not sure this is the right section for this but here it goes........
I have a 1971 chevelle ss which as far as i can tell is a surviver car(49000 miles). Original paint ect. I have ran the numbers on the trans and rear and the casting dates and codes are correct and matching for the car. I also found a hand written build sheet in the rear seat with several options on it. I find this very strange! the car was built at the Arlington plant and i have heard they do some weird things.
Now for the good part the engine seems to be correct in every detail but after running the code (which is TO424JA casting date 4/20) it appears to be a 1969 chevelle 402. There is no vin stamped anywhere on the engine. The car has a build date of first week of june does this mean this is not the orignal motor or is it possible(being Arlington it is) Any opinions would be welcome
thanks Kingdaddycreel A.C.E.S member #06582

JA is the suffix code for a 69 396/325 manual trans (not a 402 as I had a JA coded block), a 402 should be stamped CJA. There might also be a partial VIN stamped on the oil filter pad, check here for exactly where (http://www.chevellestuff.com/69velle/images/v8engine_stamp_location.jpg).

which is TO424JA casting date 4/20There should be a year as the last digit in 420?

Could this be 4 2 0 for May 2, 1970?

Judging from the 2 digit suffix code though, (they used 3 digits from 1970 onward . It appears you have a transplanted engine ).

1. But why if the car is that low on miles??

2. unless it is not an SS to begin but a clone?

3. Or was it a SS 350 that someone stuck in a 402 in order to make it appear to be a SS 396 (more likely)? [Car will sell for more $$ with big block.]

4. Or did someone re-stamp an engine with the wrong code, you don't have a VIN code on block anywhere and it should be there. Should not have left plant without it.

5. Do you have the warranty booklet with the metal POP plate attached?


Arlington operated just like the rest of the plants. The hand written options sheet is just that, something a line worker wrote down to aide his work. Maybe a new guy learning the ropes who needed a "cheat sheet" to keep up with the fast moving production line. There is no way they would write down these on regular basis, maybe a paper jam in the teletype. The cars were rolling down the line at a fast pace, no time to write stuff down. All the feeder lines (seat shop) had to keep pace or the car would be there and the seat would not be. Someone would be fired! Oops union shop, can't be fired, aha promoted to supervisor then.

Not trying to down grade you car but these are questions that came to mind.

Thanks guys for the info... I pretty much have figured it wasn't the original engine. To bad because the car is sweet!!!!. IT has the factory cowl hood and original paint along with big block springs (tags are still on them). Going to check the numbers on the heads and tear it apart to look for a build sheet. I don't have the POP plate(unfortually) but am trying to ask the former owner to try and trace the car back threw its owner/s..It makes me wounder what happened to the engine? Who knows with a 4 speed car anything could have happened.
AS Far as your comment about the union isn't that the truth.....I'm in one i should know :D .
Feel free to reply at will with your opinions.
kingdaddycreel member A.C.E.S # 065821