Is the really a 71 LT1?

[J J Lienert]

I bought a 1971 convertible last summer from a guy who states that it was a LT1. After talking with him at length, I came to find that he had the engine replaced (due to cracked block). All of the clues to verify that it was an LT1 seem to be gone. He even replaced the hood to a stock one! I know the VIN on a 1971 won't tell you the engine type as well. So, does anybody know any other clues to verify that this was actually an LT1? Thank you, in advance!

JJL

[Mike E.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

The primary sign is this: along the right-hand frame rail in the passenger compartment, is there one fuel line or two? Non-LT-1 should have two (one is a return line), LT-1 should have only one, and signs of only one going all the way back to the tank. Second, but easily changed, is the tachometer red line. Third is the presence or absence of signs of the Transistor Ignition box having been mounted up under the nose/inner fender on the driver's side.
Good luck!

[Mike E.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

The primary sign is this: along the right-hand frame rail in the passenger compartment, is there one fuel line or two? Non-LT-1 should have two (one is a return line), LT-1 should have only one, and signs of only one going all the way back to the tank. Second, but easily changed, is the tachometer red line. Third is the presence or absence of signs of the Transistor Ignition box having been mounted up under the nose/inner fender on the driver's side.
Good luck!

[Stephen B.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Also check for heavy duty u-joint fasteners on rear end yokes similar to the big blocks.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Also check for heavy duty u-joint fasteners on rear end yokes similar to the big blocks.

[David D.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

JJL, Is the ORIGINAL Emission's Label or remnant's of it, still on the firewall, above the master cylinder? All you really need is the part of the label with the 2 letter code or the label part number, not the complete label. If either of these can be determined, you would know for sure, if it is an original LT1 car or not. I don't think the LT1 used the Yellow EVAP sticker, placed under the Emission's label, but am not sure. Maybe someone know's for sure. Just a few thoughts. Dave

[David D.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

JJL, Is the ORIGINAL Emission's Label or remnant's of it, still on the firewall, above the master cylinder? All you really need is the part of the label with the 2 letter code or the label part number, not the complete label. If either of these can be determined, you would know for sure, if it is an original LT1 car or not. I don't think the LT1 used the Yellow EVAP sticker, placed under the Emission's label, but am not sure. Maybe someone know's for sure. Just a few thoughts. Dave

[Joe L.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

JJL------

Others have provided excellent means to discern what engine might have originally been installed in the car.

However, I'll add this comment: are you saying that the previous owner reported that he had the removed the LT-1 hood (with "bulge") and replaced it with a standard hood (i.e. without "bulge") as only used on base engine cars for 1971? If that's what you mean, that's HIGHLY suspicious regarding what engine was originally installed in the car.

[Joe L.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

JJL------

Others have provided excellent means to discern what engine might have originally been installed in the car.

However, I'll add this comment: are you saying that the previous owner reported that he had the removed the LT-1 hood (with "bulge") and replaced it with a standard hood (i.e. without "bulge") as only used on base engine cars for 1971? If that's what you mean, that's HIGHLY suspicious regarding what engine was originally installed in the car.

[Terry M.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Yes LT1 used the yellow emissions label -- at least the early ones. See the TIM&JG for the proper serial number range for the use of the yellow label. The presence or absence of that label tells you nothing about the original engine.

[Terry M.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Yes LT1 used the yellow emissions label -- at least the early ones. See the TIM&JG for the proper serial number range for the use of the yellow label. The presence or absence of that label tells you nothing about the original engine.

[Chris L.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Joe...your post brings up a question to me. Did the LT-1 need the raised BB hood or was that just cosmetic? In fact did any of the BB's, with exception to the L-88, need the raised hood? Thanks
Chris
Chris

[Chris L.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

Joe...your post brings up a question to me. Did the LT-1 need the raised BB hood or was that just cosmetic? In fact did any of the BB's, with exception to the L-88, need the raised hood? Thanks
Chris
Chris

[Terry M.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

If your LT1 has the stock manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner -- the BB hood, as you call it, is necessary to clear all that.

[Terry M.]

Re: Is the really a 71 LT1?

If your LT1 has the stock manifold, carburetor, and air cleaner -- the BB hood, as you call it, is necessary to clear all that.