'70 LT1 engine
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 307
From: Wayland, MA
'70 LT1 engine
I am looking at a '71 coupe to modify for racing with an LS engine I already own. The car currently has a '70 LT1 engine which I would remove and sell. Anyone have any idea what this engine is worth?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 307
From: Wayland, MA
I am working off pictures and am not going to see/drive the car until the weekend. The AIR system is MIA, the valve covers are aftermarket and as it is a non-stock install I am assuming the intake, carb and alternator are not OEM. I was trying to factor in the value so I could figure out what I could afford to pay. If no ballparks are forthcoming I will post details when I get back from seeing the car. Thanks for patience.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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Likes: 9,394
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I am working off pictures and am not going to see/drive the car until the weekend. The AIR system is MIA, the valve covers are aftermarket and as it is a non-stock install I am assuming the intake, carb and alternator are not OEM. I was trying to factor in the value so I could figure out what I could afford to pay. If no ballparks are forthcoming I will post details when I get back from seeing the car. Thanks for patience.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Buying an as-built, used engine is a huge gamble for anyone. Figure the real-world Obama-era value as the equivalent for the sum of it's parts, less 50%.
Not trying to bust your bubble, just reality as there are a lot of guys who need to liquidate their part stashes, coupled with the fact that cash talks.
Not trying to bust your bubble, just reality as there are a lot of guys who need to liquidate their part stashes, coupled with the fact that cash talks.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Buying an as-built, used engine is a huge gamble for anyone. Figure the real-world Obama-era value as the equivalent for the sum of it's parts, less 50%.
Not trying to bust your bubble, just reality as there are a lot of guys who need to liquidate their part stashes, coupled with the fact that cash talks.
Not trying to bust your bubble, just reality as there are a lot of guys who need to liquidate their part stashes, coupled with the fact that cash talks.
and its real value is with the parent Vette not someone elses if any value at all...otherwise is`s another 350 on the market...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Texas-out west
ironcross is right, worth squat unless still with the original car, if a true LT-1 you should keep motor for future restore or leave car as is an sell for profit and get a regular vette to modify, my opinion only.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Proper stamp pad code will tell you if the block has 4-bolt main caps (as LT-1's had). The rest of the internal differences are crank (material), pistons and rods, solid lifters and camshaft. Externally, the differences are carb (Holley instead of Q-Jet), intake (aluminum), valve covers, larger exhaust manifolds/pipes (2-1/2"), and 3-line fuel pump. So, all you really have telling you that is an LT-1 engine is the sellers words... 
Talk is cheap.... 
Check for proper codes on the engine block pad; but all you can be certain of from that is the 4-bolt mains....all else could have been changed in the past. The most likely scenario is that the prior seller told the present seller it was an LT-1 engine; and he 'bought' it....literally.
Talk is cheap.... Check for proper codes on the engine block pad; but all you can be certain of from that is the 4-bolt mains....all else could have been changed in the past. The most likely scenario is that the prior seller told the present seller it was an LT-1 engine; and he 'bought' it....literally.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 23
I would think if the block/heads match up as an LT-1 you would be better off from a financial standpoint to hold onto the motor in case you want to sell the car in the future.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
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From: Taylor Michigan
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 374
Likes: 1
From: Forsyth Illinois
I disagree about the engine not having any value away from it's owner.350s are a dime a dozen,but if it is a REAL coded 70 LT1 then it will be desired,and worth waaaaay more than a regular 350,even if the other 350 is 4 bolt.It's about the code.
I have a 69 DZ 302 engine that has been decked.It is the rarer of the block castings,good nickle,good 2448 caps,correct balancer,etc.,and it won't bring squat cause the little DZ code is gone.The same engine w/the original DZ stamp...even though it will be incorrect for EVERY potential buyer will bring waaaay more than my engine.
It does matter.Look on ebay,and you will see if it matters.Those guys restamp the vin portion on the block,look for era correct,or just bragging rights.Whatever the case...it will pull more money.
I have a 69 DZ 302 engine that has been decked.It is the rarer of the block castings,good nickle,good 2448 caps,correct balancer,etc.,and it won't bring squat cause the little DZ code is gone.The same engine w/the original DZ stamp...even though it will be incorrect for EVERY potential buyer will bring waaaay more than my engine.
It does matter.Look on ebay,and you will see if it matters.Those guys restamp the vin portion on the block,look for era correct,or just bragging rights.Whatever the case...it will pull more money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
Now a days with new cylinder head and camshaft technology, The days of looking for 30 yr old hp parts are over. My engine builder has a nice little crate motor he builds with a set of truck 882 castings, that makes 360 HP and 390 tq. Its a 2 bolt main block, but its plenty strong for my application. Having said that, in my opinion, a 70 LT-1 is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. Now if your looking for a numbers correct engine for a resto then someone will pay just to have it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 23
