1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

[Don W.]

I am investigating a possible purchase of a supposed 1970 LS-5. I am looking for representative data to help me determine if the motor is original and not a restamp. Specifically, does anyone have information relating to the "normal" or "extreme" spacing between the engine finish date and the vehicle build date?

I have reviewed the 1970 Corvette Registry but I'm looking for more info.

The particulars of my situation: VIN is 7062 with an engine finish date of 2-20.

Any help would be appreciated including other ideas to determine if she's the real thing.

Thanks,

Don Walker

[Dave S.]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

Dan,
My 70 LS-5 car was VIN #11756 with a build date of F09 which was June 9, 1970. The block stamp is T0520CGW which obviously was May 20, 1970. Less than a 3 week window.

[Robert C.]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

2weeks to one month is normal, but could be longer on occassion.

[Erv Schlepp]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

Don:

This Corvette was built on March 18th and you stated that the engine was assembled on Feb 20th (B20 on engine pad). This would appear to be an acceptable time period. In 1970 several labor strikes occured that stopped production and this fact results in difficulty of determining what is normal. My 70 LS5 Vin # 8909 is a May 12th build with a C15 , March 15, engine build due to a strike in April. One of the past NCRS Restorer issues has a feature on the the stikes of 1970 and how the production was disrupted.

If you are trying to determine the originality of the engine you should purchase the 1970 -1972 NCRS Judging Manual (available on this web site) and use the information available to determine if the casting and other parts numbers and dates are correct.

I can tell you that a LS5 in good condition is a fun and fast car to drive.

Good Luck

[Don W.]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your help. Erv, The engine finish number for this car includes 0220 for the date code not B20. From what I understand the 0220 is the correct designation for Feb 20. Anm I correct?

Thanks,

Don Walker

[Erv Schlepp]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

Don:

Old timers must be setting in. The 0220 is correct for assembly date of Feb 20. Casting dates for engine blocks and other part date codes use the A thru L prefix. Also in 1970 the first month of production was Jan 1970, not the normal August of year proceeding the model year, so build dates for 1970 follow A=Jan, B=Feb etc. and in your case C=March.

Thanks for the input to correct my earlier response.

If I can help with casting numbers or anything else email me.

[Juliet P.]

Re: 1970 LS-5 engine finish date vs. vehicle build

Don, I'm glad you found the registry website. The engine stamp pad contains the assembly date which is a 4 digit numerical code MMDD. The trim tag on the door jamb has a 3 digit code, 1LetterMonth 2NumberDay. For 1970 it's easy A=Jan, B=Feb etc... There are some pretty good photos of both on the registry website which folks have submitted. As others have suggested you really should purchase the 1970-72 Tech Manual (available through this website). It's 100+ pages packed with more detail than you can imagine. Good luck with the car. ~Juliet




1970 Corvette Registry