71 BB vavle covers

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

The biggest problem I see is that the Suffix stamping is on the not typical side of the stamp pad it stamped like a small block.

[Ed L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Thanks for the input Paul. others here say that CE blocks never have suffixes so it must have been added by someone besides the factory. I do not know enough to question. I am adding a number of other photos I have taken to add to what is before. BLOCK STAMP1.jpgBLOCK STAMP.jpgDOOR PLATE2.jpgVAVLE COVER OIL FILL3.jpg

[Ed L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

2 more photo yet. the bell-housingINTAKE MAN REAR1.jpg has 8 12 71 on right and GM 8 on left. RR BELLHOUSING2.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

2 more photo yet. the bell-housing[ATTACH=CONFIG]43508[/ATTACH] has 8 12 71 on right and GM 8 on left. [ATTACH=CONFIG]43507[/ATTACH]

Ed------

The photo on the left is of the casting date (and partial casting number) of the INTAKE MANIFOLD. The date reads "B 12 71". This translates to February, 12, 1971. Per the trim tag, your car was built on March 22, 1971. So, at least the manifold is dated correctly. I can't make out anything in the right side photo. The casting number and casting date will be on the "inclined" sections of the bellhousing flange on either side. You will probably need to clean this area of "grease and grime" to be able to see and photograph the numbers.

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Thanks for the input Paul. others here say that CE blocks never have suffixes so it must have been added by someone besides the factory. I do not know enough to question. I am adding a number of other photos I have taken to add to what is before. [ATTACH=CONFIG]43503[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]43504[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]43505[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]43506[/ATTACH]

Ed-----


The valve cover filler photo definitely shows the 1970 style "twist-lock" style configuration. Now you need to install a "twist-lock" cap to ensure it's still serviceable. Looking at it, I'm almost sure it will be OK. The "twist-lock" style cap is FAR superior to the rubber plug.

[Patrick B.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

2 more photo yet. the bell-housing[ATTACH=CONFIG]43508[/ATTACH] has 8 12 71 on right and GM 8 on left. [ATTACH=CONFIG]43507[/ATTACH]

Ed-- You might be in for some good luck. If numbers you are reporting as 8 12 71 on the bell housing flange of the block are of the same style as the B 28 71 on your manifold, they are probably B 12 71 (Feb 12, 1971). That would give what is likely a warrantee replacement short block a casting date very close to what the original block would have had -- a rare coincidence . Assuming it is a 454 block with big casting numbers 3963512 on the driver's side slanted portion of the bell housing flange, this block should get the points for correct casting number, casting date and original grain.

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 BB vavle covers

Ed

As far as the stamping goes I have heard of but have not seen in person that dealerships were suppose to transfer the stamped data from a original block that was being replaced under warranty. Some dealers did most did not do this procedure the Tech who did the work would also do the stamping this could explain the suffix code being added and misaligned compared to the CE and date. Hopefully others will post that have more data and information then I do.