Hi
I bought a 70 Vette three years ago from a mechanic in Glendora CA. He sold it to me claiming it was an original LT1 coupe. I did not believe him nor have the experience to know if that was true. Also, I didn’t really know the value of an LT1 until just recently. I am originally a Camaro guy – I’ve owned two 69 SS cars and one was convertible – and really studied those but sold when I started having kids. Now that my oldest is 10yrs old I have some time and cash so I decided to jump back in. I offered the guy a very very low price and he took it. In fact, the set of tires I put on the car was close to the price. So, for the last few years I’ve been slowly cleaning and fixing it up but not until recently have I gotten more serious about the project.
Anyway, the Vette seller claimed it to be an LT1 and apparently had cash problems. I knew both were somewhat true because after checking with DMV I found it sat so long it fell out of their system. Why would he suddenly have to sell if he didn’t have cash problems? However, before I will claim it is an LT1 I need more proof. So far, it has all the parts suggesting it is. I refer to the options and console tags. The hood is not though and the motor, however, could have been pieced together, in my opinion.
Finally, without knowing much and having an awesome 427 ready I decided to put the big block in the car. Although, I kept all extra parts on the side and thought they could be worth something. So, it seems the pay-up for LT1’s is high so if for some reason I wanted to value the car would a buyer appraise the car to true LT1 value if the motor was functional but not in the car and included as a sale? I guess if it was worth it I would clean, rebuild, and install but for now the 427 is incredible. I’m not really thinking of selling but simply curious about this the more I learn about these awesome cars. Furthermore, thanks for any responses you have. This website is great and I hope I can add value in the future.
Anyway, how do I know if it is, in fact, an original LT-1?

 

There is a whole list of things that indicate an LT-1 like the code on the engine block--last three letters are CGZ, holly carb, no return fuel line on the gas tank, etc. Besides the engine code (CGZ) the LT-1 had a transistorized igntion system--which means it would have an ignition amplifier bolted to the front side of the drivers side wheel well--(look under hood behind the headlights) or 3 holes in the wheel well where it used to be.

 

6500 rpm red line on the tach also. Only way to prove a 70 is a true LT1 is with the paper documentation. All the rest can be put on the car. Do your homework on the LT1 cars and you might find something. The tank sticker is the best thing to have. If it has the original fuel tank it might have the build sheet on the tank and this would be proof.
I have a true 72 LT1 car and have modded the heck out of it for fun. Not worried about the value. I'm having to much fun with it.

 

If you research it well, and determine that is really IS an original LT-1 with the original hardware...you would be very foolish going from a SB LT-1 to a BB car. It would be much wiser to market the car as an original LT-1, sell it, and buy a "mule" BB C3 car to re-make into what you really want. If you research it and find it isn't a 'factory' LT-1 or the numbers aren't original, do whatever you want to it.

 

Just go back to your Camaros, they are worth more than a LT-1 Vette especially all the 50,000 1969 Z/28 Camaros they built (OH! you say they only built 20,019 69 Z's well, luckilly all of them are still around and worth WAY more than any rotten old LT-1 Vette is worth.) The proceeding statement was made by a owner of: one 1970 and one 1972 LT-1 Vettes who previously owned a X33 code 1969 Camaro with the Z-22 option (that would be a REAL Rally Sport 69 Z/28 for you non Camaro guys.) I sold my Z/28 but, my RARE! LT-1 Vettes are "KEEPERS!"

 

It's even more than that. Your preceeding statement should have said 20,302 '69 Z-28 optioned Camaros.