1974 coupe with LT1 engine
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2019
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1974 coupe with LT1 engine
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.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
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Because a previous owner changed the console plate. LT-1 was not available after '72.
Last edited by KingRat; Aug 20, 2019 at 10:45 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
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From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
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.
Last edited by Vette_DD; Aug 20, 2019 at 11:55 PM.
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From: Northern Germany
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
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
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From: Warrington PA
^^^^^^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.