Going back to take a second look at a 1971 Camaro project car - so I'm gathering up my checklist of things to look for. Owner claims that this Camaro is an SS and was a factory 4 speed/396 car.

There is a Muncie 4 speed in the car, but no engine in it anymore - but it is a big block Chevy setup. How can I determine if this car is a true SS, and if it originally came with a 396?

I have been using this page as a guide: http://www.nastyz28.com/camaro/camaro71.php and it has been helpful, but I can't seem to figure out where to look to find engine configuration if the original engine is gone.

I've owned plenty of cars in my life, but until recent years, I haven't paid much attention to factory options in cars - and this would be my first Camaro that I've owned, so any help IDing the car or other trouble areas to look for would be greatly appreciated!

 

Well first off it's a true SS the VIN tag will say Z27 I believe.

 

Thanks, I will keep an eye out for that first thing when I get to the car.

According to information regarding the Camaro VIN the number identifies the following:

Example VIN: 123871N500001

First digit is GM Division: 1 = Chevrolet

Digits 2&3 are model series: 23 = 6-cyl, 24 = 8-cyl Camaro

Digits 4&5 are body type: 87 = 2dr. coupe

Sixth digit is model year: 1 = 1971

Seventh digit is N for Norwood assembly, L for Van Nuys.

Last six digits increased one with each car built at each plant.

If that is true, there are only 4 characters left in a standard VIN to identify the rest of the type of car. But there are 3 letters to the engine code, 1 letter to the transmission code, 2 letters to the rear axle codes, 3 letters to the factory options codes (where the determination of the SS package can be found). - All of the codes can't be represented in the car's VIN, especially if the Z27 Super Sport code is found in the VIN. Which ones are used? Which ones are found elsewhere?

Does someone out there have a decoded VIN number that they can use as an example?

Thanks again for the help.

 

There is a trim tag on the cowl. That has the info you want. I'm not sure about early cars but on later ones its on the cowl in front of the VIN but outside the car about 6-8".

 

the trim tag will not only say Z27 for supersport. it should also say LS3 for big block. there should also be a rear sway bar, 5500 redline tach,hood insulation. check the part numbers stamped on the motor mount frames 3982307 lh,3964886 rh. if the numbers are differant it's a small block car. i know i have a 71 super sport big block

 

Don't confuse the VIN number with info on the VIN tag. The info you're looking for will be on the VIN tag, not in the VIN number.