Verifying a 1971 LT-1 convertible with a/c

[winspeed]

I'm a new member hoping to find an LT-1. I have supposedly seen a 1971 convertible LT-1 with factory a/c (vin 194671S115579 which did not help me confirm or discount the claim of being an LT-1). I was not able to get much historical information about the car. The hood, breather cap, and interior badging appear appropriate for 1971. Unfortunately, the block has been changed. After scanning multiple threads and reading about the model, it seems this form of the car does not exist. I plan on checking the tach and trying to locate a build sheet on the gas tank. I was also going to attempt to find registration records on the car. The car needs a fair amount work, but is mechanically sound.

I would appreciate any advice on how to verify the claim of being an LT-1 and what's the deal on the a/c - could the it be a dealer installation? (on close inspection it appears factory) ...and is there anything else I may be missing that would be helpful to know or any contact sources that may be helpful?

 

[rainman]

70 and 71 LT-1's did not come with A/C. A/C could be ordered with LT-1 in 72 but very few were. Best way to know if the car is an LT-1 is documentation such as the tank sticker. Next thing to check is the suffix code on the engine. Should be CTU or CTK for 70, CGZ for 71, or CKY for 72. Also LT-1's should have 6500 redline tach and no fuel return line. Both are hard to change. Lots of books to help. NCRS judging manual one of the best. Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[winspeed]

thanks for the info, I'll hopefully get a chance to check things out next week

 

[rainman]

Another thing to look for on 70 and 71s is transistor ignition. Even if it has been removed there should be holes in the driver front fender well where the amplifier was mounted. All 70 and 71 LT-1s came with TI. Only other car in 70 and 71 with TI was the LS6 in 71.

 

[Erik S. Klein]

If the seller claims that they have a 1971 LT-1 with factory air then he should be avoided.

GM put Air on about 240 LT-1s at the end of the 1972 model year only.

 

[Mike Baskette]

The car needs a fair amount of work? Does not have correct block? Hmmmmm....unless you can steal the car with a "very" low price then you better walk away. The value is in the motor, period. Spend the extra $ and buy a correct car, it is truly worth it in the long run. I made the same mistake with my Boss 302 and now I am paying and paying out dearly. When I bought my LT1 I made sure it was correct and have no regrets, I spent the extra money. Trust me on this one.

 

[winspeed]

thanks for all the excellent advice, I hoping to gather more info this week and when I do I'll post it just for curiosity sake.

...and so far it is not a smoking deal. Even though it would make a great looking car, I agree, I think it will be better for me to have a documented correct car - one without so many question marks.

 

[tonyk72]

I'm with the rest of the guys here...Post some pics if you can get some!

 

[winspeed]

will do, I'll try to get a picture of the tack and the engine.