Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

[Ken D.]

Been restoring and fixing a lot of things; however I finally came across the stamped engine code for 350/270 AT reading: V0710TTO
Does anyone know what the TTO might mean? I read in an older forum another site that TO was Tonawanda plant in Buffalo but can find NO REFERENCE for the TTO. Would really appreciate any info on this.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

TTO is a 1970 truck, suggesting that the engine currently in the car is not the one it was born with.

[Ken D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Thank You Patrick I really appreciate your prompt response. I was afraid of something like that as I bought the car off inet w.o. inspecting and it was presented as "matching nos" with a restoration build sheet stating everything on car was either restored or was original. What did P.T. Barnum say, There's One Born Every Minute...Well I guess I can claim my minute. What an expensive lesson learned the "hard way".

[Paul D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Had it been restamped with your car's VIN suffix? Unless you paid a premium for matching numbers I wouldn't feel too bad. A early 70s truck engine is a good starting point for building an engine. Most had 4bolt mains and I believe some had forged cranks. Factory equipped with a 4 barrel carb had a best chance of getting those features. If it is as nice as it sounds, drive it and enjoy it.

[Michael H.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Been restoring and fixing a lot of things; however I finally came across the stamped engine code for 350/270 AT reading: V0710TTO
Does anyone know what the TTO might mean? I read in an older forum another site that TO was Tonawanda plant in Buffalo but can find NO REFERENCE for the TTO. Would really appreciate any info on this.

Does the July 10th line up with the build date of your car ? Was the VIN stamped on the pad ? Just as info GM made pick up trucks in the same building as corvettes back in the day maybe they ran short on engines and borrowed some from the truck line.

Mike

[Ken D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Thanks for your info and post Michael. Build date according to the body number and trim plate is Sep 08, 1970. Yes the VIN was stamped on the pad that's what was confusing me. Is there any way to check or document whether or not there were any "truck borrowed 350 engines" for the Vette assembly line around the engine stamp or build date? Thanks again for your help and post.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Post a clear, high resolution photo of the stamp pad if you can. I suspect that may help ID the engine.

[Ken D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Thanks for your post and info Paul. Yes the VIN suffix was stamped or restamped? I definitely plan on driving and enjoying it as long as I own it!

[Ken D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Patrick, I'll try to post what I have; sorry they came out upside down but it's all I've got now.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Based on the scratch marks visible through the paint, it's already suspect.

Use lacquer thinner or acetone on Q-tips to remove the paint from the engine pad.
Do NOT scrape it.
Then post photos of the bare pad.

[Michael H.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Thanks for your info and post Michael. Build date according to the body number and trim plate is Sep 08, 1970. Yes the VIN was stamped on the pad that's what was confusing me. Is there any way to check or document whether or not there were any "truck borrowed 350 engines" for the Vette assembly line around the engine stamp or build date? Thanks again for your help and post.

Ken I don't know of anyway of documenting that. But back in the day if the corvette line ran out of parts they would get parts from either the truck or passenger line or even the local hardware store as long as they were like parts. You need to find someone who worked at the plant back then to see if they could shed some light on this subject. The TTO truck engine was rated at 255hp which is close to the 270hp.

Mike

[Ken D.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Thanks again Mike for your post/info. I wouldn't know where to start to find someone who worked at the plant back then but somehow don't know how this would help my dilemma. On the suffix research I did see where the truck engine was rated at 255hp. Just going to drive and enjoy for awhile.

[Richard F.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

Ken
You might want to contact Al Grenning he has a service that may shed some light on your pad stamp. If I remember correctly he had some documents showing 23 SB engines from a cancelled Taxi cab order had there pads ground out and re-stamped for Corvette. So scratches and grin-outs although suspect may be Legit. And truck code stamp may have been left......

[Sal C.]

Re: Strange Suffix Engine Code 71 "TTO"?

I agree with Patrick. We need to see a clean pad. However the horizontal lines may be brush strokes from someone's repaint. For what it's worth, my files show that particular "1" being used in and around that date range. And interestingly enough, the one I chose looks to be a grind and stamp also. pad (3).jpgLT1 #1080 (2).jpg

[Patrick B.]