Matching Engine Numbers
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside NY
Matching Engine Numbers
I recently purchase a 71 Vette that I believed to be a number matching car since the vin# numbers matched the partial vin# on the engine pad. When I looked at the block suffix code I noted the suffix to be CKX which is a 72 block according to all the literature.
Does anyone know if there was an exception to suffix block code in 71 or did I purchase a car with a re-stamp vin# on the engine block pad?
Does anyone know if there was an exception to suffix block code in 71 or did I purchase a car with a re-stamp vin# on the engine block pad?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
According to the NCRS, CKX is indeed a 1972 350 base engine. There's a chance that the car had a bad lump which may have been replaced by the dealer under warranty, but unfortunately there are people out there who re-stamp blocks, and it's all too possible you could have one. (For instance, there are more L88's today than the factory ever turned out.) If you're lucky, with a little detective work you may find the original owner who could shed light on this mystery for your.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
You are correct. No 71 code CKX. Hopefully your eyes need help and it is really CPX which is the only 71 code with an X in it and it is a 454 LS6 425 HP engine.
If not join the club you have been misled. It is a restamp and not a good one. You can also check the casting dates on the block and the heads to see when they were manufactured and compare that to the build date on the car. You can't build an engine after the car and expect to call it original or numbers matching.
I would suggest you contact the seller and tell him what you think.
If not join the club you have been misled. It is a restamp and not a good one. You can also check the casting dates on the block and the heads to see when they were manufactured and compare that to the build date on the car. You can't build an engine after the car and expect to call it original or numbers matching.
I would suggest you contact the seller and tell him what you think.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 624
Likes: 24
From: Shoreline WA
Any chance you could post a picture, or add a little something to your profile? It would help us help you.
On my '71 I also verified the code numbers/letters stamped on the alternator and carburator, plus there are some casting numbers on the Muncie and the rear differential.
There's a casting number behind number 7 cylinder on the housing that should indicate block type. Won't positively ID for the year but will confirm you're in the ballpark. Mine's 3970010 so it covers 12 years of small block chevys with various horsepower ratings.
Good luck.
On my '71 I also verified the code numbers/letters stamped on the alternator and carburator, plus there are some casting numbers on the Muncie and the rear differential.
There's a casting number behind number 7 cylinder on the housing that should indicate block type. Won't positively ID for the year but will confirm you're in the ballpark. Mine's 3970010 so it covers 12 years of small block chevys with various horsepower ratings.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
I recently purchase a 71 Vette that I believed to be a number matching car since the vin# numbers matched the partial vin# on the engine pad. When I looked at the block suffix code I noted the suffix to be CKX which is a 72 block according to all the literature.
Does anyone know if there was an exception to suffix block code in 71 or did I purchase a car with a re-stamp vin# on the engine block pad?
Does anyone know if there was an exception to suffix block code in 71 or did I purchase a car with a re-stamp vin# on the engine block pad?
What is your vin? What trans do you have? The engine suffix CKX tells me you have a base engine 72 with automatic trans. What do you think you have?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside NY
The Vette has a 350 with an automatic 400 transmission. I guess I need to look at the engine date to determine if the engine pad has a re-stamped VIN # on it.
Thanks for your advice!
Thanks for your advice!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Look at the rear of the engine block on the top pass side near the bellhousing. There will be a casting date code there that tells when the block was cast. If it was after the car build date you were scammed. There were some instances of very late build date cars with suffix codes of the following year. I had this happen with a 65 rear end that had a 66 suffix code (ratio code) and a late 65 model year assembly date.
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