67 L71 Heads

[Hebert K.]

My 67 L71 has cylinder heads with dates of G96 and J106. Is it usual for heads to be that far off in dates or is it more likely that one of the heads were replaced? The motor has been rebuilt at least once.
The block casting date is A97, stamp pad is T0112JE, and the car production date is 01/20/1967.
I would think if one was replaced, the G96 head is the replacement as it is 6 months prior to the production date.
Thanks,
Hebert Kranz (53796)

[Patrick B.]

Re: 67 L71 Heads

I assume your block casting date is probably a J or K. It is normal for the pair of L71 heads to have different dates. I have seen several engines with A date blocks and heads with one A date and one K date. Your heads are a little further apart, but it is not impossible that they are both original. Unless there is something different about them such as a different color paint below final coat or one being resurfaced deeper than the other, I would not think one was a replacement.

[Hebert K.]

Re: 67 L71 Heads

Patrick,
The block casting date is A97. That seems awfully close to the pad date of 0112. Is that normal?
67 VETTE 427 13.jpg

The heads are the same color and don't look like they were machined differently.

Thanks,
Hebert

[Mark F.]

Re: 67 L71 Heads

Patrick,
The block casting date is A97. That seems awfully close to the pad date of 0112. Is that normal? The heads are the same color and don't look like they were machined differently. Thanks, Hebert

Head casting dates close to engine assembly dates are not unusual because the heads and the blocks were both cast at the Tonawanda complex which had the casting plant and the engine assembly plant co-located.

As for the date spread between the two heads - who knows - did one get shoved to the back of the pile in obscurity ? I know there are other strings on this topic - just don't have them at my fingertips right now...

[Patrick B.]

Re: 67 L71 Heads

Herbert- Three days between casting the block and assembling the engine was typical of Flint small blocks. It is very quick for Tonawanda big blocks but not unheard of. You can post a picture of the stamping if you have any doubts, or you can PM me if you want a non-public free opinion.