1970 LT1 engine pad

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

OK guys, here we go. The pics are the best I could get and it does show a 1 instead of a 7. The tranny is a P0K1(or 4)B with a Vin derivative of 70S4xxxxx. The block is a 3970010 G10 (july 1970) so that matches up. The heads are 3927186 G10 and that matches up. Intake looks to be correct as the numbers are underneath. Exhaust manifolds are correct even though I had a hard time seeing the casting date it looked to be 1970. Altenator is a 1100884, date 0F29 so that puts it at June 29, 1970.
So, what do we make of the engine pad. This is where you guys earn the big bucks.
Thanks for the help
Jeff

My advice is free, and priced appropriately.

Exhaust manifolds typically have only a letter for the month and a one or two digit number for the date, so you really won't see the year in the cast date. Month and day proximity to the rest of the casting dates is the only clue that they are from the same year. Based on the lead times observed on my engine, the casting and component dates hang together pretty well for an engine manufactured early to mid-July, 1970. The cylinder case is cast later than mine (F290), and the tranny is also later than mine (P0H23A), but that may not mean anything. Recall that I said my car was buillt G30.

Regards the pad...For me personally, as a buyer, there are enough inconsistencies in the VIN derivative stamp and the surface finish that it would require expert first-hand examination. There is also still the nagging fact that the engine VIN derivative and the tranny VIN derivative WERE NOT stamped using the same stamp as Terry said.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

OK guys, here we go. The pics are the best I could get and it does show a 1 instead of a 7. The tranny is a P0K1(or 4)B with a Vin derivative of 70S4xxxxx. The block is a 3970010 G10 (july 1970) so that matches up. The heads are 3927186 G10 and that matches up. Intake looks to be correct as the numbers are underneath. Exhaust manifolds are correct even though I had a hard time seeing the casting date it looked to be 1970. Altenator is a 1100884, date 0F29 so that puts it at June 29, 1970.
So, what do we make of the engine pad. This is where you guys earn the big bucks.
Thanks for the help
Jeff

My 70 LT-1 VIN 14803 has a stamo of V0702CTK and a VIN derivative of 70S414803. Based on that I'd say you have something I would not expect to be TFP. Your photos are not clear but it would be helpful if you could find some broach marks or lack thereof.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

When you tell us the transmission is stamped 70S4XXXXX, and the engine pad is stamped 10S4XXXXX, I believe the answer is clear -- and not TFP. In the pictures you posted the pad beck ground looks suspicious, but I would want to see better photos before condemning it.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

Terry, I am helping a friend with this car. It needs some work done on the engine and before money is invested he wanted to see if we could help clear this up. I still do not understand the stamp pad. The 10S4 is a much lighter stamp than the rest of the numbers. I took about 25 different pictures and the 2 posted were the best. What I would like to hear is suggestions on what to do next. I feel the answers have to follow 2 different tracks as to NCRS path or enjoy the car and drive it. But to have so many things match up on this car and have a 1 stamp just confuses the heck out of me.
Thanks

[Michael W.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

I would leave the stamp pad alone. If it is indeed the original from the factory, no harm has been done. If it is not original, no amount of engine work will correct that.

[Wayne B.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

On the line do they have any kind of test sheet the worker would stamp on first to test/record each stamping? Maybe the guy loaded a one in it, made the first whack and said "OOOOPS!", replaced the one with a seven before continuing to the tranny and other cars. Geeez, having all those other numbers (especially that alternator) correct would be a lot of hassle just to leave something so obvious if trying to fake a car.

[Kenneth H.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

Jeff, I'm no expert on stamp pads, and the pictures aren't great. That said, to me the assembly date/suffix code stamp looks pretty good. Note the difference in the shape of the two "0"s in the assembly date, which was typical for that stamping. Better pictures would help, though. The VIN derivative is another story, however. In addition to the fact that there is a "1" where there should be a "7", it appears that there has been some modification made to the pad where the VIN derivative is stamped. Only my opinion, but it looks suspicious.

You identified a number of items (transmission, alternator, block, heads etc.) which seem to be correct for a '70 LT1 built in July, so in my mind two possibilities exit if the assembly date/suffix code stamp is actually original. Either this 'vette is an LT1 where the original CTK block was replaced with another "correct" LT1 block and the VIN derivative was changed, or this 'vette was a base or 350HP '70 'vette that someone modified to appear as an LT1. There are discernable differences between the base and 350HP 'vettes and the LT1. Check some of the previous posts for ways to ID a 70 LT1. Again, only my opinion.

Good luck.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

Terry, I am helping a friend with this car. It needs some work done on the engine and before money is invested he wanted to see if we could help clear this up...I feel the answers have to follow 2 different tracks as to NCRS path or enjoy the car and drive it. But to have so many things match up on this car and have a 1 stamp just confuses the heck out of me...

If I already owned the car, I would probably go ahead with the engine work for two reasons (1) good engine performance will be desireable whatever the ultimate purpose, and (2) you won't get very far into the engine work before you should begin to get confirmation that this is at least an LT1 engine. You may have a clue as soon as you see the casting date on the bottom of the intake manifold.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1970 LT1 engine pad

Chuck, I agree and that is going to be my advice.
Ken, I have checked on a few other things like the emission label looks pretty weathered and it is a CT code; it does not have a return fuel line; it has the thick 8" harmonic dampner; red line on tach is 6500; has the AIR system. So a lot of things right and 1 glaring wrong.
Thanks to all for your help and advice. Thats what makes NCRS the best car organization in the country.
Jeff