So the LT-1 comes with all the original heads, valve covers, intake and carb.

They just arent on the car. (Much to my dismay).

So what I gather is that the heads needed to be changed when they went to unleaded fuel and that gave it hardened valve seats. (Or sumthin like that).

Ok, but why the intake and carb? Shouldnt those work with different heads?

Can I run the whole stock set up with todays fuel? If I have to add lead how hard is that?

Is it easy to check what heads are on it and if the stock, ribbbed, cool looking stock valve covers will fit?

The car runs great as is but I am very interested in the car being as original as possible.

John, take the original heads to a competent machine shop, and have them install hardened valve seats in them. Then you can re-install the original set-up(heads, intake, etc) without worrying about unleaded fuel.
Don't know what heads are on the turd()just kiddin now, so we can't say for certain why the intake, carb, and vcovers aren't on it. If they are small block, GM heads, all of the other stuff should bolt right on, unless they are "Vortec" heads or such. If the valve covers on it now have the normal, four bolts on the outer perimeter of the covers like the ones on your '73, then the original LT1 v covers should bolt right on...

So all I have to do is have them hardened valve seats installed?

HOW COOL!!!!!!!!!!

Well, they'll need to make sure the valves are in good condition, as well as the heads. as far as cracks, etc., but, yeah...if there are no other problems, hardened seats, and grinding the valves will make them un-leaded friendly.

i believe they are vortec heads, and intake with a elderbrook performer carb

[QUOTE=1BadLT1]i believe they are vortec heads, and intake with a elderbrook performer carb [/QUOTE]

If they are vortec heads, they will have the valve cover bolts through the center of the valve covers. I ran into that when I changed the heads on my 66.

Vortec heads would explain having to use a different intake, and valve covers, for sure. The bolts holes in the heads for the intake are in a different orientation than a "stock" intake, and, as Jim stated, they have the "center bolt" valve covers.
They do make adapters for the heads that will allow the use of the older, 4-bolt valve covers...

New Vortec head make more horsepower than your original LT1 heads, so you will lose a little power, but gain a lot of coolness.

Larry

Just look at all the info I gained with one little topic.

I will look into the adapters for the stock covers and also just what it will cost to get all the stock parts back on.

Just how much power do the vortec heads add? The thing is a rocket thats for sure.

Dont hesitate to educate me more!

Why do you need to change anything? The LT1 runs like a Bear now.
I would just keep all the original stuff and enjoy the LT1 like it is. Unless you are doing a full restoration on the boy! Larry won at least 2 trophies with it the way it is.  just my .02