Guest Anonymous Posted July 4, 2001 Share Posted July 4, 2001 I am the new and proud owner of a Chevy 350 powered 280Z. The engine is supposed to be an LT-1 from a 1970 Vette. I am not entirely sure I believe this, as there were only abouyt 1200 LT1 Vettes made in 1970. The 1970 LT1 had 4-bolt mains, forged crank and pistons, high lift cam, 11:1 compression, high rise manifold, and solid lifters, so I think I am right to be a little skeptical. Question: Does anyone know how I can determine its true identity(or any of the above traits) without tearing the engine apart? I cannot find any identifying tags or stamps on the motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 4, 2001 Share Posted July 4, 2001 I may be mistaken, but I believe they put the LT1's in the 1970 Camaro's as well. It was rated at 350hp. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 4, 2001 Share Posted July 4, 2001 Thanks! yes, Lone, the LT1 was offered in the Camaros as well, but I think it was still pretty rare. It was rated 370HP in the Vette. I will look for the numbers and see if I can make a positive ID. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted July 4, 2001 Share Posted July 4, 2001 Congrats on the new ride! What year of 280Z is it? Is your car setup like a Scarab or JTR? Is it a weekend car or a daily driver? Can we see pics? Will you send us money? Blah blah blah... Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Brian, Congrats and Welcome! The LT1 in the Camaro was put in the Z/28. It was rated at 360hp in the Z/28. I'd think block and head casting numbers, plus the number stamped in the block just ahead of the left cylinder head, would be the way yo partially determine whether it's a true LT1. That stamped number is easily faked though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Davy, The car is a '76 280Z. It's a Scarab type setup. I may convert to JTR later, but that currently falls under the catergory of "it ain't broke, so don't f-- with it." Have several pics I could post. I'll give it a try. I have never been able to get pictures to post correctly to one of these boards. Sure, I'll send you money. Just send me your checking account number and bank routing number and I'll deposit it straight into your account... hehehe Thanks everyone for the responses to this and my other posts. It appears that this board will be an invaulable resource to assist with what will likely be a perpetual project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Hey Brian_O You'll find some information here about where to find the casting marks. SBC Casting Marks If you go here and scroll down a bit, you'll find the numbers for an LT1... SBC Casting Numbers & Suffix Numbers Good Luck! Tim [ July 04, 2001: Message edited by: Montara22 ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Brian, by having the motor sit in the Scarab position means that it is broken. SuperDan (Owner of this site) finally broke down and swapped his Scarab setup to the JTR and his car is NO LONGER the same vehicle. Handling, braking, EVERYTHING is ten-fold better with the JTR position and I would recommend making that mod the first in your list. Ask others on this site, you'll get the same exact asnwer. Mike Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Hrm, I dunno... I know he's got exhaust problems and clutch problems. I guess I'd consider clutch first and let the exhaust fall where it may if he slides the motor back. It's a 4speed too so perhaps an OD trans, motmor move, and exhaust would be done all at once to avoid having to do the driveshaft twice. He's also got a mechanical fuel pump that will have to go. Adding that all together that's a pile of work! I won't argue that he'll probably like the car better with an OD and set back motor but he just got the car - let him drive it some first Seriously, moving the motor back - especially since you've gto iron heads - will make a big difference. Weight distribution will change for the better so braking and handling will improve. I'd fiddle with the little stuff, drive it to have fun, but be saving up to have the motor set back. Maybe have someone make the mounts for you to save money and come Winter start pulling it apart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Star 1 Posted July 5, 2001 Share Posted July 5, 2001 Make sure this is not a car produced by Scarab. I think they have some collectors value. The LT1 was the motor they used. Should be very fast if it is a 70 LT1, and is running good. [ July 05, 2001: Message edited by: Lone Star 1 ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted July 18, 2001 Share Posted July 18, 2001 Does this have the Chevrolet high rise aluminum intake? All LT-1s did originally. Cylinder heads would be the easiest way to tell. First, should have accessory holes in ends. Pull the valve cover and look for screw in studs and guide plates. (may be able to see/feel in breather hole) If pressed, figure the rest of the info on motor is BS also. All factory screw in studs should be big valve (2.02/1.6)and have machined valve unshrouding in the side of the chamber. Expect a 186 or 492 casting most likely althoug 041 and 370 are also possible. LT-1 was rated at 360 hp in Camaro and 370 in 'vette. Only difference is manifolds/exhaust. The Corvette L-82 with cast iron intake manifold had large chamber heads with screw in studs as did the 71-72 LT-1s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.