Definition of Early and Later

[Ron J.]

Just a quick easy one for the group...
I'm putting together my final parts list and having trouble figuring out the cut off between Early and Later in the JM.

Specific example:
1971 Starter Motor for a Small Block with a Maunal Transmission
Part Number 1108338 Early and 1108418 Later

My 71 LT-1 VIN is 111032 which would put it sometime in March of 71.
Also...is there a way to get a closer estimate to build date beyond month and year?

Thanks,
Ron

[Roy B.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later

That argument will never go away ,early-early . Mid- mid's, and late-late's , GM (no records) mostly guess work . Be happy you have your Corvette.

{Just a quick easy one for the group} Love it!!!

[Warren F.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later

Ron,

1971 model year had a rather slow start. Normally this model year begins with production in the previous fall calendar year, such as August '70. 1971's early months of production totalled only 2,675 cars for the first 4 months of production,(Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov) this was not typical, normally 2,800 to 3,000 cars were built EACH month. So the typical 'early or late build' production run changes might not be so easily categorized, as might be in other model production years.

[Terry R.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later

Heck Roy this is just the beginning of things for us to worry about,Polished wheels are gone after Jan.3(Amcast filed bankruptcy,next low bidder from Italy quality too bad to polish)Early or mid? Daytona Sunset Orange discontinued April 1,mid or late? Don't you just love it?

[Roy B.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later "TerrY"

By the time NCRS thinks about our C6 I'm dead He He

[Joe L.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later

Ron-----

The applicability of the terms "early" and "late" is entirely dependent on the component or system in question. Even then, there is usually no definitive "cut-off" between the two.

For the STARTER for your car, I would say that the 1108338 would be the one you need. That's good, too, since this starter will be easier to find than the 1108418. However, keep this simple thing in mind: if you find a starter of EITHER part number which is correctly dated for your car, especially if it's within 2-8 weeks prior to your car's build, that unit could have been originally installed on your car.

I believe that there is a "Corvette birthday book" somewhere which will help you "pin down" the build date. However, the body build date found on your trim tag will get you pretty close.

[Ron J.]

Re: Definition of Early and Later

Thanks everyone...I'm fairly new to the forum and can't keep up with the volume of messages too often so I just research a bit and then jump in if i can't find it.
Great advice on the 2-8 weeks prior to the car's build date. I gives me a easier area to focus on. I was surprised when i went over my car to discover i only need 5 parts to get it back to original but thoes 5 will take years to find along with all of the owrk to get the car back to 100%.
Glad its not my first or my last!

Ron