1970 engine stamp question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 9
From: Chapel Hill NC
1970 engine stamp question
I am looking at a 1970 L46, which owner swears in #'s matching, engine never out of car. He only sees a casting date and correct engine code (CTH) on the stamp pad. No 2nd stamping with VIN. He says there is a matching #'s VIN stamp on lower portion of engine near the oil filter, visible with car on lift. Is this possible or is this a big problem? Also, can a Dec 1969 engine build date match a very early production car (VIN <200)?
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,400
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From: Tampa Florida
I am looking at a 1970 L46, which owner swears in #'s matching, engine never out of car. He only sees a casting date and correct engine code (CTH) on the stamp pad. No 2nd stamping with VIN. He says there is a matching #'s VIN stamp on lower portion of engine near the oil filter, visible with car on lift. Is this possible or is this a big problem? Also, can a Dec 1969 engine build date match a very early production car (VIN <200)?
Thanks
Thanks
Also mentioned on the C3 registry about half way down the page:
http://www.1970corvetteregistry.org/mechdetails.html
"L-46 with Alternate VIN Derivative stamp location - this alternate location is more commonly found on Camaro's but there have been documented cases where during the initial days of 1970 Corvette production the VIN derivative was stamped near the oil filter. (#00307, A06 Build Date)"
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 9
From: Chapel Hill NC
Wow, extremely helpful, thank you. I assume having to explain this rare variant would not affect value of L46? Is it possible to have such an early production 1970 with a Dec 18 (1969) build date on engine stamp?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 111
Likes: 9
From: Chapel Hill NC
Not really, once I did research to determine legit. I think enough documentation on the web about this variation, plus tank sticker, etc. to be clear to any buyer including myself.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: PA
The explanation in this case is pretty straight forward... This is how most 1970 Corvette engines were stamped for the first two or three days of production. If everything else checks out, you're good to go.
Considering that 1970 Corvette production didn't start until January 5, 1970, it's not uncommon to see engines assembled in December 1969 destined for early January 1970 cars. Again, just the normal flow of production. If I remember correctly, my old 1970 coupe, #00538, had an engine assembly date of December 29 (1969).
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Stan Falenski
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Sadieville Kentucky
I am looking at a 1970 L46, which owner swears in #'s matching, engine never out of car. He only sees a casting date and correct engine code (CTH) on the stamp pad. No 2nd stamping with VIN. He says there is a matching #'s VIN stamp on lower portion of engine near the oil filter, visible with car on lift. Is this possible or is this a big problem? Also, can a Dec 1969 engine build date match a very early production car (VIN <200)?
Thanks
Thanks
Wes
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