Does a 1969 LT1 Exist?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2013
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Does a 1969 LT1 Exist?
Folks, I am in the process of selling my 1978 and exploring an earlier C3. I came across a 1969 which the current owner claims is an LT1. Its got the LT1 hood emblem and he claims its all numbers matching. I will be verifying the numbers myself but in advance of that, my question is was there an LT1 produced in 1969? My understanding is that the LT1 was planned/considered for 1969 but delayed and not introduced until the 1970 model year.
Thoughts? Input?
Thanks!
Thoughts? Input?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
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From: Lincoln, CA
Melting Slicks
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From: S.E. MI
St. Jude Donor '15
Melting Slicks
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From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I thought there was 1 LT1 built by engineering. But, there is no LT1 engine suffix code for '69.
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Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Bizzoco's book covers these, along with a couple of other references. There were two 69 Corvettes prepped with LT-1 engines provided by Chevrolet-Warren for the 1970 long lead press review. The automotive writers got to drive and test them, then write their articles in time for the usual new model introduction stories in the magazines.
Neither of these engines was factory installed. The LT-1 was not available from the factory for the 1969 model year. The owner of the car you have come across has fallen for a well known Corvette Myth.
I am certain most of us on the Forum would be very interested to see the pad stamps on this matching numbers 69 LT-1. Take your camera with you when you go.
Neither of these engines was factory installed. The LT-1 was not available from the factory for the 1969 model year. The owner of the car you have come across has fallen for a well known Corvette Myth.
I am certain most of us on the Forum would be very interested to see the pad stamps on this matching numbers 69 LT-1. Take your camera with you when you go.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 22, 2014 at 11:33 AM.
Race Director
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Back in the 80s when I was shopping for a car I came across a guy with a '73 who insisted that his car had a factory LT1 transmission. He proudly proved it by showing me the Hurst shifter handle. There was nothing I could say to convince him that there was no such thing as an 'LT1 transmission' and no Corvette came with a Hurst shifter.
Not even the metal bodied cars.
Not even the metal bodied cars.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2013
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Thanks for the comments and input. I'll keep you posted if/when I learn more about the car. If this goes any further, I certainly will be checking the engine tag, trim tag, etc. my guess at this point that if it indeed an LT1, it was retrofitted.
If by chance its a rerofit in a 1969, in good condition, what is an estimated value?
Thanks
If by chance its a rerofit in a 1969, in good condition, what is an estimated value?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Back in the 80s when I was shopping for a car I came across a guy with a '73 who insisted that his car had a factory LT1 transmission. He proudly proved it by showing me the Hurst shifter handle. There was nothing I could say to convince him that there was no such thing as an 'LT1 transmission' and no Corvette came with a Hurst shifter.
Not even the metal bodied cars.
Not even the metal bodied cars.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
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From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
My opinion is that it is worth a little more than any other NOM '69. If you do have an original '70-'72 LT-1 motor, that motor may be worth more money to the owner of that car (if you can find them, and if they want it). If it has all the original LT-1 parts, you'll find that many of these parts can bring alot of money on ebay (carburetor, alternator, TI Distributor, oil pan, timing cover, pulleys, smog system, etc.).
Of course, this would require alot of research on your part.
If you want to buy it and drive it as is, maybe take these factors into consideration if you do try and sell the motor or part it in the future.
Of course, this would require alot of research on your part.
If you want to buy it and drive it as is, maybe take these factors into consideration if you do try and sell the motor or part it in the future.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Belmar NJ
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Belmar NJ
My opinion is that it is worth a little more than any other NOM '69. If you do have an original '70-'72 LT-1 motor, that motor may be worth more money to the owner of that car (if you can find them, and if they want it). If it has all the original LT-1 parts, you'll find that many of these parts can bring alot of money on ebay (carburetor, alternator, TI Distributor, oil pan, timing cover, pulleys, smog system, etc.).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Niles, MI
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
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From: Niles, MI
"Then there came the LT-1, but not officially. The factory listed the 370-bhp/350-cid engine early in the model year, found they couldn't get all the pieces without depriving the Z /28 market, and canceled. But before they did the factory shop manuals came out. All the engine specifications were listed. Some keen minds at Clippinger Chevrolet, Covina, Calif., took note. In came Jeff Butler, a slalom driver who had his heart set on an LT-1. Clippinger couldn't get one, so the keen minds ordered a 350/350, and the right parts like: Nr. 3849346, the street Z/28 camshaft; and Nr. 3917610, the high-rise aluminum manifold; and Nr. 3923289 an 800-cfm Holley carburetor. And they built an LT-1. In Clippinger's shop, so the warranty still applied."
Car Life, July 1969
1st Gear
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1969 lt1
My father-in-law has a 1969 LT1, that is said to be off the GM testing grounds, that was obtained from a GM engineer. While I am not a Corvette expert, I am trying to find more information for him. I just read the article in the Car Life magazine and I was trying to get my hands on a copy of the Bizzoco book but it is quite expensive. There has been mention of Mule cars which I assume are test cars. Does anyone have any further information on how these cars might be identified? The numbers on the block have been XXXXX'd out and as far as I can tell that would be the only difference, aside from the engine, that might help identify the car.