'71 BB engine suffix

[Craig Olson]

I recently purchased a '71 454 coupe. It appears to be matching numbers and I would like to verify the engine suffix for HP rating. My NCRS manual for 68-9 does not cover this suffix. Can anyone let me know what this code represents (until I get my new manual)?

[Joe L.]

Re: '71 BB engine suffix

Craig-----

All 1971 Corvettes used a 3 alpha-character engine suffix code beginning with "C". I suspect that the one you have is "CPH". This is the code for an LS-5 365 hp 454 engine with manual transmission.

[Wayne M.]

Re: '71 BB engine suffix

Craig --- Using the old NCRS '53 to '72 pocket guide, it shows 4 codes for '71 big blocks: CPH = 365hp Q-jet, 4-sp; CPJ = (same except Turbo Hydramatic); CPW = 425hp, Holley, Alum. Heads, 4-sp (ie. LS6); CPX = (same, except THM).

[Chuck S.]

Re: '71 BB engine suffix

Craig,

CPJ-454@365hp, THM 400; CPH-454@365hp, 4 spd; CPW-454@425hp, 4 spd; CPX-454@425hp, THM 400.

Chuck Sangerhausen

[Craig Olson]

Re: '71 BB engine suffix

Thanks for all your help! Looks like its a 365hp 4 speed, which is correct.