The following is from the fall issure-1983 of Corvette News Tech Questions & Answers.
Q I recently encountered an individual selling a 1973 Corvette coupe, who claimed he had an original LT-1 which was supposedly available by special order early in the 73 model year. Did Chevrolet ever offer RPO LT-1 during the 1973 model year.
A No. In the 1973 model year, the solid-lifter LT-1 engine was replaced by the hydraulic-lifter L-82, but the LT-1 was available to dealers as a completely assembled item, sans carbururetor and fuel pump, in 1973. We knew of dealers who did install the LT-1 in post 1972 Corvettes which then sold with zero miles on their odometers. Ther service part number for those LT-1's is 3965784. An additional check: look for the three-letter suffix XCJ where the engine number appears on the block near the water pump, indicating the engine was probably dealer installed.
Q I purchased a 1970 LT-1 Corvette in June of '82. The original owner advised me that a replacement short block had been installed under warranty. The replacement engine number is CEA137600. Would you be able to verify that this is a replacement LT-1 short block.
A There's no way to verify it from the outside. CE indicates the Chevy Engine Plant-Flint, the A137600 indicates it was made January 13, 1976. Check the oil pan rail section for a six to eight digit number which would help narrow the verification process, since the number you supplied isn't conclusive. Or, next time your engine is apart, check the forge number under the pistons. These numbers can be verified at your Chevrolet dealer for your answer.
Q I own a 1971 Corvette with a CJK engine designation. Some say it indicates a higher horsepower option than the base engine for that year, but short of the LT-1. Can you help clear up the confusion?
A Our part number guro took a gaze into his crystal ball and found the CJK designator identifies the 1971 350 cubic engine, rated on page 14 of the March '83 Chevrolet Dealer Parts Book at 330 horsepower. It also indicates your car should have the THM400 transmission.
Q I recently encountered an individual selling a 1973 Corvette coupe, who claimed he had an original LT-1 which was supposedly available by special order early in the 73 model year. Did Chevrolet ever offer RPO LT-1 during the 1973 model year.
A No. In the 1973 model year, the solid-lifter LT-1 engine was replaced by the hydraulic-lifter L-82, but the LT-1 was available to dealers as a completely assembled item, sans carbururetor and fuel pump, in 1973. We knew of dealers who did install the LT-1 in post 1972 Corvettes which then sold with zero miles on their odometers. Ther service part number for those LT-1's is 3965784. An additional check: look for the three-letter suffix XCJ where the engine number appears on the block near the water pump, indicating the engine was probably dealer installed.
Q I purchased a 1970 LT-1 Corvette in June of '82. The original owner advised me that a replacement short block had been installed under warranty. The replacement engine number is CEA137600. Would you be able to verify that this is a replacement LT-1 short block.
A There's no way to verify it from the outside. CE indicates the Chevy Engine Plant-Flint, the A137600 indicates it was made January 13, 1976. Check the oil pan rail section for a six to eight digit number which would help narrow the verification process, since the number you supplied isn't conclusive. Or, next time your engine is apart, check the forge number under the pistons. These numbers can be verified at your Chevrolet dealer for your answer.
Q I own a 1971 Corvette with a CJK engine designation. Some say it indicates a higher horsepower option than the base engine for that year, but short of the LT-1. Can you help clear up the confusion?
A Our part number guro took a gaze into his crystal ball and found the CJK designator identifies the 1971 350 cubic engine, rated on page 14 of the March '83 Chevrolet Dealer Parts Book at 330 horsepower. It also indicates your car should have the THM400 transmission.
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