.

The LT1 had 3.70 gears and ran:
0-60 in 6.0
1/4 mile in 14.57 @ 100.55

The LS5 had 3.08 gears and ran:
0-60 in 5.7
1/4 mile in 14.20 @ 100.35

So don't be too quick to write off the base (or lower performance) big block, they still had a big bite.

tom...

 

[69autoXr]

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.

So you've had a change of mind?:confused

 

[BBB454]

It seems silly to me that anyone would think that if both were in the same condition, the 72 BB would fetch more than the 71 LT-1. There's nothing much special about a 72 BB, while the LT-1 had solid lifters, Holley carb, etc.

Apparently alot of others disagree with your analysis...
I just checked 3 well-known guides to compare the pricing:

CPI VALUE GUIDES
CHEVROLET\CORVETTE Good Condition
1971 Coupe 350/330hp LT1 * $ 19,000.00
1972 Convertible 454/270hp * $ 22,225.00

NADA GUIDE
1971 Coupe LT-1 4-speed Totals:
Total Low Retail: $11,575
Total Average Retail: $19,200
Total High Retail: $28,025

1972 Convertible LS5 4-speed Totals:
Total Low Retail: $14,925
Total Average Retail: $25,550
Total High Retail: $36,725

Corvette Fever Magazine Sept 2002 issue price guide
"Good Condition"
1971 Coupe LT-1 $18,950
1972 Conv. LS5 $22,350

While I'm hugging the corners in my LT-1, I'll be looking back at the 72 BB vert with the twisted frame plowing off the road!

You've apparently never driven a big block.

Barb

 

[69autoXr]

OK, OK, I yield!!!!!!!

Big Blocks rule, and I'll never state my opinion again!!!

 

[MoeJr]

69 the results of road tests were put on thios thread by Tom and as you can see I didn't lie in my previous post as I said " The 71 LT1 would keep up with the 71/72 BB" and the times prove they are only a couple tenths difference". The thread u are quoting from asked for a different opinion and he I believe didn't have any BB lined up but stumbled upon the LT1. I haven't visited that thread in a while.

 

[BBB454]

OK, OK, I yield!!!!!!!

Big Blocks rule, and I'll never state my opinion again!!!

Sorry if I came across a little irritated, but I was. When I read your comment "There's nothing much special about a 72BB", it got me going.

I've heard great things about LT1s, but as I mentioned in my first post, I've never driven one. So I'm not going to tell Moto "No, don't get the LT1, get the big block" just because I own a big block. I told him to drive them both and decide for himself.

However, if you want to look at it strictly from a financial perspective, it looks like the big block would be the better bet at this time. That's not to say it couldn't change any time in the future...

There's nothing wrong with stating your opinion, just be prepared for other people to have a different one than yours... :L

Barb

 

[robert kirk]

Big Blocks rule, is true glad you understand. As far as your opinion, just because we don't agree does not mean we don't want to hear it.:J

 

[Tim73454]

I spent four years looking for my vette. I had always wanted a 73 conv and I didn't care what color or engine. Just wanted the top to drop. It just happens that the one I found was a 454-m21 4 speed but I would have been just as happy with a SB as long as the top comes off!!!
Forget the engine. Go with the 72 for the top alone. I just wish I could get to SoCal in mine for a day!!!!!!! Cruise up 101 from Diego to Frisco. What a trip!!! :cool

 

[jr9170]

As a past owner of 3 SB shark cars and a current owner of my 2nd 454 BB shark car i could tell you a liittlr about my opinion.The SB vettes run great,look great,and are a blast to drive.They are not hard to maintain and parts are easily attainable.A conv. in good shape will run you more than a coupe that is probably in excellent shape.As far as the big blocks,there is nothing like the view behind the wheel looking at that BB hood(same from a LT-1). The LT-1 is a high revver very powerful SB.The BB has more tourqe.They are both icons as far as corvettes go.Most people love the conv. over the coupe.Me for one I enjoy the roof lines of a coupe.Whatever the choice you cannot lose as they are both great cars with strong points in their favor......JERRY.................. 70 454 t top......91 ZR-1