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.

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.

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)

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Custom Interior Trim - sort of a wood grain veneer - was available on Corvettes from the 1970 to the 1976 model years. It apparently had no RPO # but the price was $158.00 in 1970 (production quantity 3,191 or 18.43%) and rose to $164.00 (production quantity 36,762 or 78.96%) in 1976.

From the 1970 Brochure

1970 Corvette: Official GM Photo.