C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Is it an LT1

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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 05:42 PM
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Default Is it an LT1

You may have already read some of my previous threads. Long story short -- I need to replace the LT1 in my 92. I found a salvage motor, and had it shipped to my garage for install. The yard claims it was from a 92 -- the VIN checks out as a 92.

However, the mechanics at my shop tell me it looks nothing like the engine in my car. I am going to look at it Monday -- what should I look for to verify that the salvage motor is indeed an LT1 and not something else (maybe an L98)? Did any L98s have an Optispark?

Worst case scenario -- could I use an L98 short block with the LT1 heads and manifold?

Rob
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 05:54 PM
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No L98's had optispark. Did they say it's from a '92 Y-body? Or just a '92 Chevy? Only the 'vette had the LT1 in '92. The F-body didn't get it until '93 and the B-body until '94.

Near where the VIN is stamped on the block there should be some other manufacturing stampings:

http://idavette.net/facts/92.htm

Look near the bottom of that link. Presumably the block should have either "ZTB" or "ZAC" on it if it's a 1992 MY LT1 from a 'vette.

I don't know enough about the details to answer your second part, except to say an L98 block won't have any provision for the Opti. I don't think you can just substitute in a regular distributor because I think the opti sends some signals to the ECM for fueling, but perhaps that's only on the later SFI motors? I really don't know.

Last edited by Aurora40; Aug 7, 2009 at 05:56 PM.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 06:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Aurora40
No L98's had optispark. Did they say it's from a '92 Y-body? Or just a '92 Chevy? Only the 'vette had the LT1 in '92. The F-body didn't get it until '93 and the B-body until '94.

Near where the VIN is stamped on the block there should be some other manufacturing stampings:

http://idavette.net/facts/92.htm

Look near the bottom of that link. Presumably the block should have either "ZTB" or "ZAC" on it if it's a 1992 MY LT1 from a 'vette.

I don't know enough about the details to answer your second part, except to say an L98 block won't have any provision for the Opti. I don't think you can just substitute in a regular distributor because I think the opti sends some signals to the ECM for fueling, but perhaps that's only on the later SFI motors? I really don't know.
The VIN the yard provided checks out to a 92 Corvette. Thanks for the additional codes -- I'll have to do some digging.

Rob
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 06:35 PM
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The VIN didn't start with 1G1YZ vs 1G1YY, did it? That's the only way I can think of that a 1992 MY Corvette engine could look wildly different from your LT1.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Aurora40
The VIN didn't start with 1G1YZ vs 1G1YY, did it? That's the only way I can think of that a 1992 MY Corvette engine could look wildly different from your LT1.
Nope -- 1G1YY23P0N5103020.
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Old Aug 7, 2009 | 07:12 PM
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Default Block Casting #327

LT1 BLOCKS
350 - There are two blocks, one with two-bolt mains and one with four-bolt mains. They both have the same 10125327 casting number, so there’s no sure way to know which one you have until you get the pan off. However, if it came out of a Corvette, it should be a four-bolt block, and if it came out of anything else, it was supposed to be a two-bolt. GM used the two-bolt block for everything but the Corvette because it had plenty of strength and it weighed a little bit less.


Last edited by STL94LT1; Aug 7, 2009 at 07:41 PM.
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 08:39 AM
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Sigh -- it's an L98. The yard has the serial number checking out as a 92, but it is clearly incorrect. Thankfully they have been gracious throughout. They are sitting on a 07 Z06 that has been branded irrepairable -- with enough time and money I could make that work

Anyway,the search continues.

Rob
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by ZOOMiata
Anyway,the search continues.
The giveaway sign for a LT1 if looking at only a shortblock or bare block
is the two holes for the waterpump each side. Gen I only has one each side.
Also as shown the alum timing cover is completely different to a Gen I stamped metal one.


Last edited by rodj; Aug 10, 2009 at 09:28 AM.
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by ZOOMiata
Sigh -- it's an L98. The yard has the serial number checking out as a 92, but it is clearly incorrect. Thankfully they have been gracious throughout.
Sounds like a 92 F-body engine.
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