C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Replacing Parts

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 01:20 PM
  #1  
newbie2vette's Avatar
newbie2vette
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 799
Likes: 26
From: Lexington Park Maryland
Default Replacing Parts

I am about to buy a 1972 LT-1 t-top, from what I understand it is all original. Like any other use cars I buy I try to start some form of baseline on all the basic system: oil and hard parts. this sat for three years, I am sure the carb will need some work.

If it's the original will it affect the value of the vehicle if I was to replace with a modern carb. (holley)

The same with the starter and the water pump, items like this I would like to replace to prevent me getting stock at some ride because they are old or just decide they will fail. Thanks in advance
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 02:19 PM
  #2  
garage-ghost's Avatar
garage-ghost
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Default

My best advice is to keep the old parts. They can be rebuilt and reused. You can put new ones on just keep the old stuff.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 02:35 PM
  #3  
Timsride's Avatar
Timsride
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 860
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
Default

Originally Posted by garage-ghost
My best advice is to keep the old parts. They can be rebuilt and reused. You can put new ones on just keep the old stuff.
This is what I did with mine. Anything that was replaced just to improve car, the original part was kept.Thats great advice.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 02:46 PM
  #4  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

LT-1s have their value in the original parts. Any original equipment you take off the LT-1 reduces its value.

My advice is not to replace the existing Holley if it is indeed original. Rebuild it.

No disrespect, but it seems to me anyone forking over LT-1 bucks would not be asking about replacing the original Holley.

Have you checked the numbers on the car you want? Any original documentation with the car to confirm it's an LT-1?


Last edited by Easy Mike; Sep 15, 2010 at 02:50 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 04:44 PM
  #5  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,245
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi n2v,
I think it might be a very good idea to have someone who's knowledgble about LT-! cars inspect the car with you, when you get it, to see just what you have. They could then give you some advice on how to proceed.
LT-!s are quite wonderful cars! You should be in for some big fun!
Regards,
Alan
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 06:41 PM
  #6  
rvazquez's Avatar
rvazquez
Drifting
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 216
From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Default

Wow, starting out with a LT-1
Just as Alan advised, do take the time to learn as much as you can about the car and its systems before you go changing out parts.You will find a wealth of experience here on this forum and if I may suggest you consider joining the NCRS.Most parts can be rebuilt and you know that they will fit when you go to put them back on. As easymike said the real value is when all the correct parts are installed on the car, of course you can do any modifications you want, just keep the old parts around in case you wish to return it back later on. How about some details, what color is it ? How is the interior ? we here on the forum love to see pictures (hint, hint ...)

Regards
Roy
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:20 PM
  #7  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Default

The original parts/components are almost all capable of being rebuilt. And until there are some primary parts in those components that completely wear out, I would recommend that you continue to rebuild the original accessories/components as long as you can. Most 'wear' parts in those items (seals/gaskets/bearings/bushings/etc) are included in any rebuild kits; and there are kits available for almost any sub-assembly in the C3. Alternator, starter, starter solenoid, P/S pump, control valve, assist cylinder, carburetor, etc. etc. are all capable of being rebuilt for just a fraction of the cost for a rebuilt sub-assembly...let alone the cost of a 'new' sub-assembly.

If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, like to learn how things work, want to save money on your repairs, and want to keep the originality of the car, consider this strategy very seriously.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 09:26 AM
  #8  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
...If you don't mind getting your hands dirty...
When was the last time you saw a dirty LT-1?

Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 10:51 AM
  #9  
garage-ghost's Avatar
garage-ghost
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Default

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
When was the last time you saw a dirty LT-1?



Yesterday....You should see all the bugs on my windshield that couldn't get out of the way and died trying.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 10:55 AM
  #10  
garage-ghost's Avatar
garage-ghost
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Default

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Any original documentation with the car to confirm it's an LT-1?

1972 LT-1s can be confirmed with the serial number. Fifth digit will be a "L".
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 03:17 PM
  #11  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by garage-ghost
1972 LT-1s can be confirmed with the serial number. Fifth digit will be a "L".
Yes....but that L in the VIN does not guarantee what will be found under the hood.

Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 05:04 PM
  #12  
Alan 71's Avatar
Alan 71
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 120 Days
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,170
Likes: 4,245
From: Westminster Maryland
Default

Hi gg,
What is the last thing that goes through a bug's mind as he hit's your windshield?
Regards,
Alan

His butt!
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 05:09 PM
  #13  
joewill's Avatar
joewill
Safety Car
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
Default

yes take some time to make sure you have what you think.. if you have a true LT-1 and mostly original parts and engine then you really want to preserve originality if you can in order to maintain resale-ability.

start off with the more common books that will help you find out what you have. you can always ask us also.

as always, you should do what you want and what you care about. but we can help you 'preserve your investment'.

good luck... and post some pics!
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 06:12 PM
  #14  
garage-ghost's Avatar
garage-ghost
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 6
From: www.Z16.org North/West Pennsylvania
Default

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Yes....but that L in the VIN does not guarantee what will be found under the hood.

Originally Posted by Easy Mike
Any original documentation with the car to confirm it's an LT-1?

Either does documentation....
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Replacing Parts





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:32 PM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE