The arrival of the 1970 Corvette happened somewhat later than was typical in the automotive manufacturing industry, due in part to the incredible sales backlog that had occurred during the 1969 model year and also due in part to the UAW (United Workers) strike, which delayed the new Corvette from reaching showrooms until February.
Read More: 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Research Center
1970 Corvette Specifications
1970 Corvette Main Specs
| MODEL: | 1970 Chevrolet Corvette |
| BODY STYLE: | Two-door convertible/coupe, front engine, rear wheel drive |
| MANUFACTURING LOCATION: | St. Louis, Missouri |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Uniconstruction: fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP or “fiberglass”) body, backboned by a steel cage outlining the passenger compartment. Principal members – underbody, front and rear end assemblies, dash panel and hinge pillars are bonded, riveted, or bolted together and to each other. Hood is plastic with bonded plastic reinforcement. Coupe: two removable roof panels and removable rear window. Frame: all welded, full length, ladder construction with 5 crossmembers. Side Rails and intermediate crossmembers box section; front crossmember box girder section. Eight body-mounting points. |
| VEHICLE NUMBERS (VIN): | 194370S400001 – 194370S417316 |
| ENGINE SUFFIX: | CGW: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CRJ: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CRI: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTD: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CTG: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CTH: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CTJ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, AIR CONDITION CTK: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTL: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMISSION CTM: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HORSEPOWER, AUTOMATIC TRANSMMISSION CTN: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION CTO: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION,AIR CONDITIONING CTP: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTQ: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, AIR CONDITIONING, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTR: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTU: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION, TRANSISTOR IGNITION CTV: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370 HORSEPOWER (ZR1), MANUAL TRANSMMISSION CZU: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HORSEPOWER, MANUAL TRANSMMISSION |
| ENGINE BLOCK NUMBER: | 3970010, 350 CUBIC INCH, 300 HP, 350HP, 370HP 3963512, 454 CUBIC INCH, 390 HP |
| HEAD NUMBER: | 3927186, 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, 350HP, 370HP 3927187, 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP 3964290, 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP 3973414, 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP |
| CARBURETOR NUMBERS: | ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040202: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040203: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040204: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, AUTO ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040205: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040207: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040212: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040213: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040502: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, AUTO ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040503: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040504: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, AUTO ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040505: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040507: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP, MANUAL ROCHESTER Q-jet #7040513: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP, MANUAL HOLLEY R4489A #3972123: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, MANUAL HOLLEY R4555A #3972121: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, MANUAL |
| DISTRIBUTOR NUMBER: | 1111464: 454 CUBIC INCH, 390HP 1111490: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP 1111491: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP, TRANSISTOR IGNITION 1111493: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP 1112020: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP 1112021: 350 CUBIC INCH, 350HP |
| ALTERNATOR NUMBER: | 1100825: 350 CUBIC INCH, 370HP 1100833: 350 CUBIC INCH 350HP, 454 CUBIC INCH 390HP 1100859: 350 CUBIC INCH, 300HP |
| AXLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER | CAK: 3.36:1 RATIO CAL: 3.08:1 RATIO CAN: 3.55:1 RATIO CAP: 4.11:1 RATIO CAS: 3.70:1 RATIO CAV: 3.08:1 RATIO CAW: 3.08:1 RATIO CLR: 3.36:1 RATIO |
|
POSITRACTION AXLE:
|
CAM: 3.36:1 RATIO
CAO: 3.70:1 RATIO CAT: 3.08:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY CAU: 3.36:1, HEAVY DUTY CAX: 3.36:1, HEAVY DUTY CAY: 2.73:1 RATIO, TURBO HYDRA-MATIC TRANSMISSION CAZ: 3.55:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY CFA: 3.70:1 RATIO CFB: 4.11:1 RATIO, HEAVY DUTY CFC: 4.56:1, HEAVY DUTY |
| PRODUCTION ENDING VEHICLE: | JANUARY 1979:402261, FEBRUARY 1970: 405183, MARCH. 1970: 407977, APRIL. 1970: 408314, MAY 1970: 410652, JUNE 1970: 413829, JULY 1970: 417316 |
1970 Corvette Powertrain Specifications
| Order Code | Standard | L46 | LT1 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 350 | 350 | 350 |
| Fuel Induction System | 4-Barrel Carburetor | 4-Barrel Carburetor | 4-Barrel Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 300 @ 4,800 | 350 @ 5,600 | 370 @ 6,000 |
| Torque | 380 @ 3,200 | 380 @ 3,600 | 380 @ 4,000 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.00 x 3.48 | 4.00 x 3.48 | 4.00 x 3.48 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Cylinder Number System (Left) | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Order Code | LS5 | LS7 |
| Manufacturing Location | Flint, Michigan | Flint, Michigan |
| Type | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head | 90 degree V, Valve-In-Head |
| Cylinders | 8 | 8 |
| Displacement (cid) | 454 | 454 |
| Fuel Induction System | 4-Barrel Carburetor | 4-Barrel Carburetor |
| Horsepower | 390 @ 4,800 | 460 @ 5,600 |
| Torque | 500 @ 3,400 | 490 @ 3,600 |
| Bore x Stroke (in.) | 4.251 x 4.00 | 4.251 x 4.00 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.25:1 | 11.25:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
| Cylinder Number System (Left) | 1-3-5-7 | 1-3-5-7 |
| Cylinder Number System (Right) | 2-4-6-8 | 2-4-6-8 |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium | Premium |
1970 Corvette Manual Transmission/Gear Ratios
Manual Transmission
| Gear Ratios |
4-Speed (RPO M20)
|
4-Speed Close Ratio (RPO M21)
|
4-Speed Heavy Duty (RPO M22)
|
|
1st Gear:
|
2.52:1
|
2.20:1
|
2.20:1 |
|
2nd Gear:
|
1.88:1
|
1.64:1
|
1.64:1 |
|
3rd Gear:
|
1.46:1
|
1.27:1
|
1.27:1 |
|
4th Gear:
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1
|
1.00:1 |
|
Reverse:
|
2.59:1
|
2.26:1
|
2.26:1 |
Clutch
| Clutch | Stats |
| Type | Single Dry Disk Centrifugal |
| Spring Pressure (lbs) | 2450 – 2750 (2900 – 3100 Heavy Duty) |
| Lining area (sq. in.) | 123.7 (103.53 Heavy Duty) |
Turbo Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission RPO M40/ Gear Ratios
| Gear | Drive | L2 | L1 | Reverse |
| 1st Gear | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | 2.48:1 | N/A |
| 2nd Gear | 1.48:1 | 1.48:1 | N/A | N/A |
| 3rd Gear | 1.00:1 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Reverse | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.08 |
1970 Corvette Wheels, Suspension & Brakes
Suspension – Front
Type and Description: Independent, SLA type, coil springs with center mounted shock absorbers, spherical joint steering knuckle pivots.
| Front Coil Springs | |
| Make & Type | Right-hand Helix Variable rate |
| Material | Steel Alloy |
| Part Number | 3931823, 3931825 |
| Spring Rate (lb. per in.) | 250 (284) |
| Rate at Wheel (lb. per in.) | – |
| Design Load at Spring | 9.99 in. @ 1395 lbs. (9.99 in. @ 1540 lbs. |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |
| Type | Link |
| Material | Hot rolled steel |
| Diameter | .750 with 350ci engine, .9375 with 454ci engine |
Suspension – Back
Type and Description: Full Independent rear suspension with frame-anchored differential unit. Position of each wheel established by three links: tubular axle drive shafts, transverse strut rods, torque control arms. Vertical suspension loads taken by transverse leaf springs. Built-in camber adjustment at strut rod inner ends.
| Rear Leaf Springs | |
| Number of Leaves | 9 |
| Material | Chrome carbon steel |
| Length, width, height | 46.36 x 2.25 x 2.121 |
| Rear Shock Absorbers: | |
| Type | Direct, double-acting, hydraulic |
| Piston Diameter | 1.00 |
| Rear Strut | |
| Material | Forged Steel |
| Diameter | 0.75 |
Brakes
| Brake Specs | |
| Type: | – |
| – Standard | Caliper Disk – 4 Wheel Hydraulic |
| – J50 | Delco-Moraine Vacuum Assisted Powered Brakes |
| Drum diameter, front (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Drum diameter, rear (in.): | 11.75 x 1.25 |
| Swept Drum Area Effective area: | 461.2 |
Wheels & Tires
| Wheels & Tires Specs | |
| Wheel Type: | |
| – Standard | Short spoke spider, welded steel |
| Wheels, size: | |
| – Standard | 15″ x 8.00 |
| Tire, size: | |
| – Standard | F70 x 15 — 4 PR. 2-Ply Tubeless Nylon |
| – PT6 | F70 x 15 — 4 PR, 2-Ply Red Stripe Nylon |
| – PT7 | F70 x 15 — 4 PR, 2-Ply White Stripe Nylon |
| Inflation (cold) | |
| – Front | 24 lbs. |
| – Rear | 24 lbs. |
Steering
| Steering Specs – Manual Steering | |
| Type | Semi-reversible gear with ball-nut driven by recirculating anti-friction bearings, energy-absorbing steering column, steering damper attached to relay rod; two position steering knuckle arm attachment for street and fast ratio steering. Adjustable steering column available optionally. |
| Make | Saginaw |
| Ratio (Street) | 20.2:1 |
| Ratio (Fast) | 17.6:1 |
| Wheel Diameter (in.) | 16 |
| Turns, Stop to Stop | |
| – Street | 3.4 |
| – Fast | 2.92 |
| Turning Diameter | 37 ft. (outside front), 39 ft. (outside front) |
| Steering Specs – Power Steering RPO N40 | |
| Type | (Specifications are the same as Manual Steering except the following): |
| Description | Hydraulic; pump powered cylinder assisted linkage |
| Gear Ratio | 16:1 |
| Overall Ratio | 17.6:1 |
| Wheel Turns (Lock to Lock) | 2.92 |
1970 Corvette Exterior Dimensions
Hard Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Hardtop) | Interior Dimensions (Hardtop) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.1 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.2 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.9 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.3 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.0 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Soft Top Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Soft Top) | Interior Dimensions (Soft Top) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 38.3 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.5 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.0 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.9 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.4 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Coupe Dimensions
| Exterior Dimensions (Coupe) | Interior Dimensions (Coupe) | ||
| Wheelbase: | 98.0 Inches | Headroom: | 37.2 Inches |
| Overall Length: | 182.1 Inches | Shoulder Room: | 46.9 Inches |
| Total Body Width: | 69.0 Inches | Hip Room: | 48.8 Inches |
| Overall Height: | 47.8 Inches | Leg Room: | 43.0 Inches |
| Front Track Width: | 58.7 Inches | ||
| Rear Track Width: | 59.4 Inches | ||
| Min. Ground Clearance | 4.9 Inches | ||
Capacities
| Capacities | |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 – Driver & Passenger |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,304 |
| – Convertible with soft top | – |
| – Convertible; C07 with folding top | – |
| – Convertible; C07 less folding top Coupe |
3,290 |
| Interior Passenger Volume (cu. ft) | – |
| Interior Trunk Volume (cu. ft) | 20 |
| Fuel Capacity (gallons): | 4.0 for 350ci. engines (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) 5.0 for 454ci engines (capacity of crankcase less filter – refill) |
| Coolant capacity without heater (qts.) | 18 for RPO LT1 engine 22 for LS5 engine |
| Battery: | 12 Volt, 62AH for 350ci. engines 12 Volt, 80AH for 454ci. engines |
1970 Corvette Performance Results
|
4-Speed Transmission
|
Standard
|
L46 | LT1 | LS5 | LS7 |
|
Performance weight (lbs.)
|
3586 | 3597 | 3577 | 3768 | 3641 |
|
Pounds/gross horsepower
|
11.95 | 10.28 | 9.67 | 9.66 | 7.91 |
|
Pounds/cu.in. piston displacement
|
10.25 | 10.28 | 10.22 | 8.30 | 8.02 |
|
Gross horsepower/cu.in. displacement
|
.857 | 1.00 | 1.06 | 8.59 |
1.01
|
|
Power displacement (cu.ft./mile)
|
262.69 | 262.69 | 277.55 | 312.36 | 340.75 |
|
Displacement factor (cu.ft./mile)
|
146.51 | 146.06 | 155.19 | 165.79 | 170.38 |
|
0 – 60 mph (seconds)
|
– | – | 6.7 | – | – |
|
Top Speed (mph)
|
– | – | 120 | – | – |
My friend had a 70 stingray and he swears that it was a small block with around 300+ hp. I remember it being a big block. I distinctly remember the numbers next to the 4 spd standard and the numbers read 454/400 hp.
Is there any way that I could be correct or is there no way that I could be correct?
Thanks in advance
Toney