Can anyone tell me what the factory code and casting numbers are on a 71 455 stage 1 engine o No: Gary
Gary- Good to hear from you again. Check here for casting numbers. My '71, for example, uses the block number ending in 738. Note that there is no specific casting number for the stage 1 motor. The castings were the same. If you look at the deck surface on the block between the number 5&7 cylinders (driver's side rear), there should be some codes stamped into the deck surface. TR is non-stage and TS is stage 1. Also, if you look at the front of the block just below the head on the driver's side there is a pad surface that has a series of numbers stamped on it. The last last digits of your VIN should be stamped there.
Here's the stamp on the deck between the 5/7 plugs. You can just barely make out the TR at the top of the pad. I believe the other alpha numeric sequence corresponds to a date/shift produced.
Hey Adam- I know Gary has a '71 GS/GSX, so I didn't include the other code. Thanks for the clarification, though. :TU:
Thanks Ken and Adam Does anyone know if you can tell a stage one head from a non stage one, other than removing it and measuring the valve size. o No: Gary
Gary- There's no way that I'm aware of as they appear identical from the outside. A couple of other questions would be: -Do you have chrome valve covers? These came only on the stage cars, but if you have them they could have been added later. -What is the number on the carb? 7041242 would be correct for a Stage 1. -What is the number on the distributor? 1112016 would be the correct number for the distributor for a Stage 1 and a stick non-stage car. If I recall, you have an auto car? While none of these answers will necessarily confirm one way or the other that the engine is a true Stage 1, they can provide clues.
Well..... Is the original Protect-o-plate still in the glove box? If so, the factory installed engine code is also on there. :TU:
