Identifing an LT1 corvette?

[Sheldon S.]

I am looking at a 71 coupe which has a hood the same as the big block but has a 350 cu inch engine in it. Apparently the LT1 came with the same hood. Can someone verify this. Also what should the tach redline be at for a LT1 car verse a regular 350 standard motor. Does the motor tag on the console read 350 cu in and then LT1? Is there any other things I can look for to identify this car as to which engine it originlly had. I beleive the motor in it now has been changed.
Thanks in advance
Sheldon

[Joe L.]

Re: Identifing an LT1 corvette?

Sheldon-----

The LT-1 and all big blocks used the same hood for the 70-72 period. Also, the molding pieces were the same. However, there were no holes drilled in the LT-1 hood for numerals used for big blocks since the LT-1 used decals for the "LT-1" insignia.

The LT-1 tach for 1971 had a 6,500 RPM redline; base engine was 5,300 RPM

The console data plate for 1971 did not have the "LT1" designation on it; for 71 it still contained the horsepower and torque ratings. For 1972, the horsepower and torque ratings disappeared and the large "LT-1" lettering appeared in their place.

For 1971, only the LT-1 engine did not originally use a fuel return line; all other engines, including LS-6, DID use a fuel return line. So, that's an important point to check.

[David D.]

Re: Identifing an LT1 corvette?

Shelton, You can also check and see if any part of the ORIGINAL emissions sticker is still on the cowl, above the master cylinder. Even if most of it is gone, the lower corner with the sticker part number on it, is usually still there, covered with undercoating. If the last 3 of the part number are "020", it was an LT-1. May be worth a shot. Dave

[Sheldon S.]

Could this be a Big Block Car?

The redline on this car starts at 6000, could this be a big block car? If it is big block what should I look for to help identify it.
Thanks for the help.
Sheldon Sands