Big block

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Jun 3, 2020 | 02:04 PM

planet-automobile

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 175

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From: France

Big block

Hi
how to know with the VIN if the corvette before 72 is a big block ?
thank you

Jun 3, 2020 | 02:38 PM

KingRat

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2002

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Quote:

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.

Jun 3, 2020 | 03:01 PM

pghvette454

Instructor

Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 145

Likes: 53

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.

Jun 3, 2020 | 03:14 PM

Easy Mike

Team Owner

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingRat

...You cannot...

I agree. There is no option information in the earlier VINs.

Jun 3, 2020 | 05:31 PM

planet-automobile

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 175

Likes: 5

From: France

Ok Thank you
1972 only ls5?
1971 ls5 and ls6

Jun 4, 2020 | 06:52 AM

3X2

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From: home

Doesn't the protect-o-plate have that information?

Jun 4, 2020 | 08:59 AM

71 Green 454

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Tampa Florida

Quote:

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.

Jun 4, 2020 | 09:20 AM

3X2

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 3,321

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From: home

Quote:

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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Jun 4, 2020 | 09:41 AM

71 Green 454

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 6,390

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From: Tampa Florida

Quote:

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

Jun 4, 2020 | 11:03 AM

#10

kenba

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2007

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From: PHOENIX AZ. WHAT A MAN WON"T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDE

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.

Jun 4, 2020 | 03:29 PM

#11

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

Cruise-In II Veteran

Quote:

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.

Jun 4, 2020 | 08:20 PM

#12

joewill

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,443

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From: Indy Indiana

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.

Jun 5, 2020 | 01:31 PM

#13

peyc2

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 882

Likes: 51

In the absence of all else, the tank sticker is your friend.

Jun 5, 2020 | 03:04 PM

#14

barkingrats

1967 Pedal Car Champion

Joined: Mar 2020

Posts: 8,893

Likes: 4,074

From: US-PNW

Quote:

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.)

Jun 6, 2020 | 11:23 PM

#15

Al T

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 798

Likes: 30

From: Alberta/Missouri....... depending when.

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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