Interesting. Supposedly there is only 1 of these things. So if you have "information" that can verify your friend's car and if this isn't that car then these people are faking it. Either that or there are now 2? If there are 2 shouldn't the owner of your friend's verifiable LT4 auto be screaming because these other folks are parading around that they have the only one?

Not trying to bust chops, here. This is one of the very interesting Corvette stories and I'm intrigued by the whole thing.

 

Well to verify the car, I'd need the VIN, or someone to look for signs of repaint. The car was in an accident and the car had a portion repainted. Check for where the orange peel is less. Also one rim was damaged. Interior was black inside, and seats should be brand new. (extra seat inserts were ordered so they could replaced after original owner sold it) If there is a sign describing the vehicle, it would mention that car was owned by a GM employee in Bowling Green.

 

OK then, everyone. Next time someone sees this car let's document the VIN. A photo would be perfect.

 

Converting a manual trans car to an auto trans is no big deal. Claiming that the factory was somehow involved to drive up the resale value....

Eric

 

Well in the old days it might not have been a big deal, but for a '96 Vette it would be a royal pan in the butt. The automatic is electronic, so you need a ton of wiring (plus a custom CPU), the transmission tunnel would need modification, different radiator, etc. I think it would be easier to convert an automatic car to an LT4 and Dana 44.

I don't "buy" that GM would allow this kind of to happen on the assembly line. Even if were to happen, I am not sure if it would run once it got to the end of the line. That's a highly customized setup that I am sure would require some tuning.

 

[QUOTE]
....The automatic is electronic, so you need a ton of wiring (plus a custom CPU), the transmission tunnel would need modification, different radiator, etc. I think it would be easier to convert an automatic car to an LT4 and Dana 44.
....QUOTE]

Who says you have to make the trans electronic? Go with a old fashion 700R4, the manual PCM never knows what gear it's in.

 

LT4 Automatic :bs

 

Just to add my 2 cents I saw and 96 CE for sale online in Florida that said it was an auto a few months back. It had pics of the car and it looked like it was all real. It looked good online, but who knows. The Vin pic is worth its weight in gold apparently, someone out there has it. I did take pics at Carlilse, but I didn't even notice this car there, too many ZO6's and ZR1's to drool at, especially the yellow 95's with tan interiors!!!!

To add even more trivia, how many 89 ZR-1's were made, and who owns them? You know that there where test cars, so are they registered somewhere? I am sure that they weren't scrapped.

I am sure that GM has cars that the general public hasn't seen or has knowledge about. Just think about what our government keeps secret. They have to keep their play toys under lock and key so that the public doesn't go crazy for their one off(or 2 or 3 or 4 off) cars, or let the other manufacturers know what they are up to.

Just wanted to say something after reading all these replies. Also, have faith in the GM designers and engineers, they have the power to make anything possible. But they still make the best car in the world!!! :cheers:

 

Blue92,

Did you happen to capture a pic of the VIN (or engine S/N) on that AutoLT4 while in Roscoe Village?

I can't believe I spent the whole day at the show and never saw that one. Would have loved to poke around it and try to solve the mystery.

As far as the changeover, it's certainly do-able. I just doubt that the car was built that way from GM, unless it has a test mule VIN.

Brad

 

Nope. I only took two shots of the car and posted both of those.

Just FYI for everyone that has posted here the guys little sign says that there are four Auto-LT4s known to exist. My guess is that the story is that they were meant to be "export" cars and were able to bypass emissions testing. That's based only on his notation that the car is equipped with an "export" hood blanket.

Anyway you look at it, it's a good story.


[Modified by Blue 92, 10:21 PM 9/2/2001]

 

DELETE - Duplicate post. Sorry


[Modified by Eric Fischer, 8:28 AM 9/3/2001]

 

Most of the export stickers etc are available over the counter from GM. I have export pipes for my Impala, they replace the cats for cars that go to leaded gas countries (like the Middle East). Cost was ~$150. The leaded gas stickers/under hood stickers are all available for less than $20. I guess this means I have a rare "export Impala" oh Boy :D

If the auto LT4 is an middle east export car, it will not have a MAF, O2 sensors don't work with leaded gas. Euro vettes are the same engine management as US spec'ed Vettes.

Eric

 

Looks just like my LT1 :boxing

 

I just got a great idea. If I put an LT4 in my Auto96CE, then I paint skunk strip and hash marks, Then I put the GS emblem over the CE emblems. I'd really have something special. Don't tell me someone already did that. :U