1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production

[SuperCar Races]

I am looking for some information to assist one of our racers. I am looking for documentations and an actual 1971 Chevelle SS that was factory equipped with an LS6. We are unable to find anything concrete from Chevrolet. I figured this would be the right place to ask this question. Thank you for your assistance.

Ralph Barbagallo

[Fast67VelleN2O]

There is no such beast. At least I have never seen or heard of one actually escaping the factory and making it to a dealership lot.

[SS427]

The only Chevrolet that received the LS6 engine in 1971 was the Corvette.

[markjohnson]

There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[442w30]

Maybe those engines were for inventory and not installed in a car?

I also find it curious that Chevrolet would have built more auto LS6 Chevelles than 4-speeds. I am not convinced.

[BUIZILLA]

what's there to convince you? because you didn't see it yourself?

you weren't even born then..

Larry Costley Chevrolet ordered and had a '71 Chevelle SS built for his son Jamie, he was my roommate, it came off the truck that way, it was light metallic funky green, I was there that day... if it was built elsewhere's I have no clue, but it had less than 10 miles, I personally took all the plastic off the seats and prepped it for delivery... Between Larry, and Leon Sarkisian from Sark Chev, they could order some neat stuff, both had high up_the_ladder connections... I worked PDI for both dealerships in 69-73.. saw some neat stuff... Don Allen Chev also got a couple Z16 ringers, as did Luby Chev. with L72 Impala's,, Costley got a couple '70 LS6 Camino's for construction co. friends and a gold '71 LS6 Vette for himself, Leon ordered multiple truckloads of '70 L78 Nova's and, somehow, even got two '70 LT1 Chevelles/Malibu's, one was dark green/green and one was pale yellow/white, both 4 speeds, the dark green went to one of the Butler Bros... each dealership had their niche' for performance.. Tracy Moyer also had a CRR crate engine that was mentioned above, he bought it locally, and it went in a '72 black short bed Chevy truck that I owned, and I sold it to a charter DC6 pilot in Lakeland... so don't EVER say something never happened..

[Charley Lillard]

I have never seen one but I think I recall Tommy Lee Austin telling me either he or his brother had one with documentation. It has been a few years. I will see him at Barrett-Jackson and ask.

[SS454Elky]

My '71 Camino has a white faced 6500 RPM redline tach. I have owned the car since 1980 or so and I am confident it was never changed. So I know Chevrolet at least planned to put it into production.

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]
what's there to convince you? because you didn't see it yourself?

you weren't even born then..

[/ QUOTE ]


[ QUOTE ]

... so don't EVER say something never happened..

[/ QUOTE ]

So show me some proof. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

I'll believe it when I see it. It's just there's no way you can convince me, although I'm sure someone else can.

[king_midas]

When there is no difference between any of these cars except motor mounts, does it really matter?

What I'm saying is that all through the '70s the over-the-counter stuff was readily available, and whatever someone wanted they could get simply by going to the parts counter and paying the man.

[olredalert]

------And,,,Dont forget Skip Slaton up in Lauderdale, Jim!!! Slaton Chevrolet ordered a bunch of rare stuff during the Hi-Po years. Not so rare, but I bought a white/black 70 El Camino SS396 off the floor there. The sweet part was that it had every available option you could order on a 70 El Camino. I used to stop there all the time and just walk around the lot.........Bill S

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ]

Why would they designate auto or 4 speed unless they were slated for a car on the assembly line?

Did Chevrolet do this with crate engines?

Is it because the end of the crank is drilled for or has a bushing?

[L-79 Nova]

[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ] Agreed, except the 67 L79 Novas, there are atleast two documented real cars. Ron... P.S. One was at the MCCN show in Nov. Jack Duer's.

[Tracker1]

They were certainly built for road-testing. Motor Trend tested one with two aboard and 3.31s in their October 1970 issue saying "The new low-compression LS-6 lacks the punch of the original SS454 we tested last fall, running .9-second and 9 mph slower in the quarter..." It went 14.7... I have the issue, looking at it now.

The 'Hi-Performance Cars' Supercar Annual changed to 4.10s - they went 13.65. I do not have this issue so I do not know if it is the same car in the motor trend. The press pool may have had a couple cars.

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

[Tracker1]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[old5.0]

I honestly don't see why these cars can't exist. I mean, it's a reasonable combination in my mind.

It's not like some dope claiming he went to the Plymouth dealer in 1970 and bought a new Hemi Valiant because the salesman was in his dad's bowling league so he had "special pull".

I don't see any physical or legal reason why this couldn't have happened, so why not?

[Tracker1]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ]

Why would they designate auto or 4 speed unless they were slated for a car on the assembly line?

Did Chevrolet do this with crate engines?

Is it because the end of the crank is drilled for or has a bushing?

[/ QUOTE ]


I'd say you are right - that and the appropriate carburetor selection/calibration which also changed with trans selection.

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

[/ QUOTE ]


No. Your grasping at straws to try and prove a point and I believe you are wrong.

I have never seen a magazine test car that was a "factory" conversion that it was not noted as such.

As most everyone knows, high performance magazine articles from back in the day were to alert the public of latest hipo offering from the factory.

I think from what has been shown here is proof enough that the cars WERE built.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]


This doesn't answer my question.

The reason I possed it was to see if the engines WERE coded in order to keep them seperate for over the counter sales applications OR simply for installation applications on the vehicle assembly line. This COULD determine if these engines were in fact slated for new vehicle installation.

[Rixls6]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]


This doesn't answer my question.

The reason I possed it was to see if the engines WERE coded in order to keep them seperate for over the counter sales applications OR simply for installation applications on the vehicle assembly line. This COULD determine if these engines were in fact slated for new vehicle installation.

[/ QUOTE ]

They did sell both stick and auto trans versions OTC that were coded as such, for a year or two after the car's production. I've seen both CRR and CRV code 454's that were casting dates of `71, but those codes were used originally in 1970.

[Tracker1]

The copy says they "ordered it", and "checked the box for LS6" but who knows.

[Tracker1]

page 2

[Late BrakeU2]

It's well documented the first LS6 pre production cars were converted 396's,of those dedicated for eval and buff mag articles all went to the crusher- because they were not DOT or emissions certified.

I think we all want to believe in cars of this mystique- how many have actually been found?. Where's the Z16 vert?. Urban legend is great fodder for discussion- but until you get undisputed proof..i'm from Cali via Missouri http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Buff mag articles like the Bill Clements L89/LS6, and this one are just irresponsible journalisim IMO. They perpetuate the myth, just like that Reggie ZL1 rebody at BJ last year.

[Tracker1]

[ QUOTE ]
It's well documented the first LS6 pre production cars were converted 396's,of those dedicated for eval and buff mag articles all went to the crusher- because they were not DOT or emissions certified.

I think we all want to believe in cars of this mystique- how many have actually been found?. Where's the Z16 vert?. Urban legend is great fodder for discussion- but until you get undisputed proof..i'm from Cali via Missouri http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Buff mag articles like the Bill Clements L89/LS6, and this one are just irresponsible journalisim IMO. They perpetuate the myth, just like that Reggie ZL1 rebody at BJ last year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree that the August 1995 article you are referring to on Bill Clements fake aluminum-headed LS6 vert was irresponsible.

But the article I attached is an original road test from 1971. The magazine was simply testing and reporting on something they were told would be available on that day. It's not their fault a change of plans may have happened a month or two later.

[Tracker1]

[ QUOTE ]
The copy says they "ordered it", and "checked the box for LS6" but who knows.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, Marty Schorr knows, he wrote the article. Perhaps x Baldwin Motion or someone could ring him up and get his driving impressions. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/burnout.gif

[Mr70]

Marty told me @SCR6 that the Gold 1971 LS-6 Chevelle was a Mule that never made it to public consumption and was picked up & destroyed by GM,later on after that article was written.
Thanks to a few tree huggers,but mostly the insurance companies.

[BUIZILLA]

[ QUOTE ]
But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ] if you knew ANYTHING about Chevy's at all, you wouldn't have typed that... go back to your Schwinn bicycles... oh wait, you weren't born then either..

[BUIZILLA]

the 3680# test weight is interesting in itself...

uhhhhhh, nope.. LOL

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]

I have never seen a magazine test car that was a "factory" conversion that it was not noted as such.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we've seen a number of Mopars that changed configuration from brochure photo to road test, no? Sometimes it was airbrushing, sometimes it was a little more.

[ QUOTE ]

As most everyone knows, high performance magazine articles from back in the day were to alert the public of latest hipo offering from the factory.

[/ QUOTE ]

Red herring, plus we all know (right?) that road tests can't always be trusted, especially if the editor didn't like the PR guy's attitude.

[ QUOTE ]

I think from what has been shown here is proof enough that the cars WERE built.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think what has been shown here is that there's enough Chevy people who don't see it as proof.

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]
] if you knew ANYTHING about Chevy's at all, you wouldn't have typed that... go back to your Schwinn bicycles... oh wait, you weren't born then either..

[/ QUOTE ]

So are you going to offer evidence? Or are you going to remain satisfied at being smug? I've encountered people like you for 13 years so this is old hat for me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[BUIZILLA]

oh.. i'm extremely satisfied being smug... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[442w30]

(yawn . . . )

[markjohnson]

The Tonawanda shipping records alone should be proof enough for anyone. The #026 heads are out there and so are the correct list # Holley and distributors with specific stamping numbers. Maybe someone over at Team Chevelle has some insight. Anybody check over there or do a search?

[BUIZILLA]

Mark, check your PM's..

[JIM]

Here are the Facts that Exist !!!
I have spent years tracking down original dated parts to build a What If LS-6 71 Convertible.
Specific engine codes were created for both an Stick and Auto configuration
The 6500 white face dash cluster does exist picture attached and part number pictured
026 dated heads exist that were specific to that application only with production 71 dates
The 569 intake with numbers on the runners exist in a larger quanity than 71 LS-6 Corvette production dated again to a production line build.
4802 and 4803 carbs dated to an assembly line build exist
054 and 075 71 LS-6 distributors exist with the same production line dates,
myself and many other Chevelle Guru's have these or have had these in their collections.
Yes it was slated for an Assembly line build and scrubbed before prodution started.
But the parts that were needed to build it were made months maybe a year in engineering before they found there way into cars and the parts system , the tachs have been noted for years in cars.

Does one exist Maybe, but you should probally look for it in a 70 Test Mule car from the Proving Grounds, and the press cars were all pre prodution cars just for media , handbuilt as we all know !

[JIM]

picture of a real 71 LS-6 Tach

[JIM]

Part Number
sorry about the picts I can only post cell phone picts on theis website even in VGA mode they are always too big for this site.

[Fast67VelleN2O]

Jim I have had two distributors and one carburetor and have seen at least 4 sets of early 71 dated heads.

[old5.0]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]

The first HemiCuda started life as a small block Gran Coupe dev mule. It was later rebuilt, revinned and sold new as a Hemi car. So is it still a HemiCuda?

[442w30]

You never know - according to some, no self-respecting Chevy guy would suggest such things!

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]

The first HemiCuda started life as a small block Gran Coupe dev mule. It was later rebuilt, revinned and sold new as a Hemi car. So is it still a HemiCuda?

Factory re-V.I.N.ing was not all that uncommon. If they made a mistake in building a vehicle that had the wrong equipment for that model, they simply did it to reflect the model they had built or the closest to it. It was the most economical thing to do. We always think in terms of the hipo cars we love, but it happened to 4 doors too, just no one pays any attention to the detail of these cars.

About the only vehicles that actually got destroyed were the ones that had new "technology" of the day that may or may not have reached the public later as regular production. The manufacturers were in business to make money. If a car was built as something that was never to make it to regular production, but met all the FMVSSs, then you can bet that they sold it to some dealer somewhere.

Even the vast majority of cars that had all of the experimential race stuff that later became available as RPOs got sneeked out the back door to some favored racer even though Chevrolet was not publicly sanctioning racing.

[tom406]

It doesn't hurt that replacing the dash pad gets you most of the way toward "re-VIN-ing" a '70 Cuda...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Regarding the '71 LS-6 Chevelles, I think '71 was a big transistion year for the manufacturers between upcoming emissions and falling performance sales due to insurance. As a result, a number of things got killed in the 11th hour, well after tooling was made up and parts were made. Ford's equivalent would be the 1971 Boss 302 Mustang. Promo pics were taken, and a number of parts and even '71 coded "Boss 302" decal kits have made their way out into the marketplace.

[al8apex]

[ QUOTE ]
[
I have never seen a magazine test car that was a "factory" conversion that it was not noted as such.

[/ QUOTE ]

except later in life like the infamous 421 GTO and other "ringers" that were not exactly as they were presented ...

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
It doesn't hurt that replacing the dash pad gets you most of the way toward "re-VIN-ing" a '70 Cuda...... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Regarding the '71 LS-6 Chevelles, I think '71 was a big transistion year for the manufacturers between upcoming emissions and falling performance sales due to insurance. As a result, a number of things got killed in the 11th hour, well after tooling was made up and parts were made. Ford's equivalent would be the 1971 Boss 302 Mustang. Promo pics were taken, and a number of parts and even '71 coded "Boss 302" decal kits have made their way out into the marketplace.

[/ QUOTE ]


Yes, but they DID build the larger displacement Boss 351, which flies in the face of the insurance killing big engines.

I had a 9000 mile Boss 302 that I sold to a guy in Rockford Ill. in the mid 70s that had a Boss 351 and a Boss 429. My car completed his collection.

[PhilS]

I believe that is the black Camino out of the Pat M collection in Phoenix. It was offered to me in about '01. Supposed to have original engine and docs. I've looked at the car but not the docs. I was told that the Tonowanda records indicated that those '71 engines were for Caminos.

[Geoff Padgett]

Hello
I felt that i must reply to this one. The engine that i currently run in my 70 LS-6 car was purchased many years back and is a 1972 crate LS-6 (all date coded) #289 block, #291 heads and was never taken apart when i got it, hell it is still the standard bore with the O.G. pistons, crank, manifold. the only thing that i did when i rebuilt it was grind the crank 10/10 CRR on the deck with no Vin # just thought i would reply. Geoff. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[SS454Elky]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe that is the black Camino out of the Pat M collection in Phoenix. It was offered to me in about '01. Supposed to have original engine and docs. I've looked at the car but not the docs. I was told that the Tonowanda records indicated that those '71 engines were for Caminos.

[/ QUOTE ]

I really need to look for a build sheet in mine one of these days in case that tach has meaning! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Tracker1]

Regarding the '71 LS-6 Chevelles, I think '71 was a big transistion year for the manufacturers between upcoming emissions and falling performance sales due to insurance. As a result, a number of things got killed in the 11th hour, well after tooling was made up and parts were made. Ford's equivalent would be the 1971 Boss 302 Mustang. Promo pics were taken, and a number of parts and even '71 coded "Boss 302" decal kits have made their way out into the marketplace.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually more than decals and parts got out. A whole car escaped. It's been featured in Mustang Monthly and it is the real deal.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2994405

Which is why we should never say never about ALMOST anything.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]


Regarding the '71 LS-6 Chevelles, I think '71 was a big transistion year for the manufacturers between upcoming emissions and falling performance sales due to insurance. As a result, a number of things got killed in the 11th hour, well after tooling was made up and parts were made. Ford's equivalent would be the 1971 Boss 302 Mustang. Promo pics were taken, and a number of parts and even '71 coded "Boss 302" decal kits have made their way out into the marketplace.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually more than decals and parts got out. A whole car escaped. It's been featured in Mustang Monthly and it is the real deal.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2994405

Which is why we should never say never about ALMOST anything .

[/ QUOTE ]

I TOTALLY agree!

Having sold Dodges & AMCs new from 1968-74 I can tell you that factory execs that wanted something to KEEP (meaning it was not their demo that would have to be disposed of through the dealer network) could get any combination of model and equipment they wanted regardless of what was available to the general public. When dealers got requests for things that were not advertised as available on a particular model they would contact their sales rep to see if it could be done. Unless there was some type of legal reason for not doing it they typically would build it if the customer was willing to wait the extra scheduling time. Typical time from order to the dealer receiving it was 4 weeks. If you want some oddball combination it took 8 weeks. Dealers just made sure they got a large enough non-refundable deposit so they didn't get stuck with it in inventory.

I have never seen or heard of one but my guess is that somewhere out there is a factory Hemi car with factory A/C. I can't believe that there was not a factory exec that didn't want the elephant engine with A/C. The air cleaner could be a problem but I can just see the factory slapping on some Cal Customs or something like the factory 56-57 duasl quad air cleaners to make it happen.

[442w30]

Does anyone or any site have any 1971 Chevrolet AMA specs or a factory bulletin that shows the LS6 was cancelled for the A-body?

[Vinko M.]

Geoff...I'll add to your post as well. I bought a 454 long block engine off a friend of mine this past fall. It too was a 289 block 291 heads and also has CRR deck stamping and no vin #. He's had it for at least 20+ years just collecting dust and was never decked or rebuilt. I'll have to take a better look at it when I return home from Afghan-land in a month or two. It just seemed really odd about the motor and the stampings but this may shed some light....Thanks

[BUIZILLA]

Vinko, when you get to it, there is a small machined pad right above the timing cover, center of the block, see if a 6 digit number isn't stamped there... no letters just numbers...

[L78steve]

Back in 75 or 76 at my High School in Greenwich CT. was a Light Blue,White stripes and Int. 71 LS6 equipped Chevelle.Was it the real deal? I can't say. Didn't know about checking numbers back then but did have a good look at the car and I believe it was genuine.

[markjohnson]

Yeah, I have one of those 1972-dated "CRR" LS-6 engines also that has no VIN up front. I've had mine for several years and have actually ran across several in my travels. I'll check mine for this number up front. Another member, Tirebird, also has one of these 1972 CRR LS-6 engines. They are kinda rare in the fact that they are 4-bolt "289" blocks, but I believe they are just crate engines. Why Tonawanda chose to stamp these with the 1970 TH400 code of "CRR", instead of the usual "CE", I don't know. They were complete engines including intake manifold and were just covered with 1972 casting dates on everything including the closed chamber "291" cylinder heads. Crate LS-6's were known for having Open chambered heads so this short run of accurate "1970 Close Chamber'ed LS-6's" are kind of interesting. Actually it would be kinda neat to put one into a 1972 SS454 Chevelle and leave the experts scratching their heads!

[king_midas]

Once again, these engines were OTC available, and/or for warranty replacement.

Just because compression went down and gas prices went up doesn't mean that people stopped racing...

[Mr70]

[ QUOTE ]
Back in 75 or 76 at my High School in Greenwich CT. was a Light Blue,White stripes and Int. 71 LS6 equipped Chevelle.Was it the real deal? I can't say. Didn't know about checking numbers back then but did have a good look at the car and I believe it was genuine.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've always been a firm believer they never really assembled a Chevelle like this on the assembly line for public consumption during 1971,but you are about the 10th person in the last few years to mention this particular car and it's same details,and all are from NC.Sonny B. 1st told me about it 14 years ago,saying he saw it new on the lot with a W/S on the driverside rear stating LS-6.

I must admit,I'm kinda.....sorta...sloooooowly..starting to think maybe they did.

[SS454Elky]

The question I have had about my '71 for years is why would GM put a 6500 RPM redline tach in a hydraulic liftered car that could have been equipped with A/C (Mine does not have A/C). Wouldn't that be inviting all kinds of warranty issues from over revved engines? I mean obviously they did it, but is there some other rational I am missing? Why put in a tach that is obviously wrong?

[Mr70]

Don't judge a car by it's tachometer..They made miniscule mistakes like that occasionaly.
Just one example.
Chuck Hansons 1970 L-78 Chevelle cvt. was built with a 5500 redline tach,that was clearly a mistake,when it should've received a 6500.

[olredalert]

-----Red Alert was also delivered with the wrong red-line tach, so theres two examples. S*** happens!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif........Bill S

[JIM]

Alanta Built 70 LS-5 cars are know as having a 5000 rpm tach installed and a lot of them. I personally have seen all kind of tach screw ups from the factory. The best was a 1 owner 70 Monte Carlo 400 small block 2bbl with a 6500 tach. I begged the original owner for years to swap it out and give him money to no avail. They wouldn't stop the line for a wrong redline and the 71 6500 tachs have been spotted in quite a few 71's all over never did a vin study to see what plant.

Jim

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Back in 75 or 76 at my High School in Greenwich CT.

[/ QUOTE ]

...but you are about the 10th person in the last few years to mention this particular car and it's same details,and all are from NC.


[/ QUOTE ]

He lives in NC, but he saw the car in the Nutmeg State.

I don't understand why everyone demands documentation when L89 Novas are mentioned, but the 1971 LS6 gets a free pass. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif The paper trail hasn't stopped, but it really hasn't started either.

[Geoff Padgett]

You know i looked at mine and it did not have anything on that center pad above the timing chain, i also forgot to mention that my block has not been decked either and still has the factory broach marks on the block too. the intake manifold on it (dated as well, matches the other stuff) has the firing order over each of the intake ports. When i first obtained this engine about 15+ years ago i did not know anything about LS-6 cars, it really threw me for a loop when i stared doing research on it, i did not even own a LS-6 car at the time or had ever seen a real one, i still have not seen one other than mine, at least where i live. It was not until maybe 5 years ago that i was able to find out what the casting #s meant on this one. Anyway,Sorry about the rambling. Geoff. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[MultiMopars]

Yes, factory mistakes happened. The line never stopped, if the bin for the required item was empty they put in what would work. It was expected that the DEALER would catch the mistake (which MOST were) and have it corrected under a warranty claim.

BTW, the 1965 Corvette 395 h.p. cars were factory available with A/C and they had a 6500 tach in them.

I think that in MOST cases you can rely on what the ORIGINAL FACTORY tach shows in a car to help determine what engine was in it. Anyone can look for faults or exception to the rule to discount or prove a cars true heritage.

The bottom line is that in these cases unless you have some other factory paperwork to support your claims it all comes down to what the guy writing the check when BUYING one of these cars believes.

[SuperNovaSS]

395HP Vette?

[MosportGreen66]

[ QUOTE ]
395HP Vette?

[/ QUOTE ]

365?

[markjohnson]

I'm sure he means the 1965 327-365 HP Corvettes. For awhile they held the very cool distinction of being the only solid-lifter engine that was available with Air Conditioning. A very cool combination, pun very much intended. They decided to offer A/C one more time with the 1972 solid lifter LT-1's.

[MultiMopars]

[ QUOTE ]
395HP Vette?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry, typo. Yes, 327/365h.p. is what I meant.

[XXXGoldL34M20]

Honestly guys,i just went through all 7 pages of this thread and i still dont believe there was a factory 1971 LS6 car delivered.
if the day ever comes up that a 1971 has a factory build sheet/protecto plate and original window sticker that states the car was ordered with the LS6,then i will believe it,for now this is all hear say and kinda of a waste of time,dont you think?

[Verne_Frantz]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm sure he means the 1965 327-365 HP Corvettes. For awhile they held the very cool distinction of being the only solid-lifter engine that was available with Air Conditioning. A very cool combination, pun very much intended. They decided to offer A/C one more time with the 1972 solid lifter LT-1's.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mark, Not to hijack the thread, but the Vette 365hp with AC was also avail in '64. Very very rare. I worked on this original driveline car for the owner. Note the size of the compressor pulley!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/EngineLH.jpg

Saddle Tan/Saddle, hard top only, originally delivered to Hawaii. A VERY nice original car. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j320/VerneFrantz/VLFPrivate/Vetteinshop.jpg
Verne http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[442w30]

[ QUOTE ]
Honestly guys,i just went through all 7 pages of this thread and i still dont believe there was a factory 1971 LS6 car delivered.
if the day ever comes up that a 1971 has a factory build sheet/protecto plate and original window sticker that states the car was ordered with the LS6,then i will believe it,for now this is all hear say and kinda of a waste of time,dont you think?

[/ QUOTE ]

Who else wants to join our bandwagon? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

By the way, Verne, that's a sweet-lookin' Vette you posted there!

[bigsixman]

We had two early 70s high dollar ski boats in the area, (Nautique?)that came with CRR coded LS-6 engines complete with 11.00-1 compression and the correct low intake. I can not remember the block casting # or carb # as he runs a machine shop and he rebuilt both motors in the 90s and he lowered the compression and redid the seats for low grade fuel available at marinas.

[L78steve]

[ QUOTE ]
Honestly guys,i just went through all 7 pages of this thread and i still dont believe there was a factory 1971 LS6 car delivered.
if the day ever comes up that a 1971 has a factory build sheet/protecto plate and original window sticker that states the car was ordered with the LS6,then i will believe it,for now this is all hear say and kinda of a waste of time,dont you think?

[/ QUOTE ]Not really a waste of time.Threads like this may jog a memory and uncover something. I am going to try to locate the guy that owned the 71 that I remember.

[JCASEY4061]

Is there a difference in the factory motor mounts ? Are the LS6 mounts different?