Is this an LT1???

Parrott Head · #1 03-06-2006, 01:16 AM

Ok, I am in the process of buying a '94 decomissioned cop car. They advertised it as having an LT1 5.7L. When I decoded the VIN through here, GM Vin Information , the car's VIN has an 8th digit of W, which means it is a L99 4.3L.
I haven't picked up the car yet, but I have pics of the engine bay. Do the 4.3Ls look like this?

HUSTLEMANLV · #2 03-06-2006, 04:50 AM

4.3

CD Smalley · #3 03-06-2006, 05:04 AM

W = wimpy 4.3
P = powerful LT1

Pretty much impossible to tell by looking at the engine as they are physically the same size. But based on your VIN, W= wimpy 4.3.

1986Z28 · #4 03-06-2006, 01:56 PM

yeah thats a 4.3, the guy is BS you, they look alike but as cd said w=4.3, p =LT1=)

HLandin · #5 03-06-2006, 07:31 PM

One other way would be to decode the VIN on the engine which will tell you about the engine (similar concept to the VIN for the car).

Parrott Head · #6 03-07-2006, 12:26 AM

Well after I told the guy to go look at the Catalyst sticker under the hood he seemed embarrassed and said he made a mistake.
He said I could have it for $2000.00.
It's got 100,000 miles and I think I am going to get it.
Is that a fair price?

1986Z28 · #7 03-07-2006, 01:21 PM

DOSENT SOUND TO BAD, post a pic of the spid, if its really a 9c1 car it would be worth it

cavie 00 · #8 03-08-2006, 07:58 PM

the easiest way to tell from the LT1 and a L99, the LT1 has dual exhaust and the L99 has a single exhaust. you'll prolly figure it out by the size of the engine. one more thing infront of the engine where the fan sits theres a discription of what motor is in it.

1986Z28 · #9 03-08-2006, 08:38 PM

but some may do a custom exhaust on the 4.3 then theres no way to tell, the way with the VIN is really easy

cavie 00 · #10 03-09-2006, 02:15 AM

true but i thought this guy was picking up a striaght ex cop car so i really dun thin cops would have custom dual exhaust systems

1986Z28 · #11 03-09-2006, 01:38 PM

also true, but you never know

mhowe1182 · #12 03-09-2006, 02:04 PM

that not an lt1. i had a camro that had lt1 and its easy to tell if it is or not.

1986Z28 · #13 03-09-2006, 05:38 PM

the lt1 in a caprice and a camaro look different, the lt1's in a caprice look just like that

Parrott Head · #14 03-10-2006, 12:38 AM

Pickup up the Caprice yesterday and it runs, drives, steers, brakes and corners great.
Looked at the SPID label tonight (too dark to take a pic), the ones that stood out are: 9C1 (Police package) and G80 (limited slip rear).

I found the brochure that list some of the codes, anyone know where I can find a complete list to decode all of my SPID codes?

I am happy with the car, thanks fellas and I will be hanging around here more often now

BTW- it has a 6Y1 code which is "molding non-installed - bodyside front doors". What is the use of this? I am tempted to take the rest of the trim off to match the doors but there is alot of glue/adhesive behind them.

CD Smalley · #15 03-10-2006, 06:12 AM

6Y1 is useful if you a police department that uses a big shield for a logo on the front doors... No moulding makes it easier to install the logo....

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