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HISTORY of the LT-1 Corvette
In 1970, Chevrolet introduced the RPO LT-1, a NEW high-performance 350 small-block engine rated at 370 HP. The LT-1 engine featured a solid lifter crankshaft, 11:1 compression ratio, high-lift camshaft, Holley 780 4 barrel carburetor, low-restriction exhaust, and Transistorized Ignition. The RPO LT-1 option also included special hood stripes, LT-1 hood decals and a big block hood. This mighty mouse engine recorded a quarter-mile time of 14.36 seconds at 101.69 mph and added $448 to the sticker price, more expensive than the LS5 454 big block option.
A special ZR1 package was released in 1970 and featured the
LT-1 engine, an M22 rock crusher 4-speed heavy-duty transmission, J56 heavy-duty power brakes, transistorized ignition, a special aluminum radiator, and a suspension system comprising unique springs, shocks, and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Along with the LT-1 option the production of the ZR1 was limited to the years 1970 through 1972. Only 53 cars were equipped with the RPO ZR1 option: 25 in 1970, 8 in 1971, and 20 in 1972. The ZR1 models from the 1970s stand out as the rarest small-block Corvettes ever manufactured.
In 1971, the Corvette remained largely unchanged and offered the LT-1 option. The horsepower dropped to 330 HP as a result of GM rating the engine at net HP vs gross and the compression dropped to 9:1. 71 was the last year for the fiber optics and the mandatory Transistorized Ignition System.
The 1972 model year marked the end of chrome bumpers, the pop-up windshield wiper door, and the removable rear window.
It was the last year for the LT-1 engine which was rated at 255 hp, and 20 Corvettes left the St. Louis factory with the ZR1 package. One change for 1972 was the availability of the LT-1 engine with the C60 air conditioning option, with 240 cars being built.
From 1970-1972 only 4,976 LT-1 and ZR1's were built with 1287 being built in 1970, 1949 in 1971 and 1741 in 1972.
This registry is designed to preserve and document the history of these unique solid lifter Corvettes.
If you would like to register your LT1 in the registry, please click on the link below and fill out the form below and you will receive confirmation that your car has been entered into the registry.