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Lingenfelter LT1

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Old 03-10-2005, 02:44 PM
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Lingenfelter LT1

I`m looking at picking up an 89 IROC. Guy claims it has a Lingenfelter LT1, however I`m wondering if there is any way to validate his claims. I am travelling a good distance to pick this car up (cross country) and plan on taking it to dealer before purchase. It does have Lingenfelter "emblem" on top of throttle body but thats not a difficult trick. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Old 03-10-2005, 03:19 PM
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Sounds like somebody just put a lingenfelter throttle body on a regular lt1 to me.

Most tools you can pick out pretty easy once you meet them.
Old 03-10-2005, 04:27 PM
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Try asking him what it is about the car that makes it a "Lingenfelter"
It could be that it belonged to John Lingenfelter, or maybe it has a Lingenfelter built engine, or maybe just a couple of bolt on parts.
It should be possible to certify any claims that are made as far as authenticity is concerned.
Talk to the guy and see if he seems credible.
If he's selling something that is supposed to have some additional value, he ought to be able to substantiate that very easily, in a way that makes you feel comfortable about the sale.
Old 03-10-2005, 05:33 PM
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He seems to be knowledgable about the car. States it will run an 11.9 quarter with 430 horse at the rear wheels. Will a GM dealer be able to tell me if the motor is what he says it is? It is supposibly a lingenfelter crate engine. I feel totally comfortable with the sale. The car isn`t show condition as it was his track car. Thanks so far for the help!
Old 03-10-2005, 08:39 PM
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It seems like calling Lingenfelter to find out if there's any way of authenticating whether it's one of their engines might be a good step.
Old 03-10-2005, 08:51 PM
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no way a dealer will know.
Old 03-10-2005, 09:04 PM
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Car: Camaro Z281991 Engine: 5.7L/350 TPI Transmission: TH700R4 ··································· Car: Acura CL 1998
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I'd ask for a buid sheet or a reciep.
Old 03-10-2005, 09:43 PM
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Good place to start would be by opening the hood and seeing if it's a LT1 at all. Get a pic and receipts before paying for any of this. I'd be inclined to be suspicious.

If it's not, and there's no blower or nitrous, then his "430 HP" claim is one of those "well it came from the factory with 240; and this cam is worth 75, and the cat-back exhaust said up to 30, and the CAI is worth 20, and the Tornado gives me 5%says so right on the box, so I just add it up and it comes to 430".

What are you going to take it to a dealer for? I doubt they'll want it for anything; Lingenfelter LT1 or no. Dealers (new car dealers that is) aren't interested in a car that old, and know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WHATSOEVER about aftermarket anything. Take pride in knowing nothing about the aftermarket in most cases, in fact; all they know is genuine GM (or F*rd or Toyota or whatever), and even that only for the last 5 or 6 years.

Sounds to me like sucker bait.
Old 03-11-2005, 11:06 AM
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Alright then. Well the plane tickets are already booked and what not. Worse comes to worse I look at the car and dont buy it and enjoy my trip to Cali. I`m very suspicious with the car. I spoke to lingenfelter and they can validate if the engine was purchased by looking in their books for the sellers name. If dealer can't do anything then well save myself a couple of bucks there. Would it be worthwhile for me to have them look through the car just to make sure it will make it back to NY. Sorry for being such a newb I appreciate all the help.
Old 03-11-2005, 11:08 AM
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Also I have plenty of pictures of the car. Couple of the motor, would one of you be willing to check them out and tell me if its an LT1? I know the intake and all of that looks similar to what is on my 87 305 seems like it sits a bit higher. I`d appreciate it if you would/could.
Old 03-11-2005, 11:24 AM
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Yup, post em. Those motors are pretty easy to tell apart.
Old 03-11-2005, 11:27 AM
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he must have reciepts......timeslips etc. ....BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old 03-11-2005, 12:09 PM
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Heres one.
Attached Thumbnails Lingenfelter LT1-c-documents-settings-brad  
Old 03-11-2005, 12:11 PM
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Pic 2
Attached Thumbnails Lingenfelter LT1-c-documents-settings-brad  
Old 03-11-2005, 12:12 PM
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Not a LT1.

That's a TPI motor, with the runners painted black and the plenum painted red.

Lie #1 exposed.

OK, so now you know the guy is a liar. What other sunshine has he pumped your lower orifice full of?
Old 03-11-2005, 12:16 PM
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Is it possible that it is the lingenfelter block with a TPI set up? He`s been very straight forward about it all. Claims car has 95k did check on all of that and is clean. Its a 5 speed conversion, 3 inch exhaust, 17" wheels, needs interior work and the clear coat is peeling/fading whatever you want to call it. He`s asking 6200. Thats initially why I was skeptical because Lingenfelter charges 9100 for the motor. Would it be a worthwhile investment once I see track slips?
Old 03-11-2005, 12:17 PM
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And/or dyno slips. Sry bout that. I spoke with Lingenfelter and they show no purchase by the guys name.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:22 PM
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Well, enjoy the trip to cali (Im in SoCal, High Desert) The weather is great right now, so hope you enjoy your stay.

Too bad about the car...
Old 03-11-2005, 12:25 PM
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6200 will get you a high mileage LT1 CAR in this area.....

This guy might SEEM nice, or SEEM trustworthy... but either:

A) He is lying out his @ss
B) He doesnt know WTF he's got
C) You didnt hear him right


I'd be willing to bet it's a little of A and B. That TPI setup looks clean, but aesthetic's dont get 11 time slips.

If you really want to see if this guy has the motor that he's claiming.. when you go down there tell him that you will buy it under the condition that he, or you, runs it at the track and it gets atleast into the 12's to proove that it's what he says it is.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:26 PM
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I don't know... sounds to me like nothing the guy says is for real.

Yes it is possible that some portion of the engine (besides just the throttle body cover plate) came from Lingenfelter. Not likely if they have no record, I would have to say though.

If it was me, I'd have to see it all in writing, from a reputable source; dyno printout, track slips, receipts, etc. Otherwise, it's just an old car, that somebody stuck some earlier-model (or otherwise non-centerbolt valve cover) heads, some chrome valve covers, and Edlebrock TES onto; and did the usual "impress the viewer when I pop the hood without actually accomplishing anything" thing of painting all the TPI parts.

Without proof, I don't see how painting the runners and plenum and slapping a set of chrome valve covers on it, makes that car worth $2500 more than another one just like it with stock finished runners and plenum and stock VCs.

I think he's fishing for a sucker, to try to get top dollar for his car. Too bad he's lying in order to hook somebody that's not well enough informed to protect him/herself.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:29 PM
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Well I totally appreciate all the help. I`ve called and left him a message. Should hear back soon. Tell him I want to see dyno slips. If its actually putting out that much power (430) would it be worthwhile?
Old 03-11-2005, 12:31 PM
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This is mind boggling!
You're flying from the east coast to buy an f-body that you fell in love with online and...
It kind of sounds like you don't have much background with working on cars.
One thing that's a plus, is that an engine has to be in sound condition in order to pass smog here, and it's the sellers responsibility to provide the smog cert.

I hope for your sake that your credit limit is high and that you have luck on your side.
Even if it was an LT1, which it isn't.
There's nothing about that engine that's LT1, because it's nearly impossible to mount a TPI on top of an LT1 block.

Last edited by Streetiron85; 03-11-2005 at 12:36 PM.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:34 PM
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No credit, cash . Well sounds like this car is a flop. **** on it.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:34 PM
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You're driving it cross country right after purchasing it? Sounds like bad news.
Old 03-11-2005, 12:35 PM
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at least take it to a chassis dyno shop before you lay down the cash and see what kind of power it has .
Old 03-11-2005, 01:09 PM
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even timeslips can be had from antother car,...RWB is right, take it to a dyno or a track, that is the only way....if it runds a 12,3 then it's a 11.9 car probably....anyway,....I wouldn't even think about buying from that guy, from looking at the pics, it's nothing even near what he says I'm sure....stay away!
Old 03-11-2005, 01:24 PM
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It's beginning to become to much of a hassle. Hassle isnt a good thing. If he can produce a dyno sheet showing that the car is putting out the power maybe I`ll jump on it. Most likely not. Just wanted to say thanks for all the help! Sry to be such a noob. We all gotta start somewheres though right? Does anyone know of any IROCs on the east coast for sale? I`ll have to post in the wanted section. Thanks again guys I really appreciate it you saved me almost 10k dollars!!!
Old 03-11-2005, 01:44 PM
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Originally posted by xxphiberxx
It's beginning to become to much of a hassle. Hassle isnt a good thing. If he can produce a dyno sheet showing that the car is putting out the power maybe I`ll jump on it. Most likely not. Just wanted to say thanks for all the help! Sry to be such a noob. We all gotta start somewheres though right? Does anyone know of any IROCs on the east coast for sale? I`ll have to post in the wanted section. Thanks again guys I really appreciate it you saved me almost 10k dollars!!!
There are a TON of them. I'm a firebird guy and all I can find are Z28s and IROCs and I'm getting mad. The want ads here are awesome.
Old 03-11-2005, 01:50 PM
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heres a tip.


that TPI intake can NOT support 400rwhp.. nevermind 430.



there is not a single N/A TPI car on these boards running in the 11s on a stock intake. not a single one.




the guy lied. flat out lied... its not a LT1... the Lingenfelter name doesnt mean crap in this case... basicly the guy is trying to screw you over.


if i bought a plane ticket, only to see that when i got there... id probly punch the guy in the nuts....
Old 03-11-2005, 01:54 PM
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i wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Dude. I would slap him upside the left nad, and then kick him in the right one.
Old 03-11-2005, 03:21 PM
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Originally posted by xxphiberxx
Thanks again guys I really appreciate it you saved me almost 10k dollars!!!
And may have saved you from becoming homeless in Albuquerque
Old 03-11-2005, 03:23 PM
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I 2nd the above two posts. No way is he even making 430HP at the motor with that intake system let alone the rear wheels. We are talking naturally aspirated of course and not NOS. Like has been said it's not even an LT1. BUYER BEWARE. Allen
Old 03-12-2005, 08:44 AM
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6000? wow maybe I should ask more for my car
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