I would like apologize for my last post it’s a little whacked out .. :oops:
What I was trying too ask is, where can I go on the net and do a vin code check so I can verify the 71 ss I have found is real and not a clone. And check the casting number on the big block.

VIN= 136801L07007

block casting # 3935440
or
# 3985440

thanks for any help that can be sent my way.

Another equally important question would be where else is the VIN besides the driver's door and the windshield?
Door tags can be bought, engines can be dropped in......

I'm hardly the expert here but the VIN pretty much says nothing more than it's an el Camino built in Los Angeles/Van Nuys, CA. in 1971.

http://elcaminocentral.com/Necoa/VIN_&_Trim_Codes/1971_VIN.htm

What I do know is, with the exception of 1968, any other 3rd gen can be faked if they know what they're doing. What you need to do is get the cowl numbers next to the left side hood hinge and post them here:

http://elcaminocentral.com/forum-13.html

Member Z71 seems to be the resident expert. I'd ask him.

Sorry Pete but the only way to document a 71 is with a build sheet. There is no ID on the car that can verify it. The RPO codes may also be on the protecto plate in the owners manual, however that is usually long gone. Start hunting for a build sheet, in the doors, over the fuel tank, in the seat springs are the more common places. As for the casting number, from chevy v8 casting numbers, 3935440 = a 68 396. That is the only engine listed here using that number and I dont see one with what you thought was an 8.