Probably not!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Probably not!!
Fellas, just bought a 1972 Ontario Orange that needs work (pic's coming). The engine is probably not original. When looking for the letter/numbers on the passenger side pad (which is about 1.25x1.25 inches square) all that is there are the last 5 numbers of the VIN #. I've read to I'm blue in the face about all the stamping/casting numbers. The casting numbers make sense, but that only gets me in the ballpark.
I thing it a later motor, possibly truck engine that has been re-stamped. Any thoughts??
I thing it a later motor, possibly truck engine that has been re-stamped. Any thoughts??
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I bought the car from the original owner (a lawyer) He never touched the car himself. Its a small block. I can't imagine anyone wanting to steal a 200 hp engine?? I think something went wrong over the last 40 years and someone just put another motor in it
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,174
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Tom,
For the pictures.... upload the pictures from your computer to a site like Photobucket. Then copy the IMG code under the picture (s) you want us to see. Paste the IMG code in the message of your post or below it. You see the codes but we see the pictures.
The 'pad' on a 72 era small block is about 3/4" wide and about 3" long. It changed shape in later years; so your thoughts about a later truck engine could well be. It's certainly not the end of the world if you like the car and didn't pay 'original engine' money!
I'd like to see some pictures too, so I hope you get the pics figured out. It's easy after the first time!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
71 Small Block
For the pictures.... upload the pictures from your computer to a site like Photobucket. Then copy the IMG code under the picture (s) you want us to see. Paste the IMG code in the message of your post or below it. You see the codes but we see the pictures.
The 'pad' on a 72 era small block is about 3/4" wide and about 3" long. It changed shape in later years; so your thoughts about a later truck engine could well be. It's certainly not the end of the world if you like the car and didn't pay 'original engine' money!
I'd like to see some pictures too, so I hope you get the pics figured out. It's easy after the first time!
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
71 Small Block
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,443
Likes: 326
From: Indy Indiana
I don't even have to look at the numbers on that pad.
That is not a 1972 engine stamp pad, looks more like made in mexico much later engine.
Alan's pic with the much wider stamp pad is what your car should look like. there should also be a date code back behind the distributor that will confirm it is not a 72 engine.
lets see...
1. original owner
2. never touched the car himself.
3. lawyer
i would be doubtful of the truth of statement 1 and 2.
statement 3 means he knows how to get away with how he represented the car.
That is not a 1972 engine stamp pad, looks more like made in mexico much later engine.
Alan's pic with the much wider stamp pad is what your car should look like. there should also be a date code back behind the distributor that will confirm it is not a 72 engine.
lets see...
1. original owner
2. never touched the car himself.
3. lawyer
i would be doubtful of the truth of statement 1 and 2.
statement 3 means he knows how to get away with how he represented the car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Unfortunately it's all true. The original owner is my nephew's Father-in-law. The stamping looks like the work of a 6th grader. Oh well, I literally stole the car and overall it's mechanically in good shape. I'll have something to play with for awhile. Thanks for all of your input. Iplan on stripping the paint later in the year, but I'm not planning on getting too radical (body off) Does anyone know of a good stripper to use?
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Auto Spray Strip is safe for fiberglass.
One of the two numbers on your engine pad should end with a two or three place alpha character code. That code identifies the engine. Post it and you might be able to determine the engine you have.
One of the two numbers on your engine pad should end with a two or three place alpha character code. That code identifies the engine. Post it and you might be able to determine the engine you have.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I thought the pad looked strange, never knew the design changed to a square pad. Learned something new..
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Yeah, I thought the pad looked strange to me too. Before getting too radical cleaning up the engine bay I'm seriously considering putting a crate motor in it before spring if I can sneek the pallet into the garage!!
Also thanks for the tip on the stripper. I've heard about the media blasting, but I'm not sure I have that available here in St. Louis
Also thanks for the tip on the stripper. I've heard about the media blasting, but I'm not sure I have that available here in St. Louis
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 17
From: GUTHRIE OKLAHOMA
Unfortunately it's all true. The original owner is my nephew's Father-in-law. The stamping looks like the work of a 6th grader. Oh well, I literally stole the car and overall it's mechanically in good shape. I'll have something to play with for awhile. Thanks for all of your input. Iplan on stripping the paint later in the year, but I'm not planning on getting too radical (body off) Does anyone know of a good stripper to use?
(sorry)
BTW, My first Vette was an Ontario Orange '71 coupe.
