Torch 97

Hi guys, I am over from the C5 forum so forgive me for my ignorance.
I have become aware of an auction for a 74 454 Convertible and have a couple of questions. The VIN number is 1Z67Z411433. Can you tell from the Vin whether this is in fact a big block or just has a big block hood. I assume the paint is not original since it is silver on top and maroon on the bottom the interior seats are silver which appear to be an original color. The car has a tan top which is not an original color. There are no markings on the engine, so how do I tell if it is in fact a 454. Since this is the last year of leaded fuel, can the car be run on unleaded or do you need to add a lead additive. Thanks in advance for your help.

rainman69

Should read: 1Z67Z4S411433

Decoded:

1Z67 -- Convertible
Z -- LS-4 454ci, 270hp
4S4 -- 1974
11433 -- Order off the assembly line: 11,433rd car built

That help?

Torch 97

You are right. It does read 4S4. Thanks for your input. If the car is in average to good condition do you have any thoughts on Value. They can't tell me what the mileage is. The Vin does read 1Z67Z4S411433. Thanks for the information it was just what I was looking for. The car has big chrome exhausts running down the side and is an automatic. Again thanks for the information.

Alwyn678

Is it a NOS car....That is the last year of the big blocks so if it is no's matching the car should be worth some CASH....In decent condition it should bring from 12 to 16k.....How is the rest of the car...Is it pretty much original..any pics....How is the body?? Does it have a split bumber..Does it have a hardtop....Did u check the paint codes on the door to see if it is original color..Post some Pics if ya can

73 LS-4

If they are saying it a mathcing #'s block it will have the vin number stamped on the block just ahead of the passenger side cylinder head, If it's not a matching car you can look for the casting number which I believe you can find behind the drivers side head in a larger stamping, this can be cross referenced to find out exactly what it's supposed to be from originally. A 74 454 can be run on either low lead or unleaded fuel, My 73's owner's manual says 91 octane or better, mine runs fine on premium haven't tried anything below that but the distributor was setup on premium when I recurved it. The silver interior was an option with just about any of the available exterior colors according to the black book.

:cheers:
Pat Kunz

Torch 97

It does have a split bumper, but it does not have a hardtop. The top is tan which is not a 74 color. Since the paint is a two tone silver and maroon, I assume it has been repainted. The paint looks much newer than the interior. The interior is dirty and is worn, the paint looks pretty good.

Thanks for the information. It is a bankruptcy court ordered auction so they don't make any reps about the car.

Steve Grodin

If it makes any differance to you side exhaust was not an available option on a '74.

Torch 97

The side exhaust is more of a custom thing they did. It comes out in the four pipes and then turns into a larger chrome exhaust. It is not like the gm side exhaust. I don't know if that means they had to change the headers for this or not.

rainman69

Actually, that style (typically Hooker manufactured now) was a hush-hush GM product for the 1968 Corvette.

Interesting story: I know a guy that owns a 1968 Coupe that is set up for the track. It has over-the-counter 1968 original sidepipes and headers :eek:. It also has the racing light setup...the style that has the lights permanently set in an up position (as there is a special light holder that sits in the hole from the vacuum lights) covered with a clear acrylic cover. They are GM original as well.

Kind of interesting when you start finding out things like this. Can anyone corroborate this information? He seems to know what he's doing, as the other car in the family is a 65 Fuelie Coupe, 375HP, 4-speed, and more...restored to factory original.

74-Roadster

When is the auction? And can you look it over in detail and test drive it before you bid?

There are several key items to look at to ensure the frame is still solid as well as the steel for the windshield.

Torch 97

The auction is on Saturday and the car is being kept indoors. I don't think they are letting anyone drive it. Maybe a rookie like me should steer clear of that kind of a sale, unless there is some price at which the car is just plain a steal. Thanks for the input.