I recently bought a 71 chevelle ss454 so I was told. I found the build sheet and there is no z15 rpo and the sheet lists the engine as a 350 two barrell with a 2:56 rear. Obviously it is not an SS454 but could it be a regular ss. What else can I look for to verify. It also lists PX6 F78x14 W/WALL which I believe is 14 inch wheels. I think I read somewhere that in 71' all ss chevelles came with 15 inch wheels.

im not a specialist at identifying SS but as i would figure i never seen a 2 barrel or a 2.56 rear one ever.

No Z15, no SS. In 71 and 72, the SS option could be ordered on a 350-2 and 350-4 engined car as well as the 402 and 454. I have a couple of Van Nuys build sheets for 71. One with a L65 engine (350-2) and the sheet says Z15 SS EQP PKG while a LS6 engined car says Z15 SS 454 PKG. Two other sheets from KC and Baltimore say Z15 SS 454 GROUP, both LS5 engines.

If the car was advertised as a real SS454, I'd go back to the seller and raise some stink. Could be fraud involved. If you think you paid for a true SS454 and was advertised that way, you may have some recourse if you want.

Make sure the build sheet VIN matches your car before raising any stink.
Ron

The vin definitely matches the build sheet. Is there anything else I can look for to prove its a plain jane malibu?

Well if you have the build sheet, it matches your VIN, and is does not have the Z15 RPO, then that should be all the proof you need.

Do you have a scan of the BS to post or even a good close-up photo then we will be more able to definitively say one way or the other.

I think I read somewhere that in 71' all ss Chevelle's came with 15 inch wheels This is true......15x7 in and were same as Z28 Camaro wheels...

Sounds like you were duped. I certainly would go back and let the seller know you discovered his scam if he indeed was the one who made the car. He could have been fooled too.

btw-I fella I know just came back from Florida lat week with a banged up 1971 SS 454 Chevelle. He was down there on some business (he is ATV/Boat dealer) and found it for sale. Seems it was damaged by hurricane Charlie and needs a lot of work. Think he said he got it from a insurance salvage company or something like that. He hauled it back with his 2004 Chevy HD on a trailer.

I don't have a scanner but I can fax it to you.

no, don't have one

Dale,

Is the 71 really a factory LS-6?

I was always under the impression there were only a couple of these made in 71 and none really hit the streets for sale through dealerships.

Fascinating....