How to verify an LT1?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
How to verify an LT1?
I would love a little expert advice on how to verify if a car is a true LT1. I know you can fake just about everything, but.... what are some things I should be looking for? Fuel line, rear u joint caps, tach, heads, intake, subtle signs, etc?
thanks
thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
Of course there are numerous little details that make an LT1 an LT1, and I have even seen articles in well-known car magazines by well-known writers that tell you how to fraudulently stamp incorrect date codes on parts to make them 'numbers-matching' (?!!???) but the best place to start is always the vehicle's VIN. If it's not an LT1 VIN then the car is most assuredly not an LT1 (or ZL1 or L88 or LS6 or Z28 etc., etc.). Once you've verified that that particular number is correct then you can go about verifying that all of those other details. Caveat emptor....
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Of course there are numerous little details that make an LT1 an LT1, and I have even seen articles in well-known car magazines by well-known writers that tell you how to fraudulently stamp incorrect date codes on parts to make them 'numbers-matching' (?!!???) but the best place to start is always the vehicle's VIN. If it's not an LT1 VIN then the car is most assuredly not an LT1 (or ZL1 or L88 or LS6 or Z28 etc., etc.). Once you've verified that that particular number is correct then you can go about verifying that all of those other details. Caveat emptor....
The obvious items are the 6500 rpm redline tach without big block diff yoke bearing caps, 2.02 heads, Holley Carb, correct intake. There are also a whole series of engine codes that indicate if the engine is right for the VIN.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Obviously, your referring to either a '70 or '71 model, as all '72's can be verified thru the VIN plate.
I would look for the mounting holes and signs of the magnetic pulse transistorized ignition system, this was a mandatory item for the LT-1 on '70 & '71 models. I would bet that most people trying to replicate an LT-1 would not know exactly where the amplifiers location was.
I would look for the mounting holes and signs of the magnetic pulse transistorized ignition system, this was a mandatory item for the LT-1 on '70 & '71 models. I would bet that most people trying to replicate an LT-1 would not know exactly where the amplifiers location was.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,706
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Obviously, your referring to either a '70 or '71 model, as all '72's can be verified thru the VIN plate.
I would look for the mounting holes and signs of the magnetic pulse transistorized ignition system, this was a mandatory item for the LT-1 on '70 & '71 models. I would bet that most people trying to replicate an LT-1 would not know exactly where the amplifiers location was.
I would look for the mounting holes and signs of the magnetic pulse transistorized ignition system, this was a mandatory item for the LT-1 on '70 & '71 models. I would bet that most people trying to replicate an LT-1 would not know exactly where the amplifiers location was.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
thanks for all the advice guys,
BUT... it seems that without lots of paper work/documentation, it would be fairly easy to fake an LT1, or any car for that matter. So... how does anyone justify the extra money asked for these "special" cars? If all, or most, of the telltale signs of an LT1 are in place (but no paper work), should I feel comfortable paying a $4-5 k premium for the LT1 option?
BUT... it seems that without lots of paper work/documentation, it would be fairly easy to fake an LT1, or any car for that matter. So... how does anyone justify the extra money asked for these "special" cars? If all, or most, of the telltale signs of an LT1 are in place (but no paper work), should I feel comfortable paying a $4-5 k premium for the LT1 option?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Wilkesboro NC
I think that IF you can find a REAL LT-1 for a $4-$5k premium, it would be a bargain. I find that at least a $10K premium would be closer to the norm. Add A/C and the sky is the limit. Two LT-1 A/C verts have brought over $100k, one of them last weekend at St. Charles./Bloomington. A/C coupes are in the $60k+ range. When you start spending this kind of money, it is best to hire an expert to do a pre purchase inspection.
Last edited by Dick Whittington; Jun 21, 2007 at 01:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
thanks for the input everyone. I'm looking into a 71 LT1 in Alvin, TX that is warbonnett yellow - does that color look better in person :-). Fresh restoration. You all have probably seen it for sale everywhere - ebay, etc. I have not gone out to inspect yet, as I would like to learn as much as possible about LT1s, so I can hopefully "catch" something that doesn't make sense. I'm not a corvette expert, I just love old cars and have owned several - Mustang, 65 Vette, now vintage race a beautiful 68 Camaro. But I do have an ace in the hole. My good friend is an NCRS judge. So.... I'm hoping he will weed out the trash for me :-)
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
cvar33,
I just went and looked at a '71 LT-1 coupe in War Bonnet yellow with standard black interior. Optioned out as PS, PB, M21, 3:70 ratio. This car is the real deal, original paint, interior stock and nice with exception of seat covers in leather instead of vinyl. Stock stereo radio replaced with aftermarket radio made for Corvette installations.
Still has original carbon steel double wall exhaust piping, but replaced aftermarket mufflers. A nice survivor quality car. This car probably still has its Corvette Order Copy on top of fuel tank, it has thee original window invoice. If interested I'll give you the sellers phone #. I passed only because it has dealer installed luggage rack, I'm not personally a fan of these.
I just went and looked at a '71 LT-1 coupe in War Bonnet yellow with standard black interior. Optioned out as PS, PB, M21, 3:70 ratio. This car is the real deal, original paint, interior stock and nice with exception of seat covers in leather instead of vinyl. Stock stereo radio replaced with aftermarket radio made for Corvette installations.
Still has original carbon steel double wall exhaust piping, but replaced aftermarket mufflers. A nice survivor quality car. This car probably still has its Corvette Order Copy on top of fuel tank, it has thee original window invoice. If interested I'll give you the sellers phone #. I passed only because it has dealer installed luggage rack, I'm not personally a fan of these.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
thanks early shark,
Sure, send me the info and I'll take a look at it. I was hoping to find a car within driving distance to go see (and WB yellow isn't my favorite - no offense :-). I'm not searching for exclusively an LT1. I am really just looking for a nice coupe, non-AC, 4 speed car. I like the LT1s because they have the HP to back up their good looks. I'm not sure how much fun a 72 base motor car will be. However, I would consider a nice low HP car, and I might upgrade it with aluminum intake, roller cam, carb, and headers. Those should be worth close to 80-100 HP. I would of course try to keep things looking vintage corret.
Sure, send me the info and I'll take a look at it. I was hoping to find a car within driving distance to go see (and WB yellow isn't my favorite - no offense :-). I'm not searching for exclusively an LT1. I am really just looking for a nice coupe, non-AC, 4 speed car. I like the LT1s because they have the HP to back up their good looks. I'm not sure how much fun a 72 base motor car will be. However, I would consider a nice low HP car, and I might upgrade it with aluminum intake, roller cam, carb, and headers. Those should be worth close to 80-100 HP. I would of course try to keep things looking vintage corret.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 275
Likes: 6
From: NY
thanks for the input everyone. I'm looking into a 71 LT1 in Alvin, TX that is warbonnett yellow - does that color look better in person :-). Fresh restoration. You all have probably seen it for sale everywhere - ebay, etc. I have not gone out to inspect yet, as I would like to learn as much as possible about LT1s, so I can hopefully "catch" something that doesn't make sense. I'm not a corvette expert, I just love old cars and have owned several - Mustang, 65 Vette, now vintage race a beautiful 68 Camaro. But I do have an ace in the hole. My good friend is an NCRS judge. So.... I'm hoping he will weed out the trash for me :-)
