Chevelle LS5 vs. Chevelle L78 (1970)

[69_BM_LS7]

A steal compared to a Mopar!

[hvychev]

Although I would love to have a solid lifter high horse car I have to say that my 70 LS5 is awesome! NO BS I have driven this car 13,000+ miles in three years without the SLIGHTEST mechanical failure. I have even driven it to the track a couple of times ran a 13.9@95mph and drove right home after about 8 runs.

[mc25t190]

Why haven't these cars got what they deserved(LS6's) convertibles , only 19 built , when will they catch on? As far as the 70 L78 and the LS5 go, i have no clue. i am just helping a friend who is looking for a L78 0r Ls5, me, well, i like the LS6 convertible. it amazes me that a hemi- cuda is worth 5 times the value as low as the production numbers are for the LS6 convertible.how many of those are still left?

Kevin,

I think it has to due with more of the Hemi mystique then anything else. I mean a LS6 looks pretty feeble when comparing engine compartments to a Hemi car. Also I question the numbers that are commonly thrown around for LS6 converts. I think it is closer to 50 or so cars, but haven't any firm proof. That is just based on some oberservations concerning the number that are seen today, figuring in some attrition. Another one of the reasons that LS6 prices in general, have lagged behind other extreme horsepower cars, is the lack of a registry to asscertain the production figures and surviving examples. A group of people including a few board members and myself attempted to start one, but it never really got anywhere. I think mainly due to the apparent "laisez faire," attitudes of LS6 owners, and perhaps one "guru" that undermined the registry by questioning my motives for having one. It would be nice to have a firmer idea of how many cars survived, but until the LS6 "community" gets off its' collective ass and decides a registry is needed we will just have to guess. I would say a documented, frame offed convert would certainly bring 150k.

Greg

[ORIGLS6]

Greg,
I would have to agree with the "mystique" factor, not only with the Hemis, but with Muscle/Supercars in general. Even if we accept a number of 19 for the LS-6 convertibles; compare that to the '69 ZL-1s. We all know an RPO car such as the LS-6s won't command the prices ANY COPO will. Just the facts, M'am.

Kevin,
If your friend is wanting to drive the car, I'd probably lean toward the LS-5 but from an investment standpoint I would think the L-78 might be the smarter purchase. Again, the mystique of the Solid Lifter Big Block Power!
Dennis