I recently checked my block on my 73 and found out that my numbers didn't match. I don't have the seven digit number right here but it began with 1 and found out on the internet that it was a 78-85 350. I am guessing it is some kind of crate motor from then. The thing that is most surprising about it is that it is stamped on the front left part of the block "LT-1". Does anyone know what the story is on this engine?

All Corvette engines from 1955 through 1979 carried a seven-digit casting number that began with "3". Beginning with the 1980 Vette, GM went to eight-digit codes that began with "1". So, if your source has verified your block casting as a 78 or later, it may not be a vette engine at all. Would like to help more, but that's all I can do without a complete number.

By the way, what was the original engine?

John

thanks John...I think it may have been an eight digit number, I'll look at it tonight and send it to you. I believe it is some "Crate" motor, probably not a Vette motor. This "LT-1" stamped up front has me perplexed though.

...WAS an L48....

the number on the backend of the block is 14016379....stamped up front near the water pump on the passenger side is LT-1. A Chevy "Block numbers" site says this engine is from 78-85

Ok, now we're cookin' with gas!

Block #14016379 was used in C-3 Vettes only in late '79 models and early '80 models. The "LT-1" stamping MIGHT indicate an early 1980 model 4-bolt 350/230hp. There should be more stampings on the front "pads" of the block where the heads join to the block. Look for an eight-character stamping that has a letter followed by 4 digits followed by a "C" and two more letters.

Happy hunting.

John

thanks John , I'll look for those tomorrow or so..Thanks!

finally did some more searching John....the only additional numbers I could find was this "GM57L6" stamped on the opposite side of the bellhousing where the 14016379 was stamped. the " LT-1" was the only # stamped up front visible from the top....

Tinley73 said: finally did some more searching John....the only additional numbers I could find was this "GM57L6" stamped on the opposite side of the bellhousing where the 14016379 was stamped. the " LT-1" was the only # stamped up front visible from the top....

The absence of any other numbers on the stamp pad indicates that your motor was never scheduled for installation in an assembly line vehicle. As an "off-line" block, either (A) it was swapped into an assembly line vehicle that had a bad motor (B) built as a crate engine block and sold either through a GM dealership or an aftermarket vendor or (C) a GM "counter swap" for a warranteed motor.

By the "LT-1" stamping it is more than likely a 4-bolt block. Stock ratings for this block are 190hp (2-bolt), 195hp (2-bolt & 4-bolt), 230hp (4-bolt). Heads (#462624) and intake (#14014432) are the same for all - no help there.

Bellhousing has a seven-digit casting number. Should be in that large triangular area on the right side. Correct clutch housing for '73 L-48 is 3899621. This is the correct clutch housing for ALL '73-'82 small block Vettes.

Hope this helps.

John

EDIT - factual accuracy re: heads

|UPDATED|5/16/2004 8:36:10 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

it sure does...thanks John..this is a very interesting car. I am trying to "piece" together it's history. Was in NJ for a long time, this is where a lot of the mechanical work was done at a place called BBC Specialty Automotive Center in Linden, NJ. I have all of the receipts. I believe it IS a 4 bolt. It may have also been in Florida for a while. Do you know of a way to find out where it was originally sold, etc....thanks

Has anyone ever heard know of this place called BBC in Linden, NJ? thanks

New JERSEY?? Git a rope!

Sorry, BBC is just one in a long list of things I'm sure I've never heard of.

The only method I'm aware of for tracing vehicle history is backtracking through each previous owner to get the one before . . . and the one before him . . . and the one before him . . . and all because most of our Vettes don't have VIN's that CARFAX can understand. I've tracked mine back to 1991, but may have hit a dead end. Would love to hear other suggestions. ANYBODY??

John

What you may want to do if you're trying to locate all the owners of your Corvette is to join the NCRS. They publish a report in which you can advertise and post the VIN of your machine along with contact information. I've never personally used this service, but everytime I get their magazine, it is filled with people like yourself searching for info on a car or searching for a car with a specific VIN.

Hope that helps