engine inquiry
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 84
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From: Fort Bragg NC
engine inquiry
I will just start by saying this was my first corvette buy and I have already learned a lot! So, how do I know what type of engine I have. I know it is a 5.7 v8 with TPI...but is that it? I hear a lot about LT1-4 and L98, so is mine anything of the sort? I don't have an owner's manual so is there anyway to find out? I wish I had done more research before buying but it is too late for that, but I will definitely do more before I buy my next one...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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Correct - the OP needs to know. I believe that all of the '86 iron heads had the KB2 RPO designator on the SPID label. 28 years after the build that wouldn't be an indicator of "what's there" now! Were there builds with iron heads and no KB2 - don't know!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
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From: indy indiana
its kinda important to find out if your 86 is a early one or late. Late had the aluminum heads. The L-98 is a great engine and 86 is the last year from 1955 with all being the same block.87 and newer have roller cams and one piece rear mains.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,388
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Yes that would be correct and you should have the KB2 RPO on the SPID label that in '86 I believe should have been on the back-side of the console door if it's there at all. It would make for an interesting confirmation.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,388
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'86 both cast iron and aluminum headed engines had 1 - piece rear main seal
'87 was the first year for the rollers though
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,388
Likes: 2,741
I really believe there were a few thousand "coupes" that got the aluminum heads in the later production. The number of them - I don't know but I've read "several thousand" maybe better than 8K.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Nov 21, 2013 at 07:38 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,427
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From: Minneapolis Mn
86
Bought an 86 convertible a couple of months ago, so I know how the questions come up. Owners manuals - find on Ebay, you'll want one. If you plan to do much of anything yourself, get the factory service manual, it won't answer every question but it will answer a lot.