1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

[Daniel K.]

The 1971 Corvette brochure (the brochure with the Brands Hatch Green coupe on the cover) has a chart on the back page displaying "a wide choice of engine, transmission and axle ratio combinations to meet almost any performance need".

You regularly hear people observe that air conditioning was not available on the LT1 (other than '72), and sometimes you might hear or read that air conditioning was not available with the LS6 engine. But what surprised me is, according to the chart, air conditioning was not available with any LS5 with either close ratio 4 speed (M21 or M22). Stated more succinctly, the chart indicates that if you ordered an LS5 with M21 or M22, you were not allowed to order air conditioning. Anyone have an opinion one way or another on the chart's accuracy as to this topic?

I realize this is pretty small trivia, but it makes me feel a little different about the fact that my LS5 with M21 lacks A/C.

If anyone is interested, I can try to post a pic of the chart.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

I know the chart you're talking about. The '70 brochure has a similar chart also showing AC not available with a close ratio transmission paired with any engine.

The chart also shows 3.08 is the only axle ratio available with LS5 and AC. I'm fairly confident the 3.36 axle in my LS5/M20/AC car is original.

So I believe cars were made with option combinations other than shown in the charts. But cannot say with authority if any cars were made with AC and close ratio.

[Daniel K.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

Thanks Mark. In support of the idea that the brochure didn't match up with what was ultimately built is the inclusion of the LS7 in the 1970 brochure. The other thing that I noticed on the 1970 brochure is under "Accident Prevention". Any idea what the "tire tread wear indicators" were?

[Mark E.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

Those are the molded strips in the treads which become flush when tire wear reaches minimum tread depth.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

Thanks Mark. In support of the idea that the brochure didn't match up with what was ultimately built is the inclusion of the LS7 in the 1970 brochure. The other thing that I noticed on the 1970 brochure is under "Accident Prevention". Any idea what the "tire tread wear indicators" were?

Tire tread wear indicators were "bars" molded into the spaces between the treads. When the tire wear reached a point that these "bars" contacted the pavement it appeared as a continuous pattern across the tire. Thus one could easily tell when the tire reached the wear limits. One didn't need to measure the tread depth or use a penny to see if Lincoln's head was entirely visible.

https://www.reference.com/vehicles/tread-wear-tire-mean-a1715729712a86a5?aq=tire+tread+wear&qo=cdpArticles

[Leif A.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

Tire tread wear indicators were "bars" molded into the spaces between the treads. When the tire wear reached a point that these "bars" contacted the pavement it appeared as a continuous pattern across the tire. Thus one could easily tell when the tire reached the wear limits. One didn't need to measure the tread depth or use a penny to see if Lincoln's head was entirely visible.

https://www.reference.com/vehicles/t...qo=cdpArticles

And, they're on tires to this day...for the same reasons.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

The same page of the brochure lists "child safety seat" and "fire extinguisher".

Were these available from the dealer for Corvette?

[Terry M.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

The same page of the brochure lists "child safety seat" and "fire extinguisher".

Were these available from the dealer for Corvette?

I know the fire extinguisher was available from the dealer. I can't speak to the baby seat.

[Daniel K.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

I have a copy of "Accessories For 1971 Chevrolet Passenger Cars", marked 1,500,000 RS-27 Accessories Merchandising. This pamphlet includes a picture of the right-hand rearview mirror, the rear deck lid luggage carrier, the fire extinguisher, and some other goodies. I'm probably not going to get this right on the first try, but here is my attempt to attach an image of the child safety seat from that brochure. 1971 infant carrier & child safety seat.pdf

[Mark E.]

Re: 1971 LS5: transmission and air conditioning combinations

Thanks Daniel.

It looks like marketing targeted single parent families with one infant as an untapped demographic for Corvette.