!971 LT1 Stamp pad code

[Jerry G.]

I have a neighbor getting on in years and he asked me to look at a motor he has had stored for 40+ years. It's a blue block with a stamp pad that has VO121CGZ. No other numbers on pad. Has the forged crank and 'pink" rods and what you'd expect from an original HP motor. Anybody know what the numbers stand for. Jerry

[Mike E.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Would appear to be a 71 LT-1 motor assembled January 21st.

[Jerry G.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Thanks Mike, thats what he said it came out of. i'm surprised there is no VIN on the pad. Is a complete motor with virtually no miles worth anything to anyone?

[Paul O.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Jerry

That code CGZ is for a 1971 LT-1 but you already know that the Suffix is V for Flint 01 Jan and 21 is the 21 first day. What you need to look at is the casting date of the block that is located passenger side of block just before the bell housing attach area. On drivers side is the casting code should be a 3970010 casting number.

Value is if all the other numbers match up casting date are there broach marks still there? When you say complete motor what other item are included? That is going to determiner of the value of the engine assembly. So a lot of variables need to be answered.

[Terry M.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Blue block sounds more like later 1970s engines. The 3970010 was cast for more than a decade, but with some configuration changes. Did Chevrolet reuse that code? I know they did reuse some others, like CTU. Of course maybe it came out of a blue car and someone was obsessed with that color. The casting date will tell the tale.

[Michael D.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

...Blue block sounds more like later 1970s engines...

I agree. Why would a 71 Corvette small block be blue?

[Jerry G.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Everything checks out. It's been in storage for over 40 years, no re-stamp. He just asked me if I could look at it and verify what he remembered it came out of many years ago. He plans to sell it and just was trying to be sure what he has and how he was representing it. Thanks for your help in sorting out. jerry

[Michael D.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

Did he paint it blue? Flint did not change block color until 1976.

[Jerry G.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

I just walked over and talked to him. He did paint it Blue. he planed to install it in a Datsun 240 Z so he wanted a Datsun color. Its orange underneath.

[Michael D.]

Re: !971 LT1 Stamp pad code

...He did paint it Blue....

Bingo. Mystery solved.