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Old Jun 3, 2020 | 02:04 PM
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Default Big block

Hi
how to know with the VIN if the corvette before 72 is a big block ?
thank you
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Old Jun 3, 2020 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by planet-automobile
Hi
how to know with the VIN if the corvette before 72 is a big block ?
thank you
You cannot. The VIN pre-72 just shows that it is a Chevy Corvette with a V8, built in St. Louis. Coupe or Convertible then the sequential number it was built. It would be nice if you could tell a big block pre-72 because there sure are a lot more big block vettes today than St. Louis ever made.
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Old Jun 3, 2020 | 03:01 PM
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Frames were the same as well. Also, suspensions have changed over the 50yrs with their owners, So, unless they still have the tank sticker, really no way to tell.
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Old Jun 3, 2020 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by KingRat
...You cannot...
I agree. There is no option information in the earlier VINs.
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Old Jun 3, 2020 | 05:31 PM
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Ok Thank you
1972 only ls5?
1971 ls5 and ls6
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 06:52 AM
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Doesn't the protect-o-plate have that information?
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 08:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 3X2
Doesn't the protect-o-plate have that information?
Mine does, it has the engine code on the protect-o-plate, T0406CPH.
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by 71 Green 454
Mine does, it has the engine code on the protect-o-plate, T0406CPH.
so does mine for my dod's 69. I didn't know if one for a 72 would also have that information.
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 3X2
so does mine for my dod's 69. I didn't know if one for a 72 would also have that information.
For 1972, the 5th character in the vin designates the engine.
K= Base engine
L= LT1
W= 454
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 11:03 AM
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Most old Corvettes do not have any paper work because dealers thru it all away before selling it. Some things to look at are radiator, expansion tank, rear end for caps not U bolts. All these can be changed but would be hard to do.
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 03:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 3X2
...Doesn't the protect-o-plate have that information?...
Protect-O-Plates are great if you have one. For a lot of us, they're long gone.
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Old Jun 4, 2020 | 08:20 PM
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yes most protecto plates are long gone,

there are over a dozen or more characteristics, some depending on the year, that will point toward the car being built as a big block.

all can be faked by aftermarket purchases.. but people are lazy and most times will not fake all of them.
or the other way around.. an truly original big block car may have a small block radiator in it now.... further confusing things.
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Old Jun 5, 2020 | 01:31 PM
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In the absence of all else, the tank sticker is your friend.
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Old Jun 5, 2020 | 03:04 PM
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Originally Posted by peyc2
In the absence of all else, the tank sticker is your friend.
Unless, like most, your friend has dried up and crumbled away. (You may find a second friend stashed up under the dash, though not likely.)
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Old Jun 6, 2020 | 11:23 PM
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If you’re lucky enough to be looking at a car originally sold in Canada you can get the details from the GM Historical group. Here’s the paperwork on my ‘71 LS5.



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