I'm looking at a '72 LT1 that supposedly came with A/C, but owner has no documentation to prove it. Is there any way to tell for sure that it came with A/C originally from the factory without docs? It does have the lower 5600 RPM redline tach, so that's one sign that it is original, right? But are tachs dated? What else can I check?

Steve

I would say that if all factory under-hood, under-dash, and in-dash components are present and hooked up properly, it is extremely probable that it was factory-equipped with A/C. I just don't think it likely that anyone would go to the trouble to retro-fit factory air in a totally correct manner. Also, I would think the risk of being found out trying to sell a bogus air LT-1 versus selling a correct non-air LT-1 isn't worth it.

Are the astro ventilation ducts at the rear of the of the storage compartment have vents or plates that block them? Do they look original? They should have the plates on them, a/c cars did not have astro ventilation, although the side glass said it did.

In addition, the NCRS Judging Manual for 70-72 should give some information. As I recall, A/C was only offered in the last few months of production (maybe May 1972??). The serial number would have to reflect that late build date. I saw an ad for a 72 LT1 with a/c built in the first half of the model year. Of course, no documentation on it and I would bet a dinner that it was bogus.

Gary

The LT-1s with air had the same engine number as the California cars since they were all equipped with a detuned cam shaft.

Ultimately if they are asking big bucks for LT1 air car it better have tank sticker / protect a plate or some other form of documentation. Not sure did the LT 1 air cars also have larger alternator pulley to help with belt throwing?? Good luck - the more rare the option the more documentation you need to see. lots of bogus cars out there.

I would think that it is more likely that it is a factory A/C car but a bogus LT-1 rather than a LT-1 with bogus air. My '69 350/350 has original factory air and after seeing all of the components necessary to make it work and what it would take to make it look original I would be very suprised to see anyone fake an original A/C system.

My biggest concern would be to make sure its a legitimate LT-1, I've heard of several fakes and I know someone who returned one to a major Chicago corvette auction after discovering it was a fake.

Best of luck and let us know how it turns out!!

At the AACA show at Hershey this past Saturday, there was a 1970 "LT-1" with A/C. I too would guess this set-up to be a bogus engine, not A/C, but of course there is no question about this one being wrong. There was also a '72 with half white, half saddle interior, and a '68 with side pipes. Not a good showing at a top-shelf show.

GaryS is right. It was offered late '72 to boost bad sales. The A/C belt was coming off at hi revs, that's why the lower rpm rating. Rare find, if it's a late VIN # go for it

I've had a non-air LT-1 for 11 years and I just don't see why anyone would want an LT-1 with A/c. Just because there were only 280 made? There was good reason why Chevy did not offer with A/C, it slowed down the car. Most LT-1's that were bought had the Somg pump removed the first weekend they owned the car. My smog pump is gone and I have seen no reason to pay over $1,000 to replace something that will make the car go slower. By the way the LT-1 was the only small block that needed a smog pump to pass emissions. The object of the LT-1 was to get the power of the big block with less weight for better handling and driving. I laugh when I see someone with a A/C LT-1 because they just don't get it! Mine has a 4:11 rear end, manual steering and close ratio 4-speed.

Sorry, but I had to get this off my chest. My rant is very similar to when the guy in the movie "Animal House" smashes the guitar after listening to a queer sing a bad song!

Pass on the car LT-1's were not meant for A/C.