Ok guys I need expert C3 assistance. I'm looking at purchasing a 1971 Convertible 4speed LT1. How do I tell if the car was originally an LT1. Apparently the VIN will not provide such info. Also, if the car was built with RPO LT1 how do I tell if it still has a numbers matching engine and trans. Thanks in advance for any help provided. I look forward to the education.

 

Just a friendly tip, you won't have to post in both Tech AND Gen. Most of the same people read both, and this is more of a Gen question anyway.

 

Yeah, I screwed up and posted in the tech section by mistake, my bad!

 

Here are some helpful items to start reading up on. Pay close attention to the engine stamping parts.

There is much for you to learn Grasshopper.

http://www.100megsfree4.com/corvette/1970/vet71.htm

http://www.rowleycorvette.com/stats71.html

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999...2/munciep8.asp

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/buying.html

http://www.nadaguides.com/default.as...&z=71104&da=-1

 

Do a search. There's been several threads lately about legit LT-1's and what to look for. A ton of information.

 

Thanks guys,

I have determined via the above referenced links and several emailed pics of the subject car that it is unfortunatley not a real LT1, Apparently someone changed out the hood to fake out unknowing persons like myself.

Anyway, now I'm trying to determine what the car is worth. It has P.S., P.B., no air, convertible, probably about a "5"maybe a "6" with lite elbow grease. Any help on approximate values would be appreciated!

 

Difficult to make an estimate with out pics. Many variables, especially the condition of the frame & birdcage. Any documentation or maintenance records? The more you know the better your bargaining power.

 

Any idea if drivetrain is numbers matching?

 

Like all these cars, It's really based on what the general market is paying right now. I remember back, just after I got out of the Army in '89, I was fliping through an autotrader mag, and there were 3 daily driver 'Cuda's in it, all for about 2500 bucks. not today. so the frist thing to look at is what will kill the value for the car. 2 things- Needs a new frame- Bad rust or bent from a privious acident, and/or A rusty bird cage. both are pretty eisly checked, do a forum search or both " birdcage" and "rust frame". If those check out, it would go on to the general condition of the car,, things that might need replacement on a 'worn' car would reduce the value, like rear trailing arm bearings- have to be shopped out, generally, ect. It one item is pretty worn, then so probably is everything else. -steering gear, front wheel bearings, brakes, carb-ect. that's not really that big of a deal, a general spining/moving upgrade will set you back about 5,500 in parts/specialized labor, you doing all the stuff you can do. Most of the 'Vettes at this point- 35 y/o cars that haven't had a major resto in thier lives arein this catagory. Figure on about this much if the car is in this condition. Of course theres motor/trans/rear diff, last two set you back about 1500 each and the motor 2500 you do the install on a crate, 4k outside install min. Last would be paint. Again, it depends on what you want/ can live with. a decent new paint job on these car will set you back about 5k to start with. So if the original paint is servicable, I would shine it up. As a referance point, look at some of the cars of like year for sale here from forum members that are n pristine condiotion, that would be my starting point, and start deducting. godd luck, C3s are ,, C.