71 Engine Code

On my build sheet, the code for the engine is SH and the transmission code is BT...

What do these mean? Is the engine code relevant to what is stamped on the block in terms of what HP it produces? I know there are 3? different 455 configurations in 71, but is this one of them?

I tried doing a search on this site for the codes, but came up empty.

 

Here's the build sheet...or what's left of it.

Also, on the options list, the option code for it is L76 if that means anything.

 

Whoa, no wonder you can't find any info! The engine for '71 were T codes at the engine plant and on the engine, S was '70. and there was no SH, unless this was a plant code? What does the engine have on it? The codes from the Build sheet where sometimes different that the option codes, this is really weird! When was your car built? what month, look at the inside of the drivers door for the blue sticker with the VIN should have a date or the trim tag on the cowl.
BT is the 400 trans in the Centurion and Riviera with TR-TA engines, with TR being the stock Riv engine and TA being the GS engine!
Roberta

 

Cowl:
ST 71-46667 X00710
TR 461 11-A
4C

VIN:
466671X159487

Built the 3rd week of April 1971

It says SH...I don't know that it has anything to do with the code we're trying to match it up with though...

Is the engine code supposed to match up with the one on the build sheet? Does option code L76 have anything to do with it?

 

L76 is probably the key, I haven't been able to find anything in the last 1/2 hour of looking in my stash of Buick stuff, maybe Duane Heckman knows what L76 was in '71? Roberta

 

I just looked at the buildsheet for my 1971 GS455 and it has "SP" in the engine block and "L74" in the options code.

You can view my buildsheet at:
http://www.buickperformance.com/bldsht.htm

It's a little hard to read, but it's and SP and L74.

 

Thanks everyone!

Looks like I have a hi perf engine:bglasses:

 

Hi everyone,
Quite a few of the codes on these build sheets are manufacturer's codes as Scott showed in his post.I just finished decoding a 71 GS build sheet from the Fremont plant. It took me approximately 6 hours to do, but I got all the codes except 1 or 2.

Now I can decode 70-72 GS/Skylarks from any production plant. Glad to see other people working on this. Good to know it drives other people crazy also.
Duane

 

Thanks Scott, I just found that same sheet this morning!

Duane, what are you still looking for, I remembered I have a '71 Big Car assembly manual, has the mfg codes for some GS stuff. Let me know, maybe i can help. RV

 

71 GS from the Fremont plant, huh?

I've got one of those!

:beer

 

Steve,
I couldn't read the copy of your build sheet without going blind. I would have used it as my example, and would have gladly sent you a decoded copy for free. Sorry.
Duane

 

Thanks Duane,

I still have the buildsheet. I just don't have a flatbed scanner anymore - I do have digital cameras though.

 

Adam directed me to this thread and I was wondering? I have a 72 Centurion the has a T in the vin,engine box 26 has SC in it and the lower part lists L74 ENG 455 4bbl. Did they change codes in 72 or do I have a centurion that wants to be a GS?