Chevrolet LT-1


The LT-1 was a Small-Block engine produced by Chevrolet between 1970 and 1972. It was available exclusively in the sport and pony lines and was produced in relatively low quantities. It is regarded today as one of the greatest Chevrolet Small Blocks, an engine that has been in production since 1955.

History

Chevrolet introduced the LT-1 in 1970, making it available in both the Corvette and Camaro. In the Camaro, the engine was available only through the Z/28 option. It was the first year that the Z/28 option consisted of a engine, as between 1967 and 1969 the option gave a motor. The LT-1 was also available in the Corvette both as an engine option and as part of the high-performance ZR-1 option. Between 1970 and 1972 only 53 Zr's were produced, making it one of the rarest Corvettes. The LT-1 had an 11.0:1 compression ratio, Holley 4-barrel carburetor, and solid lifters. For the first year the LT-1 was rated at in the Corvette and in the Camaro. Despite the disparity in ratings, there was no difference between the engines.
In 1971 the compression ratio was decreased to 9.0:1 and horsepower decreased to, now the same in Corvette and Camaro. A net horsepower rating of was also given. In 1972 the rating decreased again, now to a net of. Gross horsepower was not given in 1972.
In 1970 a Nova could also be ordered with an LT-1 via a Central Office Production Order. Fifty of these were ordered by Don Yenko at Yenko Chevrolet and were converted into Yenko Deuces. Yenko also converted another 125 L65 Novas into LT-1 Deuces. Another two COPOs were ordered by Central Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in London, Ontario, and were left as-is.

LT1

In 1992 General Motors introduced the LT1, Small Block whose name was a tribute to the original LT-1. This engine was available through 1997. In a dynamometer test conducted by Super Chevy comparing a 1970 LT-1 and a 1996 LT1, the old motor produced at 5,600 rpm and of torque at 4,100 rpm, while the new motor produced at 5,700 rpm and of torque at 3,800 rpm.

Production numbers