ejw71

Yep, I got two head sets mixed up. Is 3973487 the head casting number for a '71 Monte 350, 300 hp? Thanks, Ed

Thanks guys for all the info. Think I'll get one off another GM product (even if I have to go FMC/DC) and file the base to fit the Monte door surface. Are the chrome ones the same shape as sport mirrors? If so, could just paint it. Ed

My 71 SS454 has one sport mirror. It looks unbalanced with just one mirror. Was a right side sport mirror an option? Thanks, Ed

After running my '71, 350 trubo trans a few times over a weeks period the trans leaked (2 quarts?) oil. Was unable to determine where the trans was leaking as I didn't notice the oil puddle for a while. Was unable to determine where oil was coming from as there wasn't any oil trails to follow. The pan bolts weren't loose, pan gasket is new, not coming from front/rear seal and isn't leaking at inlet tube connection. Only thing I can think of is that I may have overfilled the trans. And when parked oil ran up and out the inlet tube on to garage floor. Seeking advive. Thanks, Ed

Found out the hard way that that BB u-joints are larger than SB u-joints. Suspect the larger ones are common to 402s & 454s. Yea, had a drive shaft out of a 402 and didn't think anything about it until installing it in a 350 car. Live and learn about all the various differences between SB & BB 1st Gens. Ed

Andy, Thats correct. Ed

Hi John, Found VIN on trans case. If I remember correctly it was located on the dust shield surface at front of trans. Ed

1st Gens had PowerGlide, TH350 and TH400 auto trans. However, came across info that a auto trans called Torque Drive was also offered. What is this trans? Thanks, Ed

Now we're cookn' with Nate. Ed

Thanks MR70Monte, That's it. Now remember asking this question before. Yep, the first parts to go are brain cells. Ed

Steve, Another dumbo moment, don't know why I didn't include the year. It's a '71 TH350. Switch is located on passenger side to left of TV cable and below transmission lines. Somethng just click in my head. Suspect it's involved with the igintion timing, like retaring it. Thanks for the help. Ed

Calling on member(s) to answer above question. Thanks, Ed

As Stick was referring to. The gear selector is in Park, but igintion key will release when rod running from trans to steering column is adjusted correctly. This rod goes from steering column to a bracket and inturn attaches to trans shifter. The rod is adjustable at its connection to the bracket. Ed

Behind the blower motor. Great info. I'm gonna go check a '71 parts car right now. I'm crazy about documentation. Well, sex too. Ed

Nate, Thanks, first time learning about CON VIN. Alex, Thanks didn't know about behind the A/C box numbers. Ed

Yep, the "1" in question refers to Chevrolet. Thanks fellas. Pete, Sorry I got you and Alex mixed up. Guess you both look alike. Since you probably have direct contact with Leo, ask him about VIN numbers on frame. Doubt it, as would have been informed of it by now in the hundred discussions converning real vs fake SS454s. Alex, long time no see. I expect to be at Easten meet see ya then. If I understand your first sentence. The VIN (or part of it) will located in three places: 1. on the metal tab viewable thru driver side of windshield, 2. on block pad behind alternator and 3. on transmission. Is that correct? Ed

Vaughn, Is the "extra 1" in place of a '7' as mine is? I also going to check on the engine block stamped number to determine simularity. And will do the same on my 71SS454. Pete, In your research on rear axles have you come across the production sequence number portion of the VIN? If such is available our club would be able to go a long way in answering the never-ending question of: "Is it a real one". Ed

My Th350 has a switch with a two wire hook up. Is this for back up lights? Thanks, Ed

Dave, I did the conversion about three years ago. Maybe I can recall enough to help you. The hole next to dipstick is for the TV cable. It should have a thin wire with a loop end sticking out. TV cable attaches to this wire and bolts to case. Other end of TV cable hooks to carb. You also need the carb/TV cable bracket that bolts to carb and TV cable slips into it. If you don't have a TV cable their available at parts stores. Make sure you get the right length. The adjustment of the TV cable is super important. If it isn't adjusted correcly the trans can burn up real quick. My super important advice: Get someone knowledgeable with 700R4s and have them adjust it before moving the car under its own power. Would expect transmission places to have dipstick tubes. Floor shifter installation instructions come with shifter. Ed

Discovered today last nine alphanumerics of VIN are stamped on transmission of my 71. I may the last 1st Gen owner to become aware of this info. Last nine of VIN are: 71K197166. However, on the trans is stampted: 11K197166. The 71 is correct due to year of car. The first digit on trans could be a 7 but it sure looks like a 1 and it's shape is the same as the second 1. Probably just an error or my inability to discern numbers. This car isn't an SS, but thought it's important enough to post here. What this means to me in reference to SS454s is if the motor has been exchanged, no build sheet and no pro-tech-no plate then the trans stamped VIN portion would document the car as a real SS454. Wonder if rear axle has the same portion of the VIN. Ed

Thanks for the enlightenment, gprimm. You are OH! so correct. I'd forgotten about GMs policy of always assigning Corvettes the highest hp rating. Nevertheless, the LS5 in our dear 1st Gens isn't 390hp. One could correctly say the Corvette LS5 of 390hp is the same engine used in '70 & '71 SS454 Monte Carlos. Ed

First Gen '70 SS454 was rated at 360hp and '71 at 365hp. Sellers tend to overstate whatever they're selling. Could such be ordered via COPO? If so, then documentation is the issue. Of course, some believe that anything could be ordered via COPO. Ed

One of our members (David?) has a '70 or '71 SS454 with cruise control. His father purchased the car new having the dealer install cruise control. Ed

Do both 70 & 71 SS454s have the Tonawanda #1 Team decal on left or right or both valve covers. Thanks, Ed

Chris, A portion of build sheet is missing. Whatever ZJ? is the wording ends in "& TRIM". It could be ZJ7 but word "TRIM" wouldn't make sense. The next listed code is Z?? the wording ends with CONV. Thanks for your help, Ed