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LS6 engine decode help with my 70SS

9.4K views 33 replies 12 participants last post by  Dave Birdwell  
#1 · (Edited)
First half of numbers match my vin...second half looks looks like my car was a TH400 car originally (now a muncie).....what do you pros think...am i missing the original tranny?

Whats funny is the muncie looks like it was a rebuild for an LS6....the muncie drivers side metal tag reads 978766WO..passenger side numbers are 3978764 GM1.. sideways "P" on top of "JP"....Patent No 3088336...then another 3925661.

Here's what started me on this...I read LS6 cars had 6500 redline tachometers...mine is 5500...I've had this car for 20+ years...I don't think that tachometer deal was 100 percent accurate all the time back in those days..do you?
 

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#2 ·
Hi Don.
Can you post some clearer pictures of the block numbers and the PXXXXX number from the trans? That code chould end in a "C" for an M22 if original.
It may help the experts here.
CRV is a manual and CRW is Auto from what I have.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Levon I'm not sure where you got your information but the ONLY original code for a 1970 LS6 with a TH400 is CRR. There is No CRW engine code for any Chevrolet engine produced in 1970. Perhaps you are thinking of the rear code of CRW for a 4;10 ratio found in an LS6. The code of CRW only appeared in 1972 for a Chevelle with a 270HP 454 TH400.

As far as the pad goes if you blow up the picture even though it is bad you will see a smooth pad with no broach marks. It is stamped incorrectly to the left side and as stated there is no way to stamp the vin in that location. Beyond that the real eyeopener in the stamp is the round back C . A real stamp has a flat backed C , also the T is cocked on the stamp and the 4 is not right. I have a Late April built LS6 /TH400 car that I have owned for 35 years with its original drivetrain..

Jim
 
#4 ·
HI Don.
On the pass side near the rear of the main case there will be a VIN number (small font) and a PXXXX(A,B, or C) stamp near it. That is the Production number and date produced of the Muncie
 
#5 ·
#7 ·
I'll bet tat the P0D200 is really P0D20C which is an April 20 M22

Some complete replacement engines came with CRR as when they were produced no one did not know which car they would be destined for. The mystery would be the VIN stamp associated with it.
 
#8 ·
I'd need better pics of the block stamp, but I'm not liking what I can see of it so far... can you get some better pictures of it??
 
#10 ·
Probably was a C on the tranny...could barely see up there...that picture of the block stamp is as good as it's going to get I'm afraid. But my numbers are correct on it. What would you like to know about the vin? I have that info ready....
 
#11 ·
Numbers may be correct.......Just not in the right order.

More 20+ years ago restamping.....
 
#14 ·
Every real Tonawanda deck stamp I've seen for the LS6, has the TnnnnCRR under the plug in the end of the head, and the VIN stamp is to the right of that. The deck was stamped with the head off, and the VIN was stamped at the assembly plant. You couldn't stamp a VIN in that location that you have, with the head on... it's a restamped block.
 
#15 ·
Wow..P0D20C...and after looking at the tranny tag on the drivers side I actually missed the number 3 there too because the bolt is covering a piece of it...so I have 3978766WO equating to M-22 1970-71 CHEVELLE LS6, 1971 CUTLASS W-30.

I now think I had my car backwards all these years. I'm thinking I have the original tranny with a replacement LS6 block even though it does say CRR which could belong to an automatic...but I don't think so because it has my vin numbers on it...and somebody mentioned my block numbers being backward... I wish I had the buildsheet....other than that...the car body and interior matches the cowl tag etc. The vin makes sense as well so it looks like I have a replacement block on a LS6 car. What do you guys think?
 
#16 · (Edited)
Yup and with a restamp.

Dave is an expert in these things so I'll go with him.
Just 1 side not though. Some time ago this same issue came up with a car (NO Vin # on that stamp) and it was proved that the car received a replacement short block. GM was not yet ready for these on warranty and the result was a destined for a car engine assembly that was shipped to the dealer as replacement blocks/engines were not fully supplied into the parts system. This was a very early car and depending on the build date of your car it may/may not be a possibility. The issue Dave states is the positioning of the engine production stamp and then a VIN in the wrong location.

If there were some more pictures of the deck surface, more evidence is revealed. It might be worth your while to remove or drop the alternator, clean the WHOLE stamp pad area off and take the pictures. Certain other cut or broach marks reveal things.
 
#20 ·
Trim tag:

ST 70-13637 BT08386 BDY
TR 756 78 78 PNT
02C304
70- 1970
13637- Malibu, 2-Door Sport Coupe
BT- Arlington, Texas (Assembly Plant)
08386- Data Processing Number for Tracking Purposes
756- Black Coated Fabric (Bucket Seats)
78 78- Black Cherry (Lower/Upper Body Color)
02C- February, 3rd Week (Build Date)
304- Data Processing Number (Last 3 digits of Build Sheet in Block 10)
 
#23 ·
I do Don. You have one hell of a nice car, fat LS6 w/M22, oh yea! Think of it this way: Better to have found out today, then if you were trying to sell it and found out under other circumstances. I do understand your dissapointment, but the truth is at the very least, more enjoyable than a misconception. And if your really bummed out I'll take that non-numbers- matching p.o.s off your hands for ya! (kidding). Enjoy! :thumbsup:
 
#25 ·
Ha...well I aint going to baby it as much any more. I still would like to know what this car was and what it had for a drive train when it was born?
Only thing left Don ( exactly where I am) is to dig for paper. Has this car been down to the frame yet? You know all the usual places. I always like to hear when some lucky owner finds the truth tucked in a 40 plus year old mystery. Good Luck!
 
#26 ·
The highest success rate for paper work on an Arlington car is under the drivers side carpet underlay. Not all but some seem to be found there.
 
#27 ·
thx....someone told me passenger side once...I tried that, no luck...alot of tar chips though. Will try drivers side next. I have to figure this out before I get to old or sell the car...which ever comes first.

I'm thinking with a 5500 tach it was a 396 or LS5 SS
The car has a AC delete with manual windows....
 
#30 ·
HI Jim.
Yes a CRW is not for a 1970. It is a 1972 code. I should have been clearer in my earlier post. Here's confirming data.

http://chevellestuff.net/1972/engine_id_codes.htm

And you are right on the broach marks. That's why I asked for better pictures ;)
 
#31 ·
Not real sure, What an " A/C Delete " is. What does that mean? Is that like a -- Z-15/25-Stripe delete, Radio delete,Gauge delete, clock delete???
My 70, LS-5/M-22 El Camino has a TON of options. I did not order stripes,gauges or buckets when I ordered it in Feb. of 70.
Keep in mind a 1970- SS-Z-15/Z-25 was a trim Pkg. It was not a option pkg. Upon Delivery, Your 1970 SS 396/454 came with NONE of the following--buckets,consol,gauges,clock,A/C,Stripes,cowl ind,radio,tire brand, unless these items were ordered.
TRIVIA:
All 1970- SS 396/454s did not have the F-41 suspension package. 1970 SS 396/454 El Caminos DID NOT have the F-41 Pkg. Why not?????
F-41 was NOT an option in 1970 for any and all El Caminos, Why not??? Part of the reason, ALL El Caminos had " Super Lifts " AKA air shocks and the wheel base is 4" longer than 2 Dr. Coupes. ( 112" VS 116" ). Also, All El Caminos started life on the Assmb. line with a Sta. Wgn. floor pan. NO WAY ! Lift the inspestion pan in the front of the bed and you will find seat hooks for the Sta. Wgn. rear seat hold downs. Just more information that most folks dont need.
Bob