1971 Corvette Engine Suffix Code Errors
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2013
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1971 Corvette Engine Suffix Code Errors
I was wondering if anyone out there has come across engine suffix code errors in engines in 1970 or 1971 corvettes? I know in these years there were a lot of parts issues with the strike and shortened productions.
For example I have a 1971 LS-5 454 Corvette. Block is Cast A-24-71, Pad is stamped T0222CPH. Correct VIN is there as well.
CPH as i understand is for a 454 4 speed car. This car is an automatic. Stamping looks correct and based on how the engine looks, it has not been apart. Has the correct Radiator with MH tag. Correct Console, plate and engine spec tag ( not reproduction). i will try to post a picture of the stamping. Any help?
For example I have a 1971 LS-5 454 Corvette. Block is Cast A-24-71, Pad is stamped T0222CPH. Correct VIN is there as well.
CPH as i understand is for a 454 4 speed car. This car is an automatic. Stamping looks correct and based on how the engine looks, it has not been apart. Has the correct Radiator with MH tag. Correct Console, plate and engine spec tag ( not reproduction). i will try to post a picture of the stamping. Any help?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,171
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ryan,
Since the transmissions have a VIN derivative stamp on them that was done with the same stamp that was used for the engine's pad it would be interesting to see if both VIN stampings have the same characteristics and peculiarities.
Regards,
Alan
Since the transmissions have a VIN derivative stamp on them that was done with the same stamp that was used for the engine's pad it would be interesting to see if both VIN stampings have the same characteristics and peculiarities.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2013
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I'm in process of determining the trans stamp. Where the VIN should be it had some numbers that don't make sense, they are in the larger font ( similar to the assembly stamp on the block). The trans tag is to dirty to read, will remove the exhaust to verify.
As for NCRS, no. I will post on their site and see what they say.
As for NCRS, no. I will post on their site and see what they say.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
I'm sure that, in that era, LOTS of 'oddball' assembly errors were made. Some due to human error...some due to being out-of-stock on the 'correct' part. As mentioned above, if the VIN/Serial No. [segment] of the stamping on the engine, frame rail, and transmission are the same, AND they appear to have been created with the same number stamp, it would be proof enough for me that the car came from the factory that way.
If those numbers don't appear to be made with the same stamp, one (or more) of those stamped components has been "doctored".
If those numbers don't appear to be made with the same stamp, one (or more) of those stamped components has been "doctored".
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
At Tonawanda, I'm not sure there would have been much difference between an LS-5 for 4 speed (CPH) and one for TH400 (CPJ). The differences would have been the items installed on the engine dress line at St. Louis (carburetor, clutch, etc.).
It is possible you could have a CPH engine replaced and reconfigured in the heavy repair section at the plant. If that occurred, it could explain the screwy VIN derivitive stamp.
Post pics of your engine pad.
Frame stamps were not hit or miss; all C3 frames were stamped. The first location is on the top of the frame rail about where your hip would be if you were sitting in the car. You cannot see this stamp with the body on the frame.
Same worker using the same machine then moved back to near the #4 body mount and stamped the top rail again.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jan 2, 2013 at 01:23 PM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,171
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Ryan,
I don't think the frame stamping was hit or miss in St.Louis.
The stamp was placed were I described it... on the left side frame rail, after the kick-up, just behind were the rear wheel is, and near the #4 body mount.
If the frame is exceptional rusty the characters may be gone. But even then you should be able to feel the area where the stamp was because the machine that stamped the frame was so powerful that it actually dented the frame slightly.
Good Luck with your search!
Regards,
Alan
I don't think the frame stamping was hit or miss in St.Louis.
The stamp was placed were I described it... on the left side frame rail, after the kick-up, just behind were the rear wheel is, and near the #4 body mount.
If the frame is exceptional rusty the characters may be gone. But even then you should be able to feel the area where the stamp was because the machine that stamped the frame was so powerful that it actually dented the frame slightly.
Good Luck with your search!
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
I was wondering if anyone out there has come across engine suffix code errors in engines in 1970 or 1971 corvettes? I know in these years there were a lot of parts issues with the strike and shortened productions.
For example I have a 1971 LS-5 454 Corvette. Block is Cast A-24-71, Pad is stamped T0222CPH. Correct VIN is there as well.
CPH as i understand is for a 454 4 speed car. This car is an automatic. Stamping looks correct and based on how the engine looks, it has not been apart. Has the correct Radiator with MH tag. Correct Console, plate and engine spec tag ( not reproduction). i will try to post a picture of the stamping. Any help?
For example I have a 1971 LS-5 454 Corvette. Block is Cast A-24-71, Pad is stamped T0222CPH. Correct VIN is there as well.
CPH as i understand is for a 454 4 speed car. This car is an automatic. Stamping looks correct and based on how the engine looks, it has not been apart. Has the correct Radiator with MH tag. Correct Console, plate and engine spec tag ( not reproduction). i will try to post a picture of the stamping. Any help?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2013
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I'll edit.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,596
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From: Shamong, NJ
All of the things needed to convert an automatic car, to 4 speed, are bolt on and easily changed. That is except for one, the transmission crossmember!
4 speed cars came with a welded in trans crossmember, while automatic crossmembers were bolted in. You didn't mention which crossmember your car has. If it has a bolted in crossmember, I'd say that your stamping is correct and that a previous owner, converted the car to a 4 speed. If it's a welded crossmember, then I'd guess that the block stamping may be a factory miss-stamp.
An awful lot of automatic Corvettes, have become 4 speeds over the years.
4 speed cars came with a welded in trans crossmember, while automatic crossmembers were bolted in. You didn't mention which crossmember your car has. If it has a bolted in crossmember, I'd say that your stamping is correct and that a previous owner, converted the car to a 4 speed. If it's a welded crossmember, then I'd guess that the block stamping may be a factory miss-stamp.
An awful lot of automatic Corvettes, have become 4 speeds over the years.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
All of the things needed to convert an automatic car, to 4 speed, are bolt on and easily changed. That is except for one, the transmission crossmember!
4 speed cars came with a welded in trans crossmember, while automatic crossmembers were bolted in. You didn't mention which crossmember your car has. If it has a bolted in crossmember, I'd say that your stamping is correct and that a previous owner, converted the car to a 4 speed. If it's a welded crossmember, then I'd guess that the block stamping may be a factory miss-stamp.
An awful lot of automatic Corvettes, have become 4 speeds over the years.
4 speed cars came with a welded in trans crossmember, while automatic crossmembers were bolted in. You didn't mention which crossmember your car has. If it has a bolted in crossmember, I'd say that your stamping is correct and that a previous owner, converted the car to a 4 speed. If it's a welded crossmember, then I'd guess that the block stamping may be a factory miss-stamp.
An awful lot of automatic Corvettes, have become 4 speeds over the years.
The car has the correct automatic cross-member that is bolted into the tabs on the frame. It has a Big Block Hydramatic trans currently in it, but i have yet to verify the info on the transmission. My concern is that the suffix code denotes a 454 4 speed, and i have an automatic, not the other way around. While it is possible to cut out the 4 speed and put in the automatic, I think that is highly unlikely, based on the bolts that hold the body to the frame the car has never been apart. Removing the 4 speed cross member and putting in the automatic would probably require the body to come off the car to get the top tab welded in. Based on other evidence on the car, original console, shifter plate, and heater controls, everything else correlates.
