Corvette Generations:

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7 C8

Corvette: Year by Year

1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963
1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

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Specifications

Slideshow

1970 Corvette C3 LT-1, LS5 Engine Debuts

Changes for the 1970 Corvette included more comfortable seats (left), a squared off clear turn signal indicator backed by an amber bulb (although many had an amber lens with a clear bulb) surrounded by an "ice cube tray" style grill (middle) and fender louvers (right). Cool air for the radiator was blocked by the headlights when they were in the down position so airflow to the radiator was mostly pulled from under the car. Other updates included a better seat belt shoulder retractor and headlight washers.

Corvette LT-1 Arrives

Right: The LT-1 engine debuted in 1970 and was a hit amongst Corvette motorheads. It was essentially a solid lifter version of the well known and loved small block. Road racers welcomed the new motor since the horsepower was up and it's light weight kept the Corvette's balance under control. Notice the finned aluminum valve covers which were added to many non LT-1 engines.

Below left: Center console plaque offered 1970 Corvette LT-1 specs. Later LT-1 engines (it was available in 1971 and 1972) had lower compression ratios. Right: LT-1 tachometer with the 6,500 RPM redline, part of the secret to the LT-1 horsepower rating.

1970 is famous for being the last year that high compression engines were available. Unleaded gasoline was in the future and high octane gasoline was becoming harder to find, causing GM to limit compression ratios after 1970.

Click here for 1970 Thru 1973 Corvette slideshow

Introducing the LS5

A new engine option appeared in 1970: the LS5 became the only big block available. Displacement was 454 cu in., the largest Chevrolet would install in a Corvette. 4,473 (25.83%) were produced in 1970 (RPO LS5, $289.65)

1970 Corvette Stingray For Sale
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