1970 Corvette Fact Sheet

1970 Corvette Facts, Figures, and Specifications

Five Fast Facts You May Not Know

1970 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

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1970 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

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1. Grille and Side Louvers Changed

2. 350 CID LT1 V-8 Arrives

3. Walnut Trim Panels & Leather Seating Offered

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4. 454 CID V-8 Now Available

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5. Exhaust Tips Now Wide Rectangles

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1970 Corvette – Bigger Big Block and 370 HP for the 350

The 1970 Chevrolet Corvette replaced the 4 side louvers with an egg-crate design and the fenders were flared slightly. The seats were redesigned to create more headroom. The 427 CID V-8 was enlarged to 454 CID. The LT1 350 CID V-8 was a new variant and made 370 HP.

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1970 Corvette Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1970 Corvette:

	972 Classic White
	974 Monza Red
	975 Marlboro Maroon
	976 Mulsanne Blue
	979 Bridgehampton Blue
	982 Donnybrooke Green
	984 Daytona Yellow
	986 Cortez Silver
	991 Ontario Orange
	992 Laguna Gray
	993 Corvette Bronze

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1970 Corvette Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1970 Corvette Facts

With January 1970 production, new were egg-crate grills with matching front fender side vents and larger squared front directional lamps. The previously round dual exhaust outlets were made larger and rectangular in shape. Interiors were upgraded with redesigned seats. A deluxe interior option was new, it combined wood-grain wood accents and higher-spec carpeting with leather seat surfaces. Other changes were the Positraction rear axle, tinted glass, and a wide-ratio 4-speed manual transmission were now standard. Tuxedo Black was no longer a paint option.

The 350 CID ZQ3 V-8 remained as the base engine it still delivered 300 HP. The 3-speed manual transmission was no longer available on the base V-8. The L46 350 was still offered at 350 HP as the engine upgrade. New was the 350 CID V-8 with 370 HP. It featured a forged steel crankshaft, 4-bolt main caps, 11.00:1 compression ratio. It included extruded pistons, a mechanical camshaft with 317/346 degrees of duration, a low-restriction exhaust system, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 780 CFM Holley 4-barrel carburetor. The engine was dressed with finned aluminum rocker covers. The new engine could not be ordered with air conditioning and was fitted with a domed hood adorned with “LT1”.

The RPO ZR1 option included the LT1 engine, M22 HD 4-speed transmission, heavy-duty power brakes, transistor ignition, special aluminum radiator, and special springs, shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars and a metal fan shroud. The big block was reduced to one engine but displacement increased to 454 CID (LS5 390 HP). The LS7, which was to be equipped with a single 800 CFM Holley carburetor and to be advertised at 460 HP was planned and appeared in Chevrolet literature and the AMA Specifications Sheets, but was not delivered to retail customers. It was offered as a crate engine.

A short model year resulted in a low production of 17,316 units, down nearly 60%. Rare options: ZR1 package (25), shoulder belts in convertibles (475), LT1 engine (1,287).

1970 Corvette Factoids

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The LT 1 350 CID V-8 delivered 370 HP. It used a mechanical camshaft and featured a forged steel crankshaft, 4-bolt main bearing caps, 11.00:1 compression ratio. It included extruded pistons, a mechanical long duration high-lift camshaft at 317/346 duration, low-restriction exhaust system, an aluminum intake manifold, Holley 4-barrel carburetor.

For 1970, the big-block was expanded to 454 CID, with a bore × stroke of 4.250″ × 4.00″. The Corvette LS-5 version of this engine was factory rated at 390 HP and 500 ft. lbs. of torque. A LS7 version was announced as well but never fitted. It was rated at 460 HP and 490 ft. lbs. of torque. The LS7 used a radical mechanical camshaft and a 800 CFM Holley carburetor on a high rise manifold. The LS 7 was later released as a “crate engine”.

These two styling changes set the 1970 version of the Corvette apart from earlier versions. The parking light at the outer part of the grille were also redone.

The rear exhaust extensions were made larger and rectangular to stretch the rear view of the car and to tout the higher horsepower available in the 350 and 454 CID V-8 engines. Surprisingly, they did change the car’s appearance.

A new interior trim package was offered, to offer a more luxurious appearance. It included walnut veneer on the doors and leather seating.

1970 Corvette Facts – Models Offered

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For 1970 fender flares were designed into the body contours to reduce wheel-thrown debris damage. New were egg-crate grills with matching front fender side vents and larger squared front directional lamps. The previously round dual exhaust outlets were made larger and rectangular in shape. Interiors were tweaked with redesigned seats and a new deluxe interior option combined wood-grain wood accents and higher-spec carpeting with leather seat surfaces.

Body Style 19437 – Coupe – Base Price 5,192 – Production 10,668.

Body Style 19467 – Convertible – Base Price $4,849 – Production 6,648.

1970 Corvette Facts – Engines

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300 HP V-8 Standard. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main Bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 280 degrees, Exhaust: 288 degrees, Overlap 58 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.3900″, Exhaust: 0.4100″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7040203; (automatic transmission) 7040202.

350 HP V-8 Option L46. Four-Speed Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic
Camshaft timing: Intake: 346 degrees, Exhaust: 340 degrees, Overlap 114 degrees. Lift: (Intake) 0.4500″; (Exhaust) 0.4600″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel 7040207.

NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.

370 HP V-8 Option LT1. Four-Speed Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.48 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.00:1.
Horsepower: 370 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 380 @ 4000 RPM
Valve lifters: Mechanical
Camshaft timing: Intake: 317 degrees, Exhaust: 346 degrees, Overlap 96 degrees. Lift: (Intake) 0.4586″; (Exhaust) 0.4850″.
Carburetor: Holley 780 CFM 4-barrel 3972121.

NOTE: Not available with automatic transmission.

Turbo-Fire 454 V-8 (RPO LS5). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 454 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 4.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.25:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 500 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 350 degrees, Exhaust: 352 degrees, Overlap 118 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.4614″; Exhaust: 0.4800″.
Carburetor: Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel (manual transmission) 7040205; (automatic transmission) 7040204.

454 V-8 (RPO LS7). Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings, 4-bolt caps.
Displacement: 454 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.250 x 4.00 inches.
Cylinder Heads: Aluminum
Compression ratio: 11.25:1.
Horsepower: 460 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 490 @ 3000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 347 degrees, Exhaust: 359 degrees, Overlap 135 degrees. Lift: Intake: 0.5197″; Exhaust: 0.5498″.
Carburetor: 800 CFM Holley 4 barrel #3967481.

NOTE 1: Not available with automatic transmission.

NOTE 2: Never Delivered. Available as a crate engine later

Due to more stringent emission controls, California carburetors were calibrated differently and had different par numbers. They are listed above for reference. Note that the LS7 has a carburetor listed!

Though Listed as an available engine, the strike shortened production year, resulted in only the LS5 454 CID engine being produced. The LS 7, for all intents, was a 454 CID version of the L88 and was perhaps deemed too have a too radical camshaft for street use. Surprisingly, the LS6 engine available in the Chevelle was not made available in the Corvette.

1970 Corvette Facts – Chassis Features

- Wheelbase: 98.00 inches.
- Overall length: 182.50 inches.
- Overall width: 69.00 inches.
- Overall height: Coupe 47.40 inches; Convertible 47.50 inches.
- Front tread: 58.70 inches.
- Rear tread: 59.40 inches.
- Tires: F70 x 15 – tubeless.

1970 Corvette Facts – Powertrains

Transmission Ratios
- 300 HP Four-Speed Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.59:1.
- 350-371 -390-460 HP Four-Speed Close Ratio Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.64:1, Third 1.28:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.26:1.
- 350-371 -390 HP Four-Speed Wide ratio Manual Transmission – First: 2.52:1, Second: 1.88:1, Third 1.46:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.59:1.
- 371 -390 HP M22 HD Four-Speed Close Ratio Manual Transmission – First: 2.20:1, Second: 1.64:1, Third 1.28:1, Fourth: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.26:1.
- 300, 390, 460 HP Only – Three-Speed Turbo Hydra-matic Transmission – 1st 2.48:1, 2nd: 1.48:1, 3rd: 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.08:1.
Rear Axle Ratios

Manual Transmissions –
– 300 HP 4-speed Manual: 3.36:1; Optional: 3.08:1.
– 350 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.70:1, Optional 4.11:1.
– 350 HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1, Optional 3.55:1.
– 370 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.70:1, Optional 3.55:1, 4.11:1.
– 370 HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.70:1, Optional 3.36:1, 4.11.
– 370 HP Close Ratio HD Four-speed: 3.36:1, Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.
– 390 HP Close Ratio Four-speed: 3.36:1; Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1.
– 390 HP Wide Ratio Four-speed: 3.08:1; Optional 3.36:1.
– 460 HP Close Ratio HD Four-speed: 3.36:1:; Optional 3.08:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.

Three Speed Automatic Transmissions –
– 300 HP: 3.08:1; Optional: 3.36:1.
– 350 & 370 HP: Not Available.
– 390 HP: 3.08:1; Optional 2.73:1.
– 460 HP: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1, 3.36:1.

NOTE 1: 460 HP LS7 Never fitted to any 1970 Corvettes, however ratios and transmissions were listed by the manufacturer.

NOTE 2: Optional available Dealer Installed rear axle gear ratios: 3.08:1, 3.36:1, 3.55:1, 3.70:1, 4.11:1, 4.56:1.

1970 Corvette Facts – Powertrain Options

Engines:

- 350 cubic inch 300 horsepower four-barrel carburetor engine – Standard.
- L46 350 cubic inch 350 horsepower V-8 engine ($158.00).
- LT1 350 cubic inch 370 horsepower V-8 engine ($447.60).
- LS5 454 cubic inch 390 horsepower V-8 engine ($289.65).
- LS7 454 cubic inch 460 horsepower V-8 engine (Not Fitted).

Other:

- 3-speed manual transmission no longer available.
- 3-speed automatic transmission (Standard/Choice).
- 4-speed close ratio M-21 manual transmission (Standard/Choice) NOTE: not available w/base engine.
- 4-speed wide ratio M-20 manual transmission (Standard/Choice).
- 4-speed close ratio M-22 Heavy Duty manual floor shift transmission ($95.00).
- ZR1 Special Handling Package ($968.95).
- Positive Traction Rear Axle ($46.35).
- Optional Gear Ratios ($12.65).

1970 Corvette Facts – Significant Options

- Air Conditioning ($447.65).
- Alarm System ($31.60).
- AM/FM Radio ($172.75).
- AM/FM Radio Stereo ($278.10).
- Auxiliary Hardtop for Convertible ($ 273.85).
- Vinyl Covering for Aux. Hardtop ($63.20).
- California Emissions ($36.90).
- Custom Interior Trim ($158.00).
- Custom Shoulder Belts, std. w/coupe ($42.15).
- Deluxe Wheel Covers ($57.95).
- Heavy Duty Battery, std. w/LS5 ($15.80).
- Optional Rear Axle Ratios ($12.65).
- Power Brakes ($47.40).
- Power Steering ($105.35).
- Power Windows ($63.20).
- Rear Window Defroster ($36.90).
- Special Purpose ZR1 Package ($968.95).
- Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column ($84.30).
- White Letter Tires F70 x 15 ($33.15).
- White Line Tires F70 x 15 ($31.3).