LT1 vs. L46 Engine
02-13-2016, 08:19 AM
#21
Melting Slicks
L46 vs LT1
To the original vintage racing question you really need to speak with the organization you plan on racing with on how they interpret the 72 book. In CVAR here in Texas the difference is just putting a Holley on the 350 motor moves you up to AP. In SVRA a Holley leaves you in BP. No serious racers run hydraulic lifters. You will at a minimum want to run roller rockers and a stud girdle which is legal everywhere except Monterey or Sonoma. SVRA allows roller cams too. You will need over 500 hp to be competitive in a C3 with SVRA.
The carb question is a little tricky to find in the club rule books but the rest is pretty clear. Most clubs have their spin on the 72 book posted on their website so reading is your friend. CVAR will have a problem with a 73 front bumper and it would have to be converted back to a 72. SVRA is going that way too so that is something to consider before you go too far. Good luck!
Steve
The carb question is a little tricky to find in the club rule books but the rest is pretty clear. Most clubs have their spin on the 72 book posted on their website so reading is your friend. CVAR will have a problem with a 73 front bumper and it would have to be converted back to a 72. SVRA is going that way too so that is something to consider before you go too far. Good luck!
Steve
The LT1 has a high rise aluminum intake, Holly double pump, solid lifters/cam. Only the 70 LT1 runs as GM intended. 71-72 was lower compression and does not run like a 70 LT1. Not even close IMHO.
The L46 was a tiny bit better off the line and then the 70-LT1 will walk right past the L46 as it hits about 3500-4000 RPM. The sound of the solid lifter LT1 winding up to the red line is one of the sweetest sounds ever IMHO. The LT1s do require regular valve adjustment. 70 LT1 Convertible is one of my top five corvettes in terms of my wish list.
This coming from an L46 Convertible owner. The 70 L46 runs really well but it is NOT a real LT1.
Kindest Regards,
Bill
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