71 VIN versus Engine code
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 375
Likes: 22
From: Abita Springs Louisiana
71 VIN versus Engine code
Looking at a 1971 project. The vin indicates a late 71 build sequence; 20797. The engine is the correct model CPH (454/365 manual) but the id number is 20906..... Any ideas? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 375
Likes: 22
From: Abita Springs Louisiana
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,906
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
Were the transmissions also stamped with a VIN in 1971? There are other places to look, too, but I'd certainly check there.
Most likely, it's a replacement engine. Could have been a big-block upgrade later in the car's life, as the engine is not specified in a 71 VIN. There are places to look to see if the big block is original to the car.
https://corvettec3.ca/engines.htm
https://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
Less likely, it's a replacement VIN. I'd run all 4 VINs and check before buying the car, just to protect yourself (why 4 VINs? Coupe vs. convertible)
194671S120797
194371S120797
194671S120906
194371S120906
Most likely, it's a replacement engine. Could have been a big-block upgrade later in the car's life, as the engine is not specified in a 71 VIN. There are places to look to see if the big block is original to the car.
https://corvettec3.ca/engines.htm
https://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
Less likely, it's a replacement VIN. I'd run all 4 VINs and check before buying the car, just to protect yourself (why 4 VINs? Coupe vs. convertible)
194671S120797
194371S120797
194671S120906
194371S120906
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 1,801
From: Apple Valley, MN
Were the transmissions also stamped with a VIN in 1971? There are other places to look, too, but I'd certainly check there.
Most likely, it's a replacement engine. Could have been a big-block upgrade later in the car's life, as the engine is not specified in a 71 VIN. There are places to look to see if the big block is original to the car.
https://corvettec3.ca/engines.htm
https://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
Less likely, it's a replacement VIN. I'd run all 4 VINs and check before buying the car, just to protect yourself (why 4 VINs? Coupe vs. convertible)
194671S120797
194371S120797
194671S120906
194371S120906
Most likely, it's a replacement engine. Could have been a big-block upgrade later in the car's life, as the engine is not specified in a 71 VIN. There are places to look to see if the big block is original to the car.
https://corvettec3.ca/engines.htm
https://corvettec3.ca/vin.htm
Less likely, it's a replacement VIN. I'd run all 4 VINs and check before buying the car, just to protect yourself (why 4 VINs? Coupe vs. convertible)
194671S120797
194371S120797
194671S120906
194371S120906
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,906
Likes: 4,479
From: Virginia
It may be period correct where it sits now, but unless there is documentation with the car, you'll need to find other evidence to prove that the car came with a 454 LS5 at all. In the very least, check the VIN on the transmission.
If (both) VINs check out as "not stolen", then decide if you want to buy the car and enjoy it. But don't pay a premium for a numbers matching big block car, which this car is not.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,016
Likes: 4,371
From: Marlton NJ
Would be a nice project and vette to drive.
Just don't pay a premium for an original numbers matching big block car, which this car is not.
And it is very hard to prove it was ever a big block originally.
So it is just a NOM vette project.
Just don't pay a premium for an original numbers matching big block car, which this car is not.
And it is very hard to prove it was ever a big block originally.
So it is just a NOM vette project.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,008
Likes: 4,166
From: US-PNW
I also do not believe this is a factory anomaly - just too many unit numbers in between. Have you checked for the VIN stamp on the frame? If it matches the body, then the engine was installed from another car. If the frame matches the engine, the chassis was re-bodied.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 1,801
From: Apple Valley, MN
Whoever in the past selected the current engine was thoughtful enough to know that a “period correct” replacement engine (at least the block) was more valuable for resale than, say, a truck block. However, at the end of the day, it is still a NOM engine car. Nothing wrong with that, but needs to be priced accordingly.