Lt1 intake questions
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 1
From: Harrison Township, Mi
Lt1 intake questions
I received my "new" 72 LT1 intake on Tuesday and I have a question. The thermostat housing and carb bolt holes have steel inserts in the threads. These don't appear to be heli-coils (they almost look like they're staked). The person i bought it from said they were there when he bought it and that he had seen others with them, but didn't know if they were factory or a repair. Functionally, it doesn't matter to me, because the inserts seem to be fine, but I am curious. Is this the way that the intake came from the factory?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Lt1 intake questions (randy72)
No, My intake is just aluminum in the thread area. This is probably a fix of some sort. Heli coils are probably stronger than the original threads and you can't see them. Bolt everything up and go with it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Lt1 intake questions (randy72)
I have an original 33000 mile 72 LT1 and I can tell you that the thermostat housing threads on mine are aluminum. This is almost certainly a repair but don't worry. If it is done right, it will make the intake better than new. I always cringe when I have to torque a bolt down on an aluminum anything. Your repair may not be heli-coil but there are other types of thread repairs. If it works, don't mess with it and enjoy your great car. 
Gary
Gary
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 1,360
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Re: Lt1 intake questions (randy72)
Hi, mine also was originally aluminum, however
one hole needed a heli coil a few years ago.
It's good both yours have been done.
One less thing to fix in the future.
one hole needed a heli coil a few years ago.
It's good both yours have been done.
One less thing to fix in the future.
