72-LT-1 ENGINE DETAIL QUESTIONS

[STEVE MUELLER]

DEAR SIRS:

I have a 1972 LT-1 that I am doing an engine restoration on. I am in need of the following information for the job: 1. Is there a air cleaner decal that goes on the the air cleaner and if yes what does it say and where is it placed on the the A/cleaner. also where can I get it. 2. Are there more than one a/cleaner decal on the ac or just one on a LT-1. 3. On the spark plug chrome shielding did the 72 lt-1 have the LH/RH front shielding, mine has the rear but not the front. 4. The support brackets that hold the ign. shielding box are chrome should they be painted red?or were they chrome in 1972?They attach to the manifold. 5.On the distributor there is no vaccum advance line connected should a vaccum hose be on it or no? 6.Under the Carb. there is an alum plate is this correct?

thanks

steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 72-LT-1 ENGINE DETAIL QUESTIONS

Steve-----

1) There were NO labels on a '72 LT-1 air cleaner lid; 1971 was the last year for such labels on LT-1s.

2) 72 LT-1s (with U-69 or 79 radio, of course) did not use chrome/stainless outer radio interference shields on the two forwardmost spark plugs on either side of the engine. They did use the inner, zinc plated spark plug heat shield, though.

3) The stamped steel supports which are attached to the intake manifold bolts and which support the distributor radio interference shield were painted engine color; they were not originally chrome.

4) There should be a vacuum hose connected to the distributor vacuum control.

5) There was an insulator used under the carburetor of '72 LT-1s which was GM #3999259. It is discontinued, but available in reproduction. I do not believe, though, that this insulator used an aluminum plate, but, rather, was merely a fiber gasket about 1/4" thick. 1970 Corvettes with EEC used an insulator which included an aluminum plate, although these insulators may have been retroffited to later years by owners.

[Terry M.]

Re: 72-LT-1 ENGINE DETAIL QUESTIONS

Steve,

Please allow me to suggest that you build yourself a technical library for the care and feeding of your baby. The NCRS judging manual has the answers to the questions you asked - along with many more answers to questions you have not thought of yet; and likely enough information to generate many more questions which we are all happy to answer here. The Assembly Instruction Manual (AIM) shows, in many cases, how the components were assembled. Most importantly, it has illustrations that will aid in disassembly and torque values for reassembly. Chassis Service and Overhaul Manuals give R&R instructions and how to overhaul components once they are removed from the car. They also give specifications for various adjustments. Judging Reference Manual explains NCRS judging systems and rules. All are available from the Membership office or on links to membership office from the home page. I think you will find most posters here on this board would encourage purchase of such reference material a wise investment that will save you time and money in the long run.

BTW: I notice in one of your earlier posts that your car is low mileage and mostly original. Please be careful in your cleaning of the engine compartment. As one of those posters stated, judges value originality over condition. Too aggressive cleaning will remove the marks of originality that the judges (both NCRS & Bloomington Gold) look for. Even disassembly can be detected by "shadow" of mark on washer or bolt head. Too much disassembly can raise suspicions and cause deductions in those cases where originality is paramount (Bow Tie judging for example).

Any chance you could get the car to an NCRS regional this Spring for some one on one look see and Q & A?

Terry

[Patrick H.]

YES!!!

Steve,

PLEASE follow Terry's advice. No one on the planet knows more about 70-72 cars than he does.

In addition, I hate to blow my own horn, but PLEASE go and re-read my post below to your earlier question. You honestly would not believe how often we hear of someone like yourself trying to "better" their car (even by "just" cleaning it), and in the process removing significant parts of the originality. If it is original today, it will still be original 3 months, or years, from now as you spend the intervening time doing research on 1972 LT-1's. It will NOT, however, be original if you try to pretty it up to look like brand new. An original car is not a restored car, nor a new car, and they do not look anything the same. Your awards (should you have it judged) will not be "worth" any less if obtained three years from now, either. But you, however, will be MUCH more aware of how 1972 LT-1's were built if you spend time researching.

Personally, before restoring just the engine compartment alone in my then-108,000 mile 270hp 1971, I spent two years researching similar cars at shows before I ever started cleaning or disassembling my car.

Please, please have knowledgeable people look at your car NOW, or as soon as you can. You are so proud and happy to own it (and who can blame you) because it is so original. Remember, it is that way because NOBODY touched it!!! There is a reason that original cars are worth more, as they are only original ONCE.

There. I'll get off my soapbox now, and let you enjoy your car. And yes, you can fix it (the smoking) and drive it, but feel free to ask others nearby (and us too) to help you in other ways.

I hope that his helps,

Patrick Hulst

P.S. Did I say please enough?

[STEVE MUELLER]

Re: 72-LT-1 ENGINE DETAIL QUESTIONS

Joe:

1. On the Vaccum hose- It goes from the distributor to where on the manifold. is there a refernce where I could look. I am puzzeled by this?

2. Is there a decal that goes on the RADIATOR? IF YES WHERE?

3. WHAT COLOR RED WAS USED FOR THE BLOCK ON THE LT-1 AND WAS THERE A CERTAIN COLOR SILVER USED FOR THE INTAKE!

Thanks so much for all of you help on this car!!!!

steve

[Patrick H.]

Re: 72-LT-1 ENGINE DETAIL QUESTIONS

Steve,

1. The hose goes from the distributor to the solenoid bolted to the manifold just inboard of the right valve cover, to a "T" which splits off to the AIR unit and the carb. See the 68-72 Fact Book by Dobbins, with a color picture on page176.

2. "Aluminum radiators have a metallic label on the top identifying the manufacturer as Harrison Industries." - 1970-1972 Corvette Judging Manual, Second Ed.

3. The engine block and heads were painted "Chevrolet Orange." This paint was more red-like in the 50's, but in the 60-76 time period was definitely more of an orange shade. Some have said that '69 Camaro Hugger Orange is a good match, but I've never tried it.

"Small block aluminum intake manifolds are painted with a dull aluminum paint." - 1970-1972 Corvette Judging Manual. Many have said that Krylon dull aluminum is close. I would search the Archives for further suggestions, as I believe they may be there.

But don't paint yours. :)

Hope this helps,

Patrick Hulst