There was a relatively low production of Corvettes in 1970 that was caused by a labor dispute that started in May of 1969. This dispute caused the 1969 production run to be stretched 4 months and the 1970 run to be cut short
But the big news for the introduction of the 1970 Corvette was that Chevrolet enlarged the "Big Block" engine to its largest displacement at 454 cubic inches..
The 454 cubic inch Turbo-Jet V8.engines came in two versions. A 390 horse version used a cast aluminum alloy intake manifold, chromed air cleaner and rocker covers and an extra-large oil pan, and came with a high-domed hood, heavier duty front springs, a larger diameter front stabilizer bar, heavier duty rear wheel spindle support arms, a rear suspension stabilizer bar, a larger capacity radiator, dual pulleys for the fan and water pump and a higher performance starter motor. The second version was the LS5 460 horse Turbo-Jet 454 with a large 4-barrel carb, high- performance cam, mechanical lifters, aluminum cylinder heads and a full-transistor ignition system.
The standard engine for the Corvette was the 300 horse Turbo-Fire 350, that featured a 10.25:1 compression ratio, a 4-barrel carb, cast aluminum alloy pistons and a precision-formed crank. A
350 horse Turbo-Fire 350 option had 11.0:1 compression ratio, impact-extruded aluminum alloy pistons, finned aluminum rocker covers, a high-performance cam and a forged steel alloy crank.
Another great package for all the small block engine lovers, was the LT1 small block which produced 370 horse using the same parts as the 350 horse version plus an aluminum intake manifold, domed hood, special cam, special exhaust and mechanical lifters.
The standard transmission was the wide ratio 4-Speed with a close ratio and a Turbo-Hydra-matic 3-speed automatic transmission optional. Special-purpose engines, suspension and chassis components such as aluminum cylinder heads, a special power brake system and a fully transistorized ignition were also available as specific engine and transmission option packages.
Body and interior changes were minimal on the 1970 Chevrolet Corvette. Egg-crate vents were added on the side fenders and they also were flared slightly to keep rocks from being kicked up and scratching the paint. Sales fell due to the strike at GM.
