1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

I am looking for some information to assist one of our racers. I am looking for documentations and an actual 1971 Chevelle SS that was factory equipped with an LS6. We are unable to find anything concrete from Chevrolet. I figured this would be the right place to ask this question. Thank you for your assistance.

Ralph Barbagallo

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

There is no such beast. At least I have never seen or heard of one actually escaping the factory and making it to a dealership lot.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

The only Chevrolet that received the LS6 engine in 1971 was the Corvette.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Maybe those engines were for inventory and not installed in a car?

I also find it curious that Chevrolet would have built more auto LS6 Chevelles than 4-speeds. I am not convinced.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

what's there to convince you? because you didn't see it yourself?

you weren't even born then..

Larry Costley Chevrolet ordered and had a '71 Chevelle SS built for his son Jamie, he was my roommate, it came off the truck that way, it was light metallic funky green, I was there that day... if it was built elsewhere's I have no clue, but it had less than 10 miles, I personally took all the plastic off the seats and prepped it for delivery... Between Larry, and Leon Sarkisian from Sark Chev, they could order some neat stuff, both had high up_the_ladder connections... I worked PDI for both dealerships in 69-73.. saw some neat stuff... Don Allen Chev also got a couple Z16 ringers, as did Luby Chev. with L72 Impala's,, Costley got a couple '70 LS6 Camino's for construction co. friends and a gold '71 LS6 Vette for himself, Leon ordered multiple truckloads of '70 L78 Nova's and, somehow, even got two '70 LT1 Chevelles/Malibu's, one was dark green/green and one was pale yellow/white, both 4 speeds, the dark green went to one of the Butler Bros... each dealership had their niche' for performance.. Tracy Moyer also had a CRR crate engine that was mentioned above, he bought it locally, and it went in a '72 black short bed Chevy truck that I owned, and I sold it to a charter DC6 pilot in Lakeland... so don't EVER say something never happened..

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

I have never seen one but I think I recall Tommy Lee Austin telling me either he or his brother had one with documentation. It has been a few years. I will see him at Barrett-Jackson and ask.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

My '71 Camino has a white faced 6500 RPM redline tach. I have owned the car since 1980 or so and I am confident it was never changed. So I know Chevrolet at least planned to put it into production.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
what's there to convince you? because you didn't see it yourself?

you weren't even born then..

[/ QUOTE ]


[ QUOTE ]

... so don't EVER say something never happened..

[/ QUOTE ]

So show me some proof. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif

I'll believe it when I see it. It's just there's no way you can convince me, although I'm sure someone else can.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

When there is no difference between any of these cars except motor mounts, does it really matter?

What I'm saying is that all through the '70s the over-the-counter stuff was readily available, and whatever someone wanted they could get simply by going to the parts counter and paying the man.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

------And,,,Dont forget Skip Slaton up in Lauderdale, Jim!!! Slaton Chevrolet ordered a bunch of rare stuff during the Hi-Po years. Not so rare, but I bought a white/black 70 El Camino SS396 off the floor there. The sweet part was that it had every available option you could order on a 70 El Camino. I used to stop there all the time and just walk around the lot.........Bill S

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ]

Why would they designate auto or 4 speed unless they were slated for a car on the assembly line?

Did Chevrolet do this with crate engines?

Is it because the end of the crank is drilled for or has a bushing?

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ] Agreed, except the 67 L79 Novas, there are atleast two documented real cars. Ron... P.S. One was at the MCCN show in Nov. Jack Duer's.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

They were certainly built for road-testing. Motor Trend tested one with two aboard and 3.31s in their October 1970 issue saying "The new low-compression LS-6 lacks the punch of the original SS454 we tested last fall, running .9-second and 9 mph slower in the quarter..." It went 14.7... I have the issue, looking at it now.

The 'Hi-Performance Cars' Supercar Annual changed to 4.10s - they went 13.65. I do not have this issue so I do not know if it is the same car in the motor trend. The press pool may have had a couple cars.

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

I honestly don't see why these cars can't exist. I mean, it's a reasonable combination in my mind.

It's not like some dope claiming he went to the Plymouth dealer in 1970 and bought a new Hemi Valiant because the salesman was in his dad's bowling league so he had "special pull".

I don't see any physical or legal reason why this couldn't have happened, so why not?

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
There's no doubt in my mind that Chevrolet produced a 1971 LS-6 Chevelle. The first major fact is that Tonawanda records show 14 engines being shipped with suffix codes. 10 were intended for TH400 application and 4 additional units were intended for 4-speed applications. This is also in Alan Colvin's books. The other major clue is the existence of 1971-dated #026 open-chamber cylinder heads. Now it could be argued that #026's were intended for the popular crate LS-6's but I've seen several 1972-dated crate LS-6's that were still using the #291 closed-chamber heads. Heck, these 1972 crate LS-6's were even stamped with the TH400 code of "CRR" on the front deck but that's a discussion for another day. Anyway, that's my presentation to the jury for the existence of the much-elusive 1971 LS-6 Chevelle and these are valid points. I'm sure one of these 14 cars will surface one day if it hasn't already. Maybe some collector has one stashed away in his collection next to an L-89 Nova, 1967 L-79 Chevy II, and a 1966 L-88 Corvette! LOL!

[/ QUOTE ]

Why would they designate auto or 4 speed unless they were slated for a car on the assembly line?

Did Chevrolet do this with crate engines?

Is it because the end of the crank is drilled for or has a bushing?

[/ QUOTE ]


I'd say you are right - that and the appropriate carburetor selection/calibration which also changed with trans selection.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

So the test car is at least one, maybe two.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's no saying a test car was an actual production car.

[/ QUOTE ]


No. Your grasping at straws to try and prove a point and I believe you are wrong.

I have never seen a magazine test car that was a "factory" conversion that it was not noted as such.

As most everyone knows, high performance magazine articles from back in the day were to alert the public of latest hipo offering from the factory.

I think from what has been shown here is proof enough that the cars WERE built.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]


This doesn't answer my question.

The reason I possed it was to see if the engines WERE coded in order to keep them seperate for over the counter sales applications OR simply for installation applications on the vehicle assembly line. This COULD determine if these engines were in fact slated for new vehicle installation.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Very true. It does not mean it made production. But if you owned that test car today - say someone hauls it out of a barn next week with some of the road-tester's handwritten notes in the glovebox - it would be considered a factory built 1971 LS6 Chevelle. That is all I am saying.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ]


This doesn't answer my question.

The reason I possed it was to see if the engines WERE coded in order to keep them seperate for over the counter sales applications OR simply for installation applications on the vehicle assembly line. This COULD determine if these engines were in fact slated for new vehicle installation.

[/ QUOTE ]

They did sell both stick and auto trans versions OTC that were coded as such, for a year or two after the car's production. I've seen both CRR and CRV code 454's that were casting dates of `71, but those codes were used originally in 1970.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

The copy says they "ordered it", and "checked the box for LS6" but who knows.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

page 2

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

It's well documented the first LS6 pre production cars were converted 396's,of those dedicated for eval and buff mag articles all went to the crusher- because they were not DOT or emissions certified.

I think we all want to believe in cars of this mystique- how many have actually been found?. Where's the Z16 vert?. Urban legend is great fodder for discussion- but until you get undisputed proof..i'm from Cali via Missouri https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif

Buff mag articles like the Bill Clements L89/LS6, and this one are just irresponsible journalisim IMO. They perpetuate the myth, just like that Reggie ZL1 rebody at BJ last year.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
It's well documented the first LS6 pre production cars were converted 396's,of those dedicated for eval and buff mag articles all went to the crusher- because they were not DOT or emissions certified.

I think we all want to believe in cars of this mystique- how many have actually been found?. Where's the Z16 vert?. Urban legend is great fodder for discussion- but until you get undisputed proof..i'm from Cali via Missouri https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smirk.gif

Buff mag articles like the Bill Clements L89/LS6, and this one are just irresponsible journalisim IMO. They perpetuate the myth, just like that Reggie ZL1 rebody at BJ last year.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree that the August 1995 article you are referring to on Bill Clements fake aluminum-headed LS6 vert was irresponsible.

But the article I attached is an original road test from 1971. The magazine was simply testing and reporting on something they were told would be available on that day. It's not their fault a change of plans may have happened a month or two later.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
The copy says they "ordered it", and "checked the box for LS6" but who knows.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, Marty Schorr knows, he wrote the article. Perhaps x Baldwin Motion or someone could ring him up and get his driving impressions. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/burnout.gif

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Marty told me @SCR6 that the Gold 1971 LS-6 Chevelle was a Mule that never made it to public consumption and was picked up & destroyed by GM,later on after that article was written.
Thanks to a few tree huggers,but mostly the insurance companies.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
But that's where I disagree again - there's no saying what the car started out as. For all we know, it could have been a regular Malibu 350 that was converted to an SS454 for more promotional purposes.

[/ QUOTE ] if you knew ANYTHING about Chevy's at all, you wouldn't have typed that... go back to your Schwinn bicycles... oh wait, you weren't born then either..

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

the 3680# test weight is interesting in itself...

uhhhhhh, nope.. LOL

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]

I have never seen a magazine test car that was a "factory" conversion that it was not noted as such.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think we've seen a number of Mopars that changed configuration from brochure photo to road test, no? Sometimes it was airbrushing, sometimes it was a little more.

[ QUOTE ]

As most everyone knows, high performance magazine articles from back in the day were to alert the public of latest hipo offering from the factory.

[/ QUOTE ]

Red herring, plus we all know (right?) that road tests can't always be trusted, especially if the editor didn't like the PR guy's attitude.

[ QUOTE ]

I think from what has been shown here is proof enough that the cars WERE built.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think what has been shown here is that there's enough Chevy people who don't see it as proof.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

[ QUOTE ]
] if you knew ANYTHING about Chevy's at all, you wouldn't have typed that... go back to your Schwinn bicycles... oh wait, you weren't born then either..

[/ QUOTE ]

So are you going to offer evidence? Or are you going to remain satisfied at being smug? I've encountered people like you for 13 years so this is old hat for me. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/haha.gif

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

oh.. i'm extremely satisfied being smug... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/cool.gif

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

(yawn . . . )

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

The Tonawanda shipping records alone should be proof enough for anyone. The #026 heads are out there and so are the correct list # Holley and distributors with specific stamping numbers. Maybe someone over at Team Chevelle has some insight. Anybody check over there or do a search?

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Mark, check your PM's..

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Here are the Facts that Exist !!!
I have spent years tracking down original dated parts to build a What If LS-6 71 Convertible.
Specific engine codes were created for both an Stick and Auto configuration
The 6500 white face dash cluster does exist picture attached and part number pictured
026 dated heads exist that were specific to that application only with production 71 dates
The 569 intake with numbers on the runners exist in a larger quanity than 71 LS-6 Corvette production dated again to a production line build.
4802 and 4803 carbs dated to an assembly line build exist
054 and 075 71 LS-6 distributors exist with the same production line dates,
myself and many other Chevelle Guru's have these or have had these in their collections.
Yes it was slated for an Assembly line build and scrubbed before prodution started.
But the parts that were needed to build it were made months maybe a year in engineering before they found there way into cars and the parts system , the tachs have been noted for years in cars.

Does one exist Maybe, but you should probally look for it in a 70 Test Mule car from the Proving Grounds, and the press cars were all pre prodution cars just for media , handbuilt as we all know !

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

picture of a real 71 LS-6 Tach

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Part Number
sorry about the picts I can only post cell phone picts on theis website even in VGA mode they are always too big for this site.

Re: 1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production
 

Jim I have had two distributors and one carburetor and have seen at least 4 sets of early 71 dated heads.