WeasleVette454

Since 1971 Corvette's did not have the engine and trans code tied to the VIN number (resumed in 1972), the engine block was coded with this information. I know I have the original engine (unless a rather perfect looking number stamping forgery transpired).....however.....the code on the right front is stamped TO319CPJ (Toronto, March 19). The CPJ, according to Chilton's means 365 hp, THM (turbo hydramatic). A CPH would have stood for having a 4 speed.

Any thoughts???????

Weasle

Z-man

OK...I'll bite What's the strange part? CPJ does indeed mean 454 - 365hp automatic transmission.

Star79

He found a clutch pedal under his carpet a few days ago:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=857450

zwede

Well, how about the other differences? Is your crossmember fixed (stick) or removable (auto)? Do you have the clutch cross shaft bracket on the frame? What size and location hole is in the tunnel for a shifter?

JB

What Zwede wants to know.

My guess is it's a auto car, and somebody at some point started the process of trying to convert it & didn't get farther than installing a peddle. A very common question asked on this forum is "how do I convert my auto to a stick," so I'm guessing a lot of these conversions have been attempted.

JB

LAvetteman

Yea, tell us what you found on your frame. Removable crossmember or fixed?

Heres a thought, something happened to the original body and a donor body was transplanted, VIN tag grafted and all. I know its a long shot but it poped up.

ACECO

I would also guess that someone started a conversion and never finished it. Was easier to stuff the pedal under the carpet than actually remove it.

As was previously stated, check the crossmember, clutch shaft bracket and hole in the trans tunnel to confirm if this car started life as an auto or a stick.

Let us know what you find.

Tom73

T0319CPJ would be
T=Tonawanda NY (not Toronto)
0319=March 19
CPJ=used in 71 and 72 for an LS5 454 with automatic trans.

So, by the numbers it should be an automatic car.

Like others have asked, what does the cross member look like? Is it welded in or bolt in? If bolt in, is there any indication that it has been modified (i.e., welded in one cut out and a replacement bolt in crossmember added)? Automatic should have a bolted in crossmember.

tom...

WeasleVette454

Thanks for getting me straight......dunno why I typed Toronto. I will crawl under the car tomorrow and check out the crossmember and report what I find.

The donor car and VIN swap scenario was discussed at work. Thanks for the input.

Weasle