1971 LS6 Chevelle SS Production

[MultiMopars]

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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!

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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?