How do I tell for sure it's a 71? I never have figured out the stamped codes on the block ledge. I think I have one, but I don't want to part with it since it's a 225 and I don't have very may. I have a pile of 170s. Does it ALL have to be 71 or just the block?
I'm not sure about the date code. If I remember, it's something to do with the stamp on the lip behind the coil. I'll have to look into that and get back to you.
Regarding the year, I was hoping for a complete and correct drop-in engine, or one that was "running when pulled" 20 years ago, so it doesn't need too much piecing together...