Reader-Owned 1971 Corvettes
What makes a 1971 Corvette a 1971
1971 is the year compression ratios came down so the engines could run on lower octane unleaded fuel, and the year Chevrolet began quoting net horsepower alongside gross. The LT-1 lost its edge on paper, dropping from 370 to 330 gross horsepower, though the car itself changed very little. Visually 1971 is nearly identical to 1970, so the way to tell them apart is under the hood and in the paperwork rather than in the sheet metal.
Below are the 1971 cars that readers of Corvette-C3.com have sent in over the years, in the words of the people who own them. Click any photo to see it full size. If you own a 1971, send yours in and it will be added here.
Xccter's 1971 Corvette
'71 350/270 L48 Coupe, numbers matching Ontario Orange 4 speed, mid-year side pipes, deluxe black leather interior, a/c, ps, pb, pw, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 92k miles. The car still has original the rotors riveted to the hubs.
Ken's 1971 Corvette
This is my '71 Stingray, 454 ' LS5, Black n' Blue with real flames. It has '79 seats for long haul comfort. I purchased the car in '84, frame off restore last year and it is still a work still in progress.
Matt's 1971 Corvette
Here is my '71 Corvette Big Block 454 4spd with a new ZZ454 dynoed at 375 RWHP!
Andy's 1971 Corvette
The car is Full Matching Numbers except for coil, starter motor and alternator. I am on the hunt for those parts and have found a new AC-Delco reproduction coil with identical numbers which apparently NCRS now allow. I don't want the car judged but for perfection sake, I just want the whole car matching numbers like new. The build date is August 1970 (build No.701) so if you ever come across or hear of a starter motor with a code 0H, 0G or earlier, I would be interested. (Same for the 454 A/C alternator.)
Binnie writes:
That is a beautiful car Andy and if I get any leads on correct dated parts for you I will be sure to get in touch.
Steve's 1971 Corvette
This is my 1971 270 hp 350 all original with 124,00 miles.
John's 1971 Corvette
I brought this 71 C3 from California in March of 2011, it was restored and customized. It`s new home is in B.C. Canada.
Rebuilt 350V8 350 HP built to LT1 Specs
Muncie M21 4 Speed Closed Ratio Quick Shift
Hedman Ceramic Powder Coated Headers
Dual FlowMaster #2 Exhaust into 2 ' inch Pipe.
Edelbrook 600 CFM 4BBL
Edelbrock Endurashine Polished Aluminum Intake
Tall Valve Covers, Roller Rockers, Crane Cam
All MSD Electronic Ignition
Dual Electric Fans
Shark Bite rack and pinion steering
Bill Steen Shocks
New Paint; Sunset Orange Metallic Chroma Base (2005 Corvette Color),
Custom Flames by Rick Bacon and autographed
LT1 Hood GPS tracked, text/voice alert & command security system
