C3-questions on 71LT1

[Peter M.]

Just brought 1st corvette-71 LT1 with 411's. 4 questions:

1. Supposedly motor is original. If so, getting different opinions on whether I need to use lead additive and also whether premium pump gas (the Exxon/Amocos, etc) is sufficient with or without an additive. What is the truth?

2. I believe a 71 LT with no power anything and 4spd with 411 should pull stronger than it does-I want to keep the car relatively stock but want a good running LT1-Any suggestions? What do I check and in what order? Any good NCRS mechanics in business in Central Jersey? See next bullet also?

3. I am not very mechanically inclined. My dashboard lights not working but lights are. Told it was light switch rehostat by some. In copy of Vette magazine, has article on how to replace and was labeled as easy so I figured I could attempt it. Meanwhile, I could not reach under the dashboard wo hitting a ton of stuff. How do you do it? Doesn't seem easy to me.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Peter-----

You really don't need a lead additive for the type of service that your engine will likely experience except if you plan to tow heavy loads up extended mountain grades. If it makes you feel better, you can use a lead substitute. I recommend the concentrated ones (for convenience) containing Powershield. Alemite CD-2 and Red Line are two such lead substitutes. As far as gasoline goes, you need whatever octane gasoline that you can buy that results in minimal pre-ignition or detonation. If 87 octane works (unlikely), then that's the one you need. If 89 octane works (possible), then that's what you need. If 92 or 93 octane works (very likely), then that's what you need. Since your 71 LT-1 has 9.0:1 compression, I'd say that the 89 octane might be enough. Buying more octane than you need is a TOTAL waste of money and does not benefit your engine in ANY way. Period.

I can't comment much on your engine performance situation. The first thing to check is that it is in a proper state of tune, all carburetion and ignition settings in spec AND that the engine has proper compression or cylinder leakdown readings.

As far as the headlight switch goes, the rheostat in it is very likely the source of your dash light problem. This is a common problem. However, I'd check for a blown fuse, first. If you have to replace the headlight switch, then you must pull the left side dash panel cluster forward to remove it. This may require lowering of the steering column to avoid damaging the dash panel. In any event, if you are to do this repair, you should have a 1971 Chevrolet Service Manual and follow the procedures described in it. You MUST have this manual if you intend to do any work on your car beyond changing the oil and air filters.

[Peter M.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Joe,

Thanks for your swift response. I bought the 71 service manual that has the front that is green and brown and mentions chevelle,corvette etc. Is that the one with the description of the job to take the dash off or do I need a different manual, and if so which one.

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Peter---

It sounds to me like you have the correct manual.

[John H.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Peter -

The 1971 Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual is also a great investment - will be a big help in understanding how it went together; excellent companion to the Service Manual, especially when you're learning about your car. They're available from the NCRS On-Line Store.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

As Joe has mentioned, a good tuneup to verify your conditions is essential before you make any comparison of power output or complaints about low performance. I own a 72 LT1 with PS, PB, 4.11 gears and nothing else. The car is VERY impressive off the line and with only a little encouragement from my right foot, I can chirp my tires in three gears. If you are not experiencing adequate performance, start with the basics: new plugs, wires, points, timing, dwell, and vacuum check. You should be able to a lot of grins per mile.
Gary

[Peter Ansted - #32760]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Peter - You have purchased a great car - also a car that will always need some type of maintenance. Don't underestimate your mechanical abiliity. My best experiences with my '63 are not driving it, but carefully repairing and restoring to the way it was back in the day. That is what is the most rewarding
aspect of this hobby. There will be big jobs left for the professionals, such as machine work on the engine itself. The resources available through this tech board, as well as the tech manuals themselves will walk you through a vast array of restorations and repairs. For me, it is a great thrill to restore and repair this car with my own two hands, with the tech board only a few clicks away. Try a few small projects - you will be amazed at your new found abilities!

[Jim T.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

In my many years of ownership and use of my 68 and 70 I have had to replace the light switch becasue of inoperative or intermittent operation of the dash lights. The 68 was changed out about 1977 because the contact on reostat wire was not strong enough and had intermittent operation of the dash lights. The light switch on the 70 had a different problem. The reostat wire actually burned into and was not able to funtion at all.
One difference I noticed in the new light switch I installed about 6 years ago was that the insulator of the reostat wire was larger which makes for a better heat dispersement.

[Peter M.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

John,

Thanks for the info-already bought that. Wealth of information in that I tell you.

[Peter M.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Gary,

Thanks for the response. I will follow your advice and see what is happening.

Not being mechanical, mind you, I was under impression that all LT1's came with transistor ignition, and if still there, the distributor did not come with points. I probably have it all wrong so what exactly is Transistor Ignition and how do I tell if my car still has it?

Thanks

Peter

[Peter M.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Pete,

Thanks for the response and encouragement.

I have been driving for 30 years and over the course of time have owned 5 GTO's and 1SS396. But I was always a cruiser-not mechanically handy with cars or around the house either!

Most I ever did was put a tripower carbs and manifold on my 389 gto or put in a Hurst shifter light years ago.

With the Vette, I am enjoying taking it out once a weekend for a 1/2 so much , I am petrified to tackle the light swithc for fear of busting something or disabling it to where it can't be put back together or won't start/run if I do.
Hence, my reason for looking for competent,fair,honest Vette experts in NJ.

[Peter M.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Jim,

Thanks for the response.

As I am not mechancially inclined, I am scared to death to attempt taking down a steering columna and taking off a dashboard-terrified I will break something or not get it back togehter or if I do get it back together,terrified it won't run.

That was why I was asking for an competent,honest mechanic in NJ

[Joe L.]

Re: C3-questions on 71LT1

Peter----

All 1971 LT-1s were supplied with TI distributors. You should be able to easily see the amplifier module mounted on the left front side of the radiator support. However, not all LT-1s were equipped with TI. 1971 was the last year for TI in Corvettes, so NO 1972 LT-1s were equipped with it.