redbarchetta74

After searching around for a number of months (and thanks to those in this forum for help and guidance), I finally settled on a numbers-matching 1971 LT-1 driver-quality convertible. I started out looking for a BBC, but after much researching and discussion with some corvette experts, I decided that the LT-1 would be a better car for me. Fortunately, I found one within driving distance and ended up bringing it home a couple of weeks ago. The vehicle came with a pile of documentation (took me 6 hours to scan), including the original tank sticker. Originally War Bonnet yellow, the car was repainted to Mille Miglia 973 during an older restoration. Here are some pics:











I spent the past week working on the following things:

• I found some rusting around the front mount-points underneath the kick-plates and tracked this down to some rust problems in the windshield header. After much reading, I opted to clean this up and used some Corroseal to deal with the surface rust. I will probably have to replace the drivers-side frame corner at some point due to a rust-through, but it's solid enough for now.
• Replaced a bad primary needle on the Holley carb that was causing the vehicle to flood. Vehicle still feels like it is stumbling a bit through the revs, so I may have more work to do here as I learn more.
• Replaced oil with Valvoline VR-1. Seemed like a decent option for a few months until I decided what I'm going to use long-term.
• New WIX oil/air filters.
• Checked rear-end fluid (nice and clear)

For the LT-1 experts out there, is there anything else that I should be paying attention to on this vehicle? Not all of the fiber-optic system works, but I'm not sure if I want to chase all of that down right now. I'm mostly interested in making sure that the car is running well and tuned correctly.

Thanks, and I look forward to sharing everything that I'm learning here in the future!

1bdvet

Welcome, and now start living the dream, Spring is here!

3JsVette

The LT1 is a great choice. A bit rare and surely desirable. It should be a ball drive.
Good luck and hopefully not too many surprises.

Alan 71

Hi rb,
That's a very nice looking car!
I think you made a good choice over the other car.
This one should give you lots of pleasure…especially as the weather turns nicer.
Has there been any thought as to the 'manuals' you might 'need/want'?
If I may I'll suggest:
The 71 Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM).
The 71 GM Chassis Service Manual
The NCRS 70-72 Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

When you're ready to work on the fiber-optics I think you'll find that they're not to much of a problem to get working. Especially if 'some' of them are working.

rvazquez

Nice car, Well Done
Regards
Roy

cv67

Nice!
2 coolest dashes every made were the 67 camaro and early C3 imo factory solid lifter motors are super cool imo

Go run that thing lifes short!

toylman

Excellent choice. Nice car. Enjoy it and don't worry about problems for now.

wallifishrmn

Depending on how original you want it:
1. Does it have the original TI system still on the car?
2. Great to have original tank sticker--wish I had mine
3. my engine guy recommended Lucas Hot Rod & Classic 10-30w oil with high zinc. Big list on the forum of recommended oils--so I picked Lucas.

Looks like a real nice LT-1. I think you made a great choice on your purchase. These are great cars. Drive and enjoy!!!! I have a 71 LT-1--you won't regret it. An questions ask--just completed on frame restoration.

Barry's70LT1

Looks very nice ! I see the rad has been upgraded, one less thing to think about.
You might want to consider replacing the gaskets in the Holley carb. Bowl, metering block gaskets and accelerator pump.
They only take a few minutes to replace and will save you problems down the road.

jr9170

redbarchetta74

I'm not sure if it has the original TI system or not - still exploring and need to determine how to find that out. Thanks for the tip on oil - what are your change intervals like?

Great to hear that you have a 71 LT-1 as well, as I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions. For example, I have been tinkering with the Holley carb, and noticed that the secondary diaphragm does NOT have a check ball. Does yours have one to attenuate the secondaries opening? Also, what spring are you running in your secondary diaphragm?

Thanks!

Rescue Rogers

I would replace the radiator and heater hoses, bleed the brakes and save what comes out in a clear jar for inspection, Do a tune up replacing plugs, points cap and rotor, make sure to reset points and dwell to proper gap. Maybe replace the wires. If the stumbling continues, then rebuild the carb completely paying attention to replacing and calibrating the floats. Check the date codesd on the tires, if they are 10 years old replace them.

brit vet

Congrats on a nice looking LT-1

In my LT-1 I use the Valvoline VR 20w 50 Mineral on the advice of my mechanic.

I also use Shell V power fuel which V-Power has a rating of 99 RON


Check your oil level regularly as LT-1's generally use more. At least in my experience.

Stuart

GregX1

Hi,


are you sure it is an original 1971 LT-1?
Some changes may have been done, but it can also be a regular C3 "transformed into" a LT-1

what seems OK: engine, no-assisted-brahes, no air-con, dashboard, hood
What is not fine: you have automatic trans. NO LT-1 came with automatic trans...

toylman

I'm not sure if it has the original TI system or not - still exploring and need to determine how to find that out.
Check if you have a TI distributor; should be a 1112038 if it has the band. My picture shows a '70 1111491 band. If no band check for a 437 15 vac adv which is pretty specific for a '71 LT1 1112038. Look for the amp located left side front.

Revi

What are you looking at???

The car has a manual transmission and a clutch pedal.

redbarchetta74

Indeed it does! Also no coolant overflow, single fuel-line, CGZ stamp on the block, 5-blade fan, welded transmission cross-member, etc...

bashcraft

The radiator looks relatively new...

Dynra Rockets

?? Looks like a stick to me.

redbarchetta74

I poked around in the engine-bay this morning and don't believe that I have the original TI distributor. The prior owner had some notes in 2008 about not wanting to replace the "Mallory". Any help on identifying that I have (and how to service it) would be great.

Edit: I cleaned-up the band on the base of the distributor and found this: 1111464. A quick google search suggests this is for a Corvette 454 390hp.

Here are some pics that I just took:



vacuum advance: