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Yesterday I had my valvecovers off, and found the casting numbers for heads. : A3973487
I also found out that this is head from LT1.
Since I have a -69, it seems that I have an updated engine.
What is LT1?
The 70-72 LT-1 engine option was a way for GM to come out with an engine that could just about put out big block horsepower in a small block package (like the old fuelie days). The cam is solid with great lift and quite the duration. See this website for more info (http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/D...00/cmspec.html)
However, just because you have the heads, doesn't necessarily mean you have the cam. How does this cam react? Does it pull like all get out after about 3500 rpm, or is this car pretty good off the line. You really can't know without pulling the cam, or getting the receipts that tell you what cam is in it. Does the previous owner know?
trw
Horsepower...the 70 LT-1 had 370hp, gross at the flywheel...with something like 11:1 compression. If you're running pump gas on an iron head, safe to assume under 10:1, could put you in the low 300's depending on what other mods you have.
The "487" head was also used on the standard Vette engine (L48) also. So just because you have this head does not mean it was on an LT1 motor. It could be off the L48 motor which was also used in many other Chevrolet cars. The LT1 heads did have the bigger valves though.
I believe the LT-1 heads are 487x. WHich is the 76cc chamber, 2.02 valves, 3/8 press-in studs and guide plates. The "x" is a 10cc increase intake (171?) volume. The 487 heads were supplied with either the 1.9 or 2.02 valves. The heads shoud have a 1971 date code. I have both versions of heads except 7/16 studs.
The 1970 L46 was an LT1 with different cam and intake. The heads and valves are the same. I am pretty sure the 69 350Hp engine is the same as the 1970 L46. If you have the 350Hp then you are supposed to have the LT1 heads.
Accordin to my book (which could be wrong) the X heads were only in 72. 71 heads both LT1 nad L48 heads were just 487 heads. The 69 and 70 heads had a different casting number
I believe the LT-1 heads are 487x. WHich is the 76cc chamber, 2.02 valves, 3/8 press-in studs and guide plates. The "x" is a 10cc increase intake (171?) volume. The 487 heads were supplied with either the 1.9 or 2.02 valves. The heads shoud have a 1971 date code. I have both versions of heads except 7/16 studs.
-mike
Sorry, I could have some info wrong on the dates. Just trying to take from memory. I will look up when I get home if necessary.
According to "Corvette by the numbers" : 3973487 heads were used in 1971 & 72 only. The 1971 heads were used in the 330hp, LT1 Camaro and Corvettes (2.02 swirl polished valves). The 1971, 1.94 non-polished valves were used in 270hp versions. In 1972; 2.02 - 255hp, 1.94 - 175hp versions.
Of course, all the other components must be present to make up the LT1. Block, cam, carb, etc...
487X casting with screw in studs and pushrod guide plates. Throw them away and put some decent heads on the motor unless you are a NCRS type of owner. 25-40HP easy in better design cylinder heads.
How can I find out about cam?
Curious Rookie . . . . . . . . . .
A magnetic dial indicator zero'd out on a intake valve rocker. Turn the motor over by hand and record the lift. Although duration won't be recordable...should be able to compare lift to LT-1 cam specs.
Eddie