Pikeslayer

So I just purchased a 1971 Stingray. I was told it was a big block car originally but now has a 327 in it. Here is what I know about the car:

1. It has a very thick radiator (not sure if it is aluminum, looks like it)
2. It has a radiator overflow tank
3. Currently has a four speed
4. I can't find a rear sway bar on the car unless they hid it. Anyways, there is no typical chevy sway bar in the rear.
5. I can't locate the evap sticker to give a clue as to the engine
6. Haven't located the build sheet yet
7. I don't think the hood is correct for a big block. I thought there was a "big block" hood with hump in the front. Is this true?
8. Last but not least this was on the console (see pic).

Easy Mike

Congrats on the 71. Do you have any factory documentation with the car? Most of what you list describes a small block car. Have you checked the engine identification code on the block? Tach red line?

The console data plate is easily replaced and, while interesting, may not be original.

Keep in mind that if the car was an LS-6, the original engine is gone.

Good photo reference here. Worth the price of a copy:

Pikeslayer

Thanks Mike! I have no documentation. It currently has a 327 in it. I just want to know what originally was in it. Here is a pic of the tach.

Revi

The LT-1 & LS-6 cars were equipped with Holley carburetors so there should only be one fuel line running along the passenger side of the car from the fuel tank to the fuel pump.
If there are two fuel lines, it was a quadrajet equipped car (base engine, LS-5).

Edit: Your 6500rpm tach is correct for an LT-1 or LS-6.

Pikeslayer

I'll check that tonight!

Pikeslayer

The 327 that is in it now has a Quadrajet on it. If that helps.

Revi

Is the original transmission in the car? There should be a partial VIN stamped into the side of the transmission (and part/date code) that will match the VIN on the windshield post. If the transmission is an M-22, it may be a bit more circumstantial evidence of an LS-6 car.

Pikeslayer

It's still on the trailer, so it may be hard for me to get under there, but I'll give it a shot tonight. Thanks Revi!

Pikeslayer

What part of Pittsburgh you from Revi? I grew up an hour North of there.

Revi

Currently Mt. Lebo, moving to DFW this summer though.

Look on the passenger side of the transmission for the stampings.

bashcraft

Butler? Slippery Rock?

Pikeslayer

Grove City. You're from Butler, huh? Small world.

bashcraft

Yeah, a few miles south. Where you at now?

chazde3

Question on the fuel line for you. Did they only run one fuel line or did they have both lines and seal one off by the engine?

My '68 427 had a Holley carburetor and has 2 fuel lines running up the passenger side with one being pinched closed and unused up by the engine.

Pikeslayer

I live in Troy, Ohio now.

Revi

I believe the 70 AIM shows only one fuel line when a Holley is installed. I'll have to double check tonight.

This 70 LT-1 appears to only have one fuel line.
http://www.buyavette.net/1970%20Corv...%205426CJI.php

This 71 LT-1 appears to only have one fuel line.
http://www.buyavette.net/2054C%20197...For%20Sale.php

I guess there could be differences between years or wrong parts installed at the factory.
Is it possible your 68 originally come with a quadrajet?

chazde3

Definitely possible. I just thought the pinched fuel line was kind of odd, but would make more sense to be done aftermarket and not from the factory. I was told the car was originally a 427 bb car but the exact engine variant was unknown to that gentleman. Unfortunately though the car was my dad's for 40 years, not a lot of its history is known and most of the people that knew it are gone now.

Alan 71

Hi c3,
While St.Louis did some pretty strange things ON OCCASION, it's not likely that a fuel return line would be installed on a car and then pinched closed because it wasn't needed.
In fact I'd say that wouldn't have happened.
It would be interesting to see what it's hooked to at the tank end.
Regards,
Alan

Hammerhead Fred

1971 LS-6 came with two lines running the passenger side of the car: supply & return: just like the vast majority of the 1971 production.

On the other hand; a numbers matching M22 would be enough to confirm an LS-6. There are other clues which could be found via forum search - discussed many times. Seems odd that someone would go to the immense trouble of swapping out the tach and not bother with retaining/installing a much simpler mod like the rear sway bar.

Revi

What documentation are using for a return line on the LS-6?

Edit: You are correct. I found these two LS-6's and they have two fuel lines. (I wonder why the LT-1's only had one fuel line?)
http://www.buyavette.com/1971%20Corv...k%20xxxxVC.php
https://www.mecum.com/lot-detail/FL0...tible/4-Speed/

While I agree an M-22 may be a good indicator for an LS-6, the ZR-1's would also have used the 6500rpm tach/M-22. And while a bit more unlikely a plain jane LT-1 could also have been ordered with an M-22.