Engine ID? Maybe LT1?

[VolVette]

I know many of you have access to books that can help me to identify the engine that the previous owner installed in my Vette. I believe it's an aluminum headed LT1 from the early 90's but that's just from sight inspection. I hope y'all can help me... The number is:

V0517ZZZ

I appreciate your help! Thanks!

[Joe L.]

Re: Engine ID? Maybe LT1?

VolVet-----

The "ZZZ" suffix code was not used in a Corvette, but may have been used for 96 or 97 Camaros. Or, the engine could be a PRODUCTION TYPE crate engine. The easiest way to tell if it is a late model LT-1/LT-4 is to check the water pump and distributor configuration. LT-1s use a water pump and distributor mounted on the front of the engine and internally driven directly off of the cam timing sprocket. This configuration is unique to these engines. If it has aluminum heads and this configuration, it just about has to be an LT-1/LT-4.

Also, you could check the block casting number on the rear bellhousing flange. It should be 10125327. Easier to check is the lower side of the block. There should be the casting number derivative "327" cast there.

[Jim T.]

Re: Engine ID? Maybe LT1?

With that information from the front of the block you have the first issue of the highly popular ZZ HO crate engines. Your ZZZ was first followed by the ZZ1, ZZ2, ZZ3, and the ZZ4 which is still available. Your crate engine came complete just like the ZZ4 of today. The engine has had some changes in the last decade. Your engine originally came with a high riser aluminum intake and required the use of a square bore style carb. Later crate engines lowered the height of the intake and cast it for either the spread bore or square bore type of carb. Your engine does have a roller cam and roller lifters and came with stamped steel rockers. The Corvette aluminum heads with the 58cc combustion chamber. It had a electronic distributor which kept the tack working on 75 and later Corvette installations. Is your car a automatic or 4-speed? I installed the ZZ1 in my 70 Corvette several years ago and it has V0626ZZ1 on the front pad.