1972 LT-1 Engine ??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 281
Likes: 9
From: New England
1972 LT-1 Engine ??
Can somebody help me on this, does this look like a Corvette Engine. I have not checked out the numbers yet but it is supposed to be a 1972 LT-1 Low milage ( 32,000 ) . I just have never seen an early year ( c3 ) Corvette engine with the alternater on the passenger side of the engine before? Asking price is $2,000. I have had a ride in the car and it's strong , good or bad price?
Thanks for helping
Thanks for helping
Last edited by dariopop; Mar 19, 2010 at 10:30 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Any small block can be made to "look" like an LT-1. To be sure if it is an original LT-1 block, the engine numbers suffix should be either CKY or CKZ. CKZ would be for a ZR-1 car of which only twenty were built. It was a special purpose LT-1.
The casting numbers on LT-1 heads would be either 3973487 or 3998916, but the 487 head could be used on base engines as well so they wouldn't be uncommon.
The distributor should have the number 1112101 for an LT-1.
I don't know the correct number for an LT-1 intake manifold.
Even if it is/was an original LT-1 engine, who knows what it has internally now? Could be better, could be worse. It should have an AIR smog pump, and the alternator and other accessories could be changed by a different set of brackets.
Value? It depends on the buyer and what he's willing to pay. If it's a genuine LT-1, the owner of the car it originally was installed in may want to pay the money. Outside of that, you can take most any small block and build it to a higher performance level of a stock LT-1 without paying the premium for the right to say it's an LT-1.
The casting numbers on LT-1 heads would be either 3973487 or 3998916, but the 487 head could be used on base engines as well so they wouldn't be uncommon.
The distributor should have the number 1112101 for an LT-1.
I don't know the correct number for an LT-1 intake manifold.
Even if it is/was an original LT-1 engine, who knows what it has internally now? Could be better, could be worse. It should have an AIR smog pump, and the alternator and other accessories could be changed by a different set of brackets.
Value? It depends on the buyer and what he's willing to pay. If it's a genuine LT-1, the owner of the car it originally was installed in may want to pay the money. Outside of that, you can take most any small block and build it to a higher performance level of a stock LT-1 without paying the premium for the right to say it's an LT-1.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
.. and if it does have an CKZ on it then we now know where 3 are - Sal's did sell didn't it?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
By the way the power steering pump and alt are mounted, I would say no. However, you can change brackets etc. I don't know why you would. Seems like more trouble than it is worth and does not look as original. I know my p/s pump is mounted down on the front left side of the block on two holes next to the crank.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,950
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette LA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
The heads should be aluminum if original, I can check my intake # if you want as the original is somewhere in the garage. As others have said lots of add ons there, have you run a compression test?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
As said above the only way to tell is the numbers but even then the internals could have been changed.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I see Performer RPM on the intake in the second picture. If it is a real LTI the factory intake is as good as the performer, no reason to change it. The LT1 also came with real nice aluminum valve covers and they have been changed to cheap chrome covers. I would guess it is a rebuilt 350 maybe built to LT1 specs maybe not. You need to know the build specs and mileage since build. It could be LT1 heads and block but maybe not. The numbers on the block stamp pad and the head casting numbers and with or without screw in rocker studs and guide plates would tell you if it started it's life in a 72 corvette as an LT1 but even if it did what is it now? Really not enough to go on to determine value. If the block is decked even the extra value to the original car it came out of is gone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
I've been looking at a new set of aluminum heads for my vette and typed heads instead of intake.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,316
Likes: 4,422
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I agree that a LOT has been changed if that engine was born as an LT-!
Even the water pump has been changed to allow for the heater hose fitting since the Performer intake doesn't let the normal nipple to be installed.
As has been said, IF the vin derivitive and the engine suffix are still there, the block is of value to the owner of THAT car.... if you could find him, otherwise?
Regards,
Alan
I agree that a LOT has been changed if that engine was born as an LT-!
Even the water pump has been changed to allow for the heater hose fitting since the Performer intake doesn't let the normal nipple to be installed.
As has been said, IF the vin derivitive and the engine suffix are still there, the block is of value to the owner of THAT car.... if you could find him, otherwise?
Regards,
Alan
