Could a 454 block cast in 8/69 with a code of TO530CPA be an original motor in a 71 Chevelle or El Camino? Did GM have blocks just sitting around that long? I'm not sure and have not seen the actual block casting # so I'm not sure what it is.

I think it decodes to a Tonowanda built May 30 LS-5

1971 CPA Chevelle 454 365 Mt LS-5
1972 CPA Chevelle 454 270 Mt LS-5
1971 CPA Monte Carlo 454 365 Mt LS-5

Thanks!

There should be a VIN on that block that would show the year. If its not on the pad in front, then look down by oil filter on rear block flange.

http://www.synthetic-oil.com/images/code_locations.jpg

Thanks Mike...I'm gonna go look for it myself later this week. He got the Engine Code but does not see a VIN there.

I have a '71 SS454 car (with build sheet). It was built at the Van Nuys plant. The block is a 512 block cast Dec. 1969. The motor was assembled in August, 1970. My car was built second week of Septempber 1970. The CPA code is stamped on the engine pad (along with the assembly date), the vin derivative is stamped in the rough casting by the oil filter. There is no vin# stamped on the pad at all. The vin derivative matches my car. I think the assembly date is more important than the casting date.

Thanks Dwayne...that helps a lot! I guess it can be the original engine in this car then. I was a little suspect due to the length of time between casting and building. I'm gonna look for the VIN this weekend when I see the car in person.

Where did you find the build sheet on your car? Is it an El Camino or Chevelle?

It's a chevelle. The build sheet was under the back seat. I think that most of the engines were used up pretty quickly, but I'm sure there were plenty of engines with more time between casting and assembly. Just like any manufacturing environment, there is always some "old" inventory that is pushed to the side for whatever reason.