1970 LT1 CTU Question.

[Ralph B.]

As most you know on a 1970 LT1 the suffix identifcation of CTU decodes to early production which I believe approx the first 600 built. These cars were factory equipted with 6 quart oil pans and with no power steering available due to the pan size.

My question is:

1. Has anyone ever seen a Operators Manual the cites 6 quarts with filter? -------- all the ones I have ever seen only show 5 quarts with filter.

Thank you,
Ralph

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

The owner's manual that came with my 1970 (end of Janualy build) with CTU showes 5-quarts with filter. I doubt you will find one that calls for 6-quarts, but who knows? It is an interesting question.

[Ralph B.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

The owner's manual that came with my 1970 (end of Janualy build) with CTU showes 5-quarts with filter. I doubt you will find one that calls for 6-quarts, but who knows? It is an interesting question.

Thank you Terry,
I'm sure you are correct because I have been searching for a while now, and they are all the same (5 quarts) ----- however it seems inapproriate that the factory would supply a manual for the engine to be 1 quart down per specification for about 600 engines factory equipted with a 6 quart pan???
Ralph

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

Well absent the number 600, that was sort of my take in 1970 when I did the first oil change. But it is what it is. Of course any good mechanic should check the oil level after the change, and adjust according to the dip stick -- at least that is what I tell my students today.

BTW: Where did you get the 600 number?

[Ralph B.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

Well absent the number 600, that was sort of my take in 1970 when I did the first oil change. But it is what it is. Of course any good mechanic should check the oil level after the change, and adjust according to the dip stick -- at least that is what I tell my students today.

BTW: Where did you get the 600 number?

I believe it came from someone on the Corvette Forum a few yers ago when I first bought the car ---- at the time I had no idea what the difference was between CTU & CTK ? The response was that approx half (the first half) of the 1,287 LT1's were CTU, the balance were CTK.

I would most certainly appreciate any correction.

Thank you,
Ralph

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

I have never given any thought to how many CTU or CTK engines were produced. I just wondered how you, or anyone, knew how many there were, I always ask the same question of those quoting numbers of 1972 LT1s with AC.

[Ralph B.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

I have never given any thought to how many CTU or CTK engines were produced. I just wondered how you, or anyone, knew how many there were, I always ask the same question of those quoting numbers of 1972 LT1s with AC.

It's unfortunate that GM did not have good records like they have today so we could pin all this down accurately ----- sure makes things difficult, maybe we need a History Detective!
At this time the only facts I have are the VIN # 194370S403614, Stamp Pad of 70S403614 V1229 CTU and Trim Tag Plate Code of B13 ----- Additionally I did find a marking under the car on the side of a fiberglass tub just forward of the gas tank of 278 ---- I have no idea what that is ?? I sometimes wonder if this could mean the 278 th LT1 built --- but that is only wild guess.
Anyway it's confusing but fun !!!!
Thank you,
Ralph

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 LT1 CTU Question.

The number 278 is the body build number. It is also found under the passenger side heat shield on the engine compartment side of where the passenger's feet would rest. If you find the build sheet (a.k.a. tank sticker) you will find it hand written on there as well. It was the way the plant identified the fiberglass body before the VIN was installed.

You may find the body build number on the fiberglass of the removable hard tops if you remove the interior trim. You may also find other body build numbers, as I did. I suspect St Louis may have mixed and matched removable hardtop panels to get a better fit.

The body build numbers go from 1 to 500 and then start over again.