RPO LS7

[Mark R.]

Does anyone have any knowledge of GM replacing 1969 L71 or L89 engines under warranty with the RPO LS7 engine,with the block stamped CE? Thanks in advance for any information you can provide regarding this question.

[Jim T.]

Re: RPO LS7

Mark even until the early 90's you could buy over the counter a brand new 454 LS7 "XCH" suffix engine assembly less intake manifold and water pump by ordering #3965774. The LS6 "XAA" suffix engine assembly with high rise aluminum intake, 14"flywheel, waterpump, and counterweighted balancer could be bought over the counter by ordering #366250. So it is possible that an LS7 or LS6 could of been installed by someone.

[Norris W.]

Re: RPO LS7

I don't believe that it's logical that GM would have KNOWINGLY replaced an L71 block assy with what is basically a stroked L88, for the same reason that they wouldn't have warranty replaced an L71 with the L88 itself. That's not to say that some dealer didn't pull it off somehow by doing some side stepping with the paperwork, or that a customer didn't pay for an upgrade somehow. My '69 L88 Corvette had a complete LS7 crate motor installed when it was less than a year old, but it WASN'T done at the dealer's service dept. and it WAS done at the original owner's expense.

[Mark R.]

Re: RPO LS7

Thanks Jim and Norris for your insight regarding how an LS7 engine might have been acquired as a replacement for an originally installed engine in a 1969 Corvette. Sharing experience and knowledge about Corvettes is wonderful and this technical discussion board is a gift to those truly interested in acquiring information not easily accessable through commanly available Corvette literature.