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I just purchased a ‘71 small-block. It has some issues mechanically, which is being worked on. My question is whoever own this before put an aftermarket hood. Looks like what would be for the LT1 of the era. No vent on the hood, which is why I thought it can’t be original. My question is if I was to purchase model correct hood, what is the likelihood I could match the Brands Hatch Green on the rest of the body. Would I have to repaint the whole car, which I know is costly. I feel this car was already repainted once in the correct color. Thanks for any information.
That is a L88 hood which in my opinion is the absolute best looking hood you can put on a early C3. keep the hood! plus with that hood you have more clearance if you ever want to put a high rise intake on the car.
Pat
For the record, the LT1 hood and big block 427/454 hoods are the same. Neither application has a vent or fresh air provision. The 68-69 L88 style hood you have was designed to route fresh air from the back of the hood where it meets the wiper door. How about posting an under hood pic or two? Congrats on the purchase.
Keep that hood. A stock flat hood might not cover what (if Any) modifications have been done to the engine. Replace those old tires. Beautiful Corvette.
Welcome to the forum! The original hood of that style doesn't have holes in it. So not certain what your looking at. Other than I agree with the others.
Keep the hood!
You never know what you may have regarding a genuine GM or an aftermarket L-88 hood. The primary sign would be the presence of an air box on the underside. Without this, it's guaranteed to be an aftermarket add-on. Having the air box just gets you one step closer to GM, however, you can add an air box to an aftermarket hood as this pic shows. There are further details that can pinpoint an original hood, but I'm not versed in what those are.
Thank you for the picture and explanation. As I thought, this does not have the air box underneath; which confirms my thoughts that this is an aftermarket add-on. I’m not sure why whoever owned this before would have put this on. Appreciate your feedback
Thanks for the reply. There have been no modifications under the hood, which is why I was curious as to why they picked that hood. I’m guessing they just liked the beefier look. No it’s not imperative to switch it out. Maybe if it had the chrome on the hood, it wouldn’t look so aftermarket. Again, it also has these flames on it (can’t see in the pics I posted) that aren’t my style. I’m more of a simple, no modification kind of guy
Thank you for responding. Definitely, this isn’t my main priority. Have a good mechanic who works on a lot of Corvettes working on it now in his garage. Any modifications to the outside probably won’t be done until over the winter
New ‘71 Purchase
