I have a 1974 coupe with the LT1 emblems on the hood. It also has emblems on the gearshift console with four squares that say 350 ci, 370 hp, etc. Looking online, I can’t find where the LT 1 was available in the 1973 or 1974 models. Could this be a special order in 1974. Is there anywhere I can find out. With the placards on the console, seems like a lot of trouble to fake an LT1. Thanks for any help.

 

The Corvette Black Book shows only 195 HP or 250 HP for the 350 cu. in. engine, but doesn't list an RPO code for the 195 hp engine. L82 is the RPO code for the 250 hp engine. What's the 5th character of the VIN on your car? J is 195 hp, T is 250 hp.

 

The 5th letter is a T. If this is the 250 hp model, why would the emblems on the console say 370 hp? Frustrating, thanks for your help.

 

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Because a previous owner changed the console plate. LT-1 was not available after '72.

 

The only other engine that the Black Book shows for 74 is the 454 cu. in. engine, but it only has 270 hp.

Some Vette owners have been known to post things on their car that were not on/in the car.

BTW, the LT1 designation was revived for the 1992 Vettes as a small block engine , but it only had 300 hp with the 350 cu. in.

 

No. A previous owner added the LT-1 stuff. You can "convert" your car to an L-88 by adding emblems and console data plate if you wanted.

 

True, but unlike the original, 1970 LT-1, the Gen II LT1's 300 HP was a net rating, compared to the original LT-1's gross rating of 370.

 

Take an L48 and an L82 emblem. Little cutting and gluing you have an L88 and an L42...

 

The most common reason for an LT-1 badging on a plain jane Corvette was simply to suggest, that the owner did some fantastic tuning to his engine, making it "like an LT-1". Only thing is, even if the horsepower of a tuned engine is similar to that of a 70-72 LT-1, its' almost never the same. I hear the sound of mechanical lifters and the sucking noise of that huge Holley on the real LT-1.

Enjoy your 74 as it is. You might want to consider getting rid of the LT-1 designations to avoid the typical comments of know-it-all Corvette owners passing by.

 

Look at the engine code stamped on the block in front of the passenger side cylinder head to determine if you still have the original engine.

 

Agree. If it's not the original engine, it's possible someone installed an LT-1 engine. Some investigation is needed to confirm either way.

It's also possible someone re-built the original motor to be the equivalent of an LT-1. The engine in my '73 is not original but was built to be the equivalent of the 330 HP LT-1. I'd love to have an LT-1 hood but don't need or want any badges.

DC

 

It is MOST likely that a PO just re-badged the car.... with nothing done to upgrade the engine.

 

^^^^^^This, I did the same thing to kind of reflect what's in my '74 now. I put well "massaged" '71 LT-1 heads (competition port and polish and decked) on a rebored and re-cammed short block with 11-1 compression. I dont want anyone thinking I had the original crappy 195 hp slug engine in it.