I am considering purchasing a numbers matching 1971 Z28 with a stamp pad VIN of 11N591xxx. This motor (350/330 LT1) is essentially the same as what was installed in the corvette that year. I have seen some 1971 corvettes with a “C” preceding the VIN on the stamp pad. Since it is essentially the same motor, I was curious if anyone has any knowledge of this “C” prefix on the stamp pad for Z28’s? Or is it correct as listed without it? Also, should there be a VIN stamped on the block transmission flange, or did that practice end before 1971?

as far as i know, all car engines from that time frame [1970 on] should have a 'C' prefix, older engines had a 2 letter code, i understand the 'C' to mean car, as some i have seen have a 'T' prefix which always seem to indicate a truck engine.

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71 ss 350/4spd 69 nova 350/th350 www.americaniron.net (http://www.americaniron.net)

SUFFIX CODE
4 speed Z28 - CGP
TH400 Z28 - CGR

These numbers are on the pad of the block behind the alternator.

There should be two sets of numbers on the pad....
1) VIN
2) Stamp ID (Plant, date, suffix code)

[This message has been edited by mulsane71z (edited March 11, 2003).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by tbill:
as far as i know, all car engines from that time frame [1970 on] should have a 'C' prefix, older engines had a 2 letter code, i understand the 'C' to mean car, as some i have seen have a 'T' prefix which always seem to indicate a truck engine.

</font>

The pad has two codes. The engine code does have a CGP suffix. So you are correct. However, my question centered around the VIN stamp, and a possible "C" prefix. Also, any knowledge of a transmission flange (actually on the block) stamp?

My 71 VIN stamp has no "C" in it. It reads
11L516868. The first 1 is Chevrolet Division, the second 1 is the year, the L is for VanNuys Plant and the rest is the VIN serial no. The engine code is V0425CGR. V is for Flint Engine Plant, 0425 the prod date, and CGR is the LT1 with automatic trans.

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Able to leap Mustangs in a single bound. Going after the Porches in the mountains.

Chad, does your transmission have the VIN stamped on it?

I'm answering your question over on the WCA site cause I saw it there 1st.

http://65.18.159.167/cgi-bin/spool//ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000071

As I said over there, if we're talking about the partial vin code - if it starts with a C that signifies Chevy truck division. So the source of the engine was from a truck.

You can see detailed information here:
http://www.nastyz28.com/decode.html
http://www.nastyz28.com/transid.html
http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro71.html
http://www.nastyz28.com/sbchevy/sblock.html
http://www.nastyz28.com/spmenu.html

Engines that have a C as the first letter in the VIN derivative are truck engines. C was used for the Chevy truck division

exampls
C1J123456
C - Chevy truck division
1 - 1971
J - Janesville Assembly
123456-Lat 6 VIN digits

qxwe-My transmission(turbo 400) has the VIN#s stamped on the left hand side, just above the pan along the rail on the housing. Make any sense?

Thanks for your response Doug. Muncie transmissions should have the date code (begins with "P") on the passenger side near the tailhousing. The VIN derivative should also be in that area. My question concerns the engine block, not the transmission. I realize there is a VIN on the stamp pad near the alternator but there is also a flange near the oil filter, where I have seen (ie 69 Chevelle) a VIN derivative stamped. Would that be correct for a Z28, or should that area be blank?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by qxwe:
Chad, does your transmission have the VIN stamped on it?</font>

In regard to the tranny stamping. I have not looked at it for some time. IT is a turbo400. I will look if you like. I think that there is a tag on the trans body, not a stamp like the engine.I know the code because it is on my protectoplate, but of course it won't be the same as a Muncie. My engine block has no data near the oil filter. the block casting number is below the alternator on the top of the transmission/bell housing flange. Those numbers are part numbers and not specific to each car.They are cast in the block, not stamped in. Is that what you meant?

[This message has been edited by Chad Lawton (edited March 14, 2003).]

VIN is stamped in the block behind the alternator.

Like this....
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid55/p3668e4cf4c575a61170c75aaf60f1803/fc814826.jpg

11N552678 - Partial VIN
V0218CGP - V=Flint Assembly Plant - 0218 = February 18th - CGP = '71 LT-1 with 4 spd.

[This message has been edited by mulsane71z (edited March 14, 2003).]