72 lt-1

[Mike Terry]

Help, I have acquired a 72 lt-1 with 36000 one owner miles. Ser. 1z3725521973.
I read this car did not have emmission pump is this correct. Also what are the correct valve cover bolts, I know that the current t- handles are not correct.
Where do I get a correct replacement exaust?

[Warren F.]

Re: 72 lt-1

Terry;

All LT-1's came from the factory, equipped with the Air Injection Reactor emissions set-up.

Nobody, that I'm aware of can duplicate the correct ripple configuration of the original exhaust piping layout, however there are vendors who will make and exhaust pipe for you out of carbon steel, as the originals were.

Someone else will have to assist in your other inquiries.

[Terry M.]

Re: 72 lt-1

Warren is right about the emissions pump and the exhaust. Both have been well covered on this board in the past.

The most common valve cover fastener is a 1/4-20 hex head with the mark M. I believe a reproduction is available from Paragon, and likely other Corvette reproduction parts suppliers. Now we can debate whether it is a large or small M, and how many might have some other headmark.

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 lt-1

Mike-----

Lots of folks want to think that LT-1s of one year or another were not equipped with AIR and will so advise. All of these folks are "dreamers". ALL 1970-72 LT-1s were originally equipped with AIR. No matter what someone has done since to remove all vestiges of AIR (i.e. change manifolds, remove brackets, remove pullies, etc.), the engine WAS originally equipped with AIR. Absolutely. Positively. Period.

[Joe L.]

Addendum

By the way, not only did all LT-1s have AIR pumps, but LT1s did, too. All Corvettes built with the Gen II LT1 during 1992 to 1996 were equipped with AIR. However, these pumps were electrically operated.

So, whether someone is talking about an LT-1 or an LT1, makes no difference with respect to AIR; they ALL had it.

[Mike Terry]

Re: Addendum

I did find the plugs in the manifolds, the car is a survivor but is it worth finding a pump, and how do I know what is correct. I believe this to be the only incorreect part on this car.

[Joe L.]

Re: Addendum

Terry-----

It will take more than just finding a pump, depending upon how much of the rest of the system is missing. Having the manifolds is a good start. In addition to the correct pump, you also need correct check valves, correct manifold tubes ("trees") for both sides, correct hoses, correct pump bracket, correct pump drive pulley (on waterpump), correct pump driven pulley (on AIR pump), correct pump pulley spacer, and, last but not least, the correct diverter valve. Many of these parts are very hard to locate and very expensive when you do.

[Gary S.]

Re: Addendum

Mike, you are probably at the mercy of one of the specialists in the AIR field, such as Bill Hodel. He has absolutely correct information and his parts are perfect, IMHO. The first question you have to ask though is what you want to do with this car. If it is going to be driver quality you can easily avoid the $1500+ expense of an AIR system. If you intend to show the car in the NCRS field, you might as well bite the bullet. There are many posts on how to properly bypass this system if it is installed as well as what to do if you don't have any of it.

Gary

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 lt-1

Terry since your car is a one owner car contact the original owner and see if he has any of the original parts stashed on a shelf in the garage or attic. If you are going to have to buy the parts check out the rebuilt air injector pump for your 72 at Auto Zone. If someone you know has a 72 LT-1 with the correct AIR system on it you can compare air injector pumps that are available at Auto Zone or other parts stores.