GM RPO build codes

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(This was info I gathered while searching the internet for info. Please add or correct anything)
 
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These GM build sheet numbers decode as follows:
 
  
AG7 6 way Power Seat
 
 
AK1 Custom Deluxe Seat Belts
 
 
AL5 Deluxe Rear Center Seat Belt '67.
 
 
AN7 Strato-Bucket Seats, Swing out!
 
 
Al3 Power Door Locks
 
 
Al6 Power Tailgate Release
 
 
AO1 Soft Ray Tinted Glass, all windows.
 
 
AO2 Tinted Glass, windshield only.
 
 
AQ2 Electric Seat Back Lock Release, '71
 
 
AQ5 Electric Seat Back Lock Release, '70
 
 
AUO Remote entry
 
 
AS1 Shoulder Harness, '67+
 
 
AS4 Deluxe Rear Seat Shoulder Harness, '68+
 
 
AS5 Standar Rear Seat Shoulder Harness, '68+
 
 
AT8 Reclining Passenger Seat
 
 
AU1 Electric Door Locks, '70+
 
 
AU3 Power Door Locks
 
 
AV3 3 Point Seat Belts (from 1972 Build sheet)
 
 
A20 Custom seat belts, '64
 
 
A20 Swing Out rear windows, Laguna
 
 
A31 Power Windows
 
 
A33 Power Tailgate Window
 
 
A39 Custom Deluxe front and rear Seat Belts, 66+
 
 
A37 Seat Belt Equipment, '64 only.
 
 
A41 Power Front Seat, 4-way
 
 
A42 Power Seat, 6 way
 
 
A41 Power Bucket Seat, 4 way.
 
 
A46 Power Drivers Bucket Seat, 66+
 
 
A47 Custom Deluxe Seat Belts.
 
 
A49 Custom Deluxe Seat Belts, w/retractors
 
 
A51 Front Bucket Seats, Astro
 
 
A52 Front Bench Seat
 
 
A62 Seat Belt Delete
 
 
A64 Custom Deluxe Rear Seat Belts, '65.
 
 
A65 Split Front Seat w/arm Rest
 
 
A66 Split Second Seat
 
 
A68 Standard Rear Center Seat Belt. '67.
 
 
A81 Head Rest, Bucket Seats
 
 
A82 Head Rest, Bench Seat
 
 
A85 Deluxe Shoulder Harness, '66 1/2 +
 
 
A90 Electric Trunk Opener
 
 
A93 Vacuum Door Locks, '69
 
 
BO1 Police Body Equipment, '64-65.
 
 
BO2 Taxi!! '64-65.
 
 
BW2 Deluxe Body Side Molding
 
 
BX4 Body Side Molding
 
 
BX8 Full Body moldings
 
 
BW1 Delete tailgate ornamentation.
 
 
B2H Interim Equipment Change
 
 
B2M No power steering.
 
 
B22 Door trim pad emblem " SS "
 
 
B37 Colored floor mats
 
 
B44 Removable Load floor carpet
 
 
B55 Deluxe Front Seat Cushion, '67+
 
 
B70 Padded Dash '64-65.
 
 
B75 lining lug compartment, '69
 
 
B80 Roof Drip molding
 
 
B81 *Delete tailgate molding. This would delete the horizontal trim strips on the tailgate of a '70-'72 El Camino or GMC Sprint.
 
 
B84 Body Side Molding
 
 
B85 Beltline Reveal Molding
 
 
B90 Door Window frame moldings
 
 
B93 Door edge guards
 
 
B94 "GMC" tailgate emblem ('71-'72 GMC Sprint only).
 
 
B95 Rear end panel moulding, '69
 
 
B96 Wheel well moldings
 
 
CA1 Power Roof
 
 
CB1 Vinyl Roof, Touring
 
 
CB7 Vinyl Roof cover.
 
 
CD2 Windshield Washer Level Control, '70+
 
 
CD3 Electro-tip Wipers, '70+
 
 
CE1 Headlight Washers
 
 
CO5 Convertible Top, Manual.
 
 
CO6 Convertible Top, Power
 
 
CO8 Vinyl Roof, full
 
 
CO9 Padded Vinyl roof
 
 
C14 Two Speed Wipers, '64.
 
 
C24 Special Windshield Wipers
 
 
C48 Heater Delete
 
 
C49 Electro Clear defogger
 
 
C50 Rear window defogger
 
 
C51 rear window air deflector
 
 
C56 = I/P side vent /70 Upper Level Vent / Astro Ventilation
 
 
C60 Air Conditioning, 4 seasons.
 
 
C65 Air Conditioning, Deluxe version.
 
 
D24 Litter container
 
 
D33 Remote Control mirror
 
 
D34 Vanity visor mirror
 
 
D35 Sports mirrors
 
 
D55 Console
 
 
D64 Illuminated Visor Mirror
 
 
D68 Twin Remote Sport Mirrors
 
 
D80 Spoilers
 
 
D88 Sport Stripe, '70+
 
 
D91 Conquista package
 
 
D96 Wide Paint Stripes, * '67+ refer's to body side accent stripe
 
 
D99 Two Tone Paint Moldings
 
 
FE8 Radial Tuned Suspension
 
 
F40 Sport suspension
 
 
F41 Sport Front and Rear Suspension, '69+
 
 
GS1 2.73 Ratio Axle (from 1972 Build Sheet)
 
 
GY2 *3.31 ratio axle ('71-'72 Chevelle / El Camino / GMC Sprint).
 
 
G11 2.56 Rear Axle
 
 
G66 Air Shocks, rear.
 
 
G67 Controller for Air Shocks.
 
 
G75 3.70 rear
 
 
G76 3.36 rear axle ratio
 
 
G80 Positraction rear
 
 
G82 4.56 Rear axle
 
 
G84 4.10 Rear axle
 
 
G92 Performance rear 3.08
 
 
G94 3.31 rear
 
 
G95 Economy rear 2.73
 
 
G96 3.55 rear
 
 
G97 2.73 Rear ratio
 
 
GW5 273 Ratio Axle
 
 
HO1 3.07 rear
 
 
HO5 3.73 rear axle ratio
 
 
J50 Power brakes
 
 
J52 Front Disc Brakes, '67+
 
 
J65 Metallic Brake linings
 
 
JL2 Front Disc Brakes, '70+
 
 
JL8 ('69 only) 4-wheel disc brakes
 
 
KD5 Heavy Duty PCV System
 
 
KO2 Clutch Fan
 
 
KO5 Engine Block Heater
 
 
K19 AIR , smog pump, '66+
 
 
K24 Closed Engine Ventilation, PCV.
 
 
K30 Cruise Control
 
 
K66 Transistor Ignition.
 
 
K72 Emission Control Delete
 
 
K75 Emission Control Delete
 
 
K76 61 amp alternator
 
 
K77 55 amp alternator
 
 
K79 42 amp
 
 
K81 62 amp
 
 
K85 63 amp
 
 
L14* Refers to: = 307 CID STD V8 (from 72 Chevelle)
 
 
L22 Six Cylinder 250
 
 
L26 230-140hp
 
 
L30 327-275 Hp
 
 
L34 396-350 Hp
 
 
L35 396-325 Hp
 
 
L48 350-300hp, '69+
 
 
L61 230 cid
 
 
L65 350-250hp, '69+
 
 
L72 427-425hp Yenko, '69
 
 
L73 327-250hp, '68
 
 
L74 327 300hp
 
 
L77 4 barrel carb, 283-220 hp
 
 
L78 396-375 Hp
 
 
L79 327-350 Hp
 
 
L89 396-375hp, Aluminum Heads
 
 
LF6 400-255hp 2 bbl, '70 (Monte Carlo)
 
 
LM1 350-255hp, '69
 
 
LS3 400-330hp, '70+
 
 
LS4 454-235hp
 
 
LS3 402-300hp in'71...240hp in '72
 
 
LS5 454-365hp in '71...270hp in '72 - LS5 (also 360 HP in '70).
 
 
LS6 454-450hp, '70
 
 
LT4 400-180hp
 
 
L65 350-145 2 barrel
 
 
L90 Six cylinder
 
 
MO1 Heavy Duty Clutch
 
 
MC1 Heavy Duty 3 spd Transmission
 
 
M10 Overdrive
 
 
M11 Floor Shift Transmission, '71+
 
 
M13 Heavy Duty Transmission
 
 
M20 4 spd standard transmission.
 
 
M21 4 spd close ratio
 
 
M22 4 spd, Heavy Duty
 
 
M35 Powerglide automatic, 2 speed.
 
 
M38 Turbo 350 automatic
 
 
M40 Turbo 400 automatic
 
 
M55 Transmission Cooler
 
 
NA9 Evaporative Emission Controls
 
 
NB2 Refers to:: EXH EMISSION (from 72)
 
 
NC8 Chambered Exhaust System
 
 
NK1 Cushioned Steering Wheel
 
 
NK2 Custom Steering Wheel, '71+
 
 
NK4 Sport Steering Wheel, '71+
 
 
N10 Dual Exhaust
 
 
N30 Deluxe Steering Wheel, '67+
 
 
N31 Custom Steering wheel
 
 
N33 Tilt steering
 
 
N34 Wood grained steering wheel
 
 
N40 Power Steering
 
 
N41 Power steering
 
 
N65 Space saving spare
 
 
N95 Wire Wheel covers
 
 
N96 Simulated Magn. Hubcaps
 
 
P19 Spare tire lock
 
 
P58 7.14.4 Whitewalls
 
 
P61 7.75-14 W/W
 
 
P62 7.75-14.4 W/W
 
 
P67 6.95-14 w/w
 
 
P77 8.25-14 w/w
 
 
P90 G70-15 White Stripe
 
 
P91 G70-15 Red Stripe
 
 
PA2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 2nd style, '68+
 
 
PA3 Deluxe Wheel covers
 
 
PE1 Turbine 1 wheels
 
 
PE2 Turbine 2 wheels
 
 
PK2 G78-14 w/w
 
 
PK4 G70-14 Red Stripe
 
 
PL3 E78-14 White Stripe
 
 
PL4 F70-14 F70-14 White Stripe
 
 
PL5 F70-14 White Letters
 
 
PM6 G78-14 White Stripe
 
 
PM7 F60-15 White letters, SS models. (also Sprint SP models).
 
 
PN5 7.75-14 8 ply tires
 
 
PO1 Wheel Trim Cover
 
 
PO2 Simulated Wire Wheels, 14"
 
 
PO6 Wheel Trim Rings
 
 
PQ7 8.25-14 w/w tires
 
 
PR3 8.25-14 8 ply w/w
 
 
PU8 G78-15 White Stripe
 
 
PL2 E78X14 B/WALL
 
 
PW7 F70-14 White Stripe
 
 
PW8 F70-14 Red Stripe Tires
 
 
PX5 F78X14 Black Wall Belted (70)
 
 
PX6 F78-14 w/w
 
 
PX8 G70-14 w/w
 
 
PX9 G70-14 Dual White Stripes
 
 
PY4 F70-14 w/w
 
 
PY5 F70-14 Red Stripe
 
 
PY7 G70-14 Red Stripe
 
 
QDR GR78-15 radial whitewalls
 
 
QEH E78-14 bias White Stripe
 
 
QEL HR78-15 Radial white stripe
 
 
QGF G70-14 Bias White stripe
 
 
QGK G78-14
 
 
QGL G78-14 bias white stripe
 
 
QHE H78-14 Bias
 
 
QHF H78-14 Bias white stripe
 
 
QQZ HR70-15 radial whitewall
 
 
QRM GR70-15 radial whitewall
 
 
QRN GR70-15 Radials
 
 
QRV HR70-15 Radials
 
 
QRZ GR70-15 Radial White Letter
 
 
TO7 7.75-14 W/W tires
 
 
T15 7.75-15 8 Ply tires
 
 
T58 Rear wheel skirts, wow. (Monte Carlo)
 
 
T60 Heavy Duty Battery
 
 
UA1 Heavy Duty Battery
 
 
UM1 AM radio with tape, '70+
 
 
UM2 AM/FM with tape
 
 
UO3 Low note horn, D.
 
 
UO5 Dual horns
 
 
UF1= Mirror Lamp (available in '70-'72).
 
 
UF7 Econominder Gauge package
 
 
U14 Instrumentation package
 
 
U15 Speed Warning Indicator, '67+
 
 
U16 Tachometer
 
 
U17 Cluster INST (Oil coolent,AMM, Clock, Gas, Tach)
 
 
U18 Export Speedometer
 
 
U25 Trunk Light
 
 
U26 Underhood Light
 
 
U27 Glove box Light
 
 
U28 Ash Tray Light
 
 
U29 Instrument Panel Courtesy Lighting
 
 
U35 Clock
 
 
U46 Lamp Monitoring Equipment
 
 
U57 8 Track Tape Player
 
 
U58 AM/FM
 
 
U60 Manual radio
 
 
U63 Basic old AM radio
 
 
U69 AM/FM radio with buttons.
 
 
U73 Manual Rear Antenna
 
 
U75 Power Rear Antenna
 
 
U76 Antenna in windshield
 
 
U79 Stereo Equipment
 
 
U80 Rear Speaker
 
 
VE5 Deluxe bumper strips
 
 
VO1 Heavy Duty Radiator
 
 
VO2 Heavy Duty Radiator, '64
 
 
V30 Bumper Guards. Full set. -Front only bumper guards on El Camino / GMC Sprint. (El Camino / GMC Sprint never came with rear bumper guards).
 
 
V31 Front Bumper Guards, '64-70
 
 
V32 Rear Bumper Guards, '64-70
 
 
V55 Roof Rack
 
 
V74 Hazard Warning Equipment, '66.
 
 
V75 Traction Dispenser set-up.
 
 
W84 Additional fuel for delivery
 
 
X11 Style Trim for base car or SS
 
 
X22 Style Trim for SS with 396
 
 
X33 Style Trim for Z/28 or RS with Z/28 option
 
 
X44 Base Car
 
 
X55 Base SS with 350
 
 
X66 Base SS with 396
 
 
X77 '69 Z-28 camaro Norwood OH cars only
 
 
YB5 General Processing Option (beats me?)
 
 
YD1 Trailoring Axle
 
 
YE7 *Special Performance "SP" package ('71-'72 GMC Sprint).
 
 
YF3 The Heavy Chevy Package
 
 
YF5 Emission Tested
 
 
YJ9 Exterior dress up package
 
 
Z10 has something to do with a special hardtop pace car
 
 
Z11 ('69 only) Indy pace car accents
 
 
Z21 Style trim group
 
 
Z22 Rally Sport
 
 
Z23 Special interior package
 
 
Z27 SS equipment
 
 
Z28 Special performance package
 
 
Z87 Custom Interior group
 
 
ZO1 Comfort and Convenience Group, '64-65.
 
 
ZO2 Pushbutton Radio and extra speaker, '64.
 
 
ZO4 Heavy Duty Chassis, '64-65.
 
 
ZO8 Body Molding/Trim
 
 
ZJ7 Ralley Wheels
 
 
ZJ9 Auxiliary lighting group
 
 
ZJ6 Special Sport Sedan, '68+
 
 
ZJ7 Steering Wheel Deluxe Trim
 
 
ZJ9 Auxiliary Lighting Group
 
 
ZK3 Deluxe Seat Belts, and Front Shoulder Harness, '68+
 
 
ZK5 Concours Sedan, '68
 
 
ZK6, 7 Concours Sport Coupe, '68
 
 
ZK8 - Refers toTire Pressure Label, '70
 
 
ZKQ - tire pressure sticker
 
 
ZL2 Special Hood, Cowl Induction, '70+
 
 
ZL3 SS 396 CONVER--
 
 
ZO9 Performance Rear Axle, '70+
 
 
Z10 Pace car coupe
 
 
Z11 Indy pace car convertible
 
 
ZP2 *Trim & color override. This was for cars that had an exterior/interior color or trim combination that was not normally available. This code is listed on the build sheet for a '71 GMC Sprint that was "Classic Copper" with a "Dark Saddle" interior - a color combination not normally available.
 
 
ZR3 Refers to: = Off road package 454(LS7 & LT2) 69*
 
 
Z02 refers to: **SPEC PAINT** (from 72 tag)
 
 
ZP5 *Appearance guard group.
 
 
ZW4 *Std Trans 3spd (70)
 
 
Z13 Comfort and Convenience Group, second style, '64-65.
 
 
Z14* Refers to: = A/C BODY CONV (info from 72 Chevelle)
 
 
Z15 SS equipment. (454 in '70)
 
 
Z16 Special Sport Coupe - 65 Chevelle
 
 
Z19 Convenience Group, '66.
 
 
Z20 Monte Carlo SS 454
 
 
Z25 Super Sport Option, '69+
 
 
Z29 Vinyl Stripe
 
 
Z49 Canadian Base Equipment
 
 
Z57 Vinyl Coated Trim
 
 
Z83 Road Hazard Package, '66.
 
 
Z95 Regular Fuel Engine Equipment
 
 
W=tinted windshield
 
 
X=power windows
 
 
L=folddown seat
 
 
D=power top
 
 
E=All glass tinted
 
 
M=powerglide
 
 
G=center console
 
 
L=4 speed manual
 
 
F=A/C
 
 
B=3 speed manual on floor
 
 
S=rear antenna
 
 
U=8 track multiplex
 
 
R=rear speaker
 
 
S= Z-23 interior
 
 
L= Z-22 (RS)
 
 
K= Z-21 style trim
 
 
B= rear window defroster
 
 
D=clock and/or gages
 
 
Engine codes....
 
SS350= P
 
 
SS396/325hp= N
 
 
SS396/375hp= K
 
 
 
Body...
 
 
VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number of your car.
 
 
From '53 to '60, it is in the driver's side door jam.
 
 
From '60 to '62, it is on the steering column in the engine compartment.
 
 
From '63 to '67, it is under the glove box.
 
 
From '68 to '03, it is in the driver's side windshield pillar.
 
 
Engine...
 
 
Casting Number: The part number cast into the block when made.
 
 
Casting Date: The date of the casting of the block.
 
 
Partial VIN: Stamped on the engine pad located in front of the right head. An engine identifier is also stamped here.
 
 
Bellhousing...Casting Number: The part number cast into the right side near starter.
 
 
Transmission....Casting Number Part Number cast into the case and tailshaft when made.
 
 
Date code Usually the casting date is in the body but this is the case date. The assembly date is stamped in as part of identifier code.
 
 
Partial VIN Stamped along top of mounting ear in some, along joint of main case, or on a raised pad in the main body (newer T-10).
 
 
Rear End...Date code Cast in drivers side of housing for the case of '63-'79. In straight axle '53 to '62 Corvettes, the identifier is stamped on the front right side. In the IRS, the assembly date is stamped in identifier on the bottom flange. Gear ratio Stamped in bottom flange as part of identifier as a letter code, such as AW.
 
 
Alternator/Generator...Part Number Stamped on top with date and amperage rating. Date Code Stamped on top along with amperage rating and part number.
 
 
Water Pump Casting Number...Casting Date Code Cast on front of the pump.
 
 
Radiator...Part Number Stamped in aluminum, embossed in copper. Date Code Stamped in Aluminum.
 
 
Distributor...Part number Stamped in aluminum housings and embossed on a tag on iron units. Date Code Same as Part Number.
 
 
Window Glass...Date Codes Each window has its own as part of the marking.
 
 
Carburetor...Date Code Either on brass tag or stamped in air horn or body, depending on the carb. Part Number Either on brass tag or stamped into air horn or body, depending on the carb.
 
 
Fuel Injection '57-'65...Part Number Stamped on a metal tag on the left front of the plenum. Date Code..Serial Number Stamped on side of Plenum for the first hundred or so in 1957 and then were stamped on the metal tag. The serial number does not have to correspond to the car's serial number.
 
 
Heads...Casting Number Usually cast on top under rocker arms. Date Code Usually cast on top under rocker arms.
 
 
 
Casting Numbers:
 
 
When a part is cast, the mold has a part number and a date code set so that it is part of the mold and the part is forever identified. Most older Corvette parts such as heads, blocks, and manifolds, usually have a 7 digit casting number beginning with 3 to identify the part.
 
 
Engine Block: On most blocks, the casting number is located on the bellhousing flange behind the driver's side head. The casting number does not usually correspond to any engine part number as the engine part number is for the assembly, not the casting.
 
 
Cylinder Heads: The casting number is usually in the area under the rocker arms. Years of baked oil may fill the numbers to make them hard to read. On some heads, partial numbers were found on the intake runners on the block side, such as the 461 and 462 heads.
 
 
Intake Manifolds: Usually on the rear runner on top.
 
 
Exhaust Manifolds: Usually on the outside of the manifold. Small block Ram Horn manifolds usually have this on your left as you view them. The big block manifolds are down the side.
 
 
Transmission Casting: The numbers are on both the main body and the tailshaft housing, usually on the right side.
 
 
Rear End: The casting number is located on the right side near the prop shaft.
 
 
Water Pump: The casting number is on the front of the body.
 
 
Date Codes and Where Are They?
 
 
Almost every mechanical part made for a Corvette has a date code, either cast or stamped into it. These simply identify when the part was made. To the factory, this date probably made sure that they didn't leave any stock laying on the shelf too long, although if you have ever watched any factory production line run, it is doubtful if anyone ever reads the dates. The purpose of the date to Chevrolet was probably to ensure a means to track any defects should they arise. If a part dated March 3 and one dated March 21 were both defective, attention could be paid to those parts built between those dates for other possible defects. Today, these are used to determine if the part is correct for that Corvette, as an engine with a date code of D 16 5 (April 16, 1965) could not be correct for a '63 Corvette as the engine was made after the car was made. Parts too early are usually not correct either, as they would have been installed on an earlier vehicle, such as a B 23 3 (Feb. 23, 1963) in a '67 Corvette. NCRS provides a window of 6 months on date codes prior to the build date of the car. Obviously, a part on a car could not have been made AFTER the car was made._ But given how new items were constantly loaded on shelves, with existing items being shoved further back each time, a part could sit for many months before being assembled on a car. Usually, the parts were used within a few days or weeks but there are many documented original cars that have parts several months old. Be sure to notice that some parts have both a casting and a stamped date code. These can be several days apart. The stamped date code is when the part was assembled and should be the one considered.
 
 
Engine Block: The date code on a SBC is typically on the bellhousing flange behind the distributor. On early big blocks, it was on the passenger side near the pan rail, but later (1970) moved up to the same location as the SBC. Usually the date is given as a letter, a number and then a number, such as B 23 3 which is for February 23, 1963. With any engine still having ignition shielding on, you have a very hard time to see the date. A good flashlight and a wire brush to clean any dirt are a must, even with the shielding removed.
 
 
Cylinder Heads: The date code is located on top under the rocker arms. You must remove the valve covers to see them. Often lead deposits in old engines have filled the numbers and letters so they are hard to read. Often the rockers are in the way.
 
 
Intake Manifold: The small block usually has the date on the driver's side rear runner. The date is typically below the casting part number. The firing order (18436572) is usually cast on the front runner so do not confuse it with the part number. Some big block intakes have the date cast under the intake so that you must have the intake off the engine to see it._
 
 
 
Exhaust Manifolds: Usually on the outside of the manifold. Small block Ram Horn manifolds usually have this on your left as you view them. The big block manifolds are down the side.
 
 
Transmission Casting: The numbers are on both the main body and the tailshaft housing, usually on the right side.
 
 
Rear End: The casting number is located on the right side near the prop shaft.
 
 
Water Pump: The casting number is on the front of the body.
 
 
Date Codes and Where Are They?
 
 
Almost every mechanical part made for a Chevrolet has a date code, either cast or stamped into it. These simply identify when the part was made. To the factory, this date probably made sure that they didn't leave any stock laying on the shelf too long, although if you have ever watched any factory production line run, it is doubtful if anyone ever reads the dates. The purpose of the date to Chevrolet was probably to ensure a means to track any defects should they arise. If a part dated March 3 and one dated March 21 were both defective, attention could be paid to those parts built between those dates for other possible defects. Today, these are used to determine if the part is correct for that Chevrolet , as an engine with a date code of D 16 5 (April 16, 1965) could not be correct for a '63 Chevrolet as the engine was made after the car was made. Parts too early are usually not correct either, as they would have been installed on an earlier vehicle, such as a B 23 3 (Feb. 23, 1963) in a '67 Corvette. NCRS provides a window of 6 months on date codes prior to the build date of the car. Obviously, a part on a car could not have been made AFTER the car was made._ But given how new items were constantly loaded on shelves, with existing items being shoved further back each time, a part could sit for many months before being assembled on a car. Usually, the parts were used within a few days or weeks but there are many documented original cars that have parts several months old. Be sure to notice that some parts have both a casting and a stamped date code. These can be several days apart. The stamped date code is when the part was assembled and should be the one considered.
 
 
Engine Block: The date code on a SBC is typically on the bellhousing flange behind the distributor. On early big blocks, it was on the passenger side near the pan rail, but later (1970) moved up to the same location as the SBC. Usually the date is given as a letter, a number and then a number, such as B 23 3 which is for February 23, 1963. With any engine still having ignition shielding on, you have a very hard time to see the date. A good flashlight and a wire brush to clean any dirt are a must, even with the shielding removed.
 
 
Cylinder Heads: The date code is located on top under the rocker arms. You must remove the valve covers to see them. Often lead deposits in old engines have filled the numbers and letters so they are hard to read. Often the rockers are in the way.
 
 
Intake Manifold: The small block usually has the date on the driver's side rear runner. The date is typically below the casting part number. The firing order (18436572) is usually cast on the front runner so do not confuse it with the part number. Some big block intakes have the date cast under the intake so that you must have the intake off the engine to see it.
 
 
Exhaust Manifolds: The casting numbers on the Ram horn manifolds are on the outside near the 1-3 or 6-8 cylinders. On the big block manifolds, it is found low near the outlet. The date codes on the Ram Horn manifolds are found on the opposite end. On the big block manifolds, the date code is found on the back side.
 
 
Transmission: The Borg Warner transmission has a date cast into the main body and tailshaft in the early T10s. Some later T10s ('70s) have it also. Usually it is found on the passenger side. The Muncie has a date cast on the tailshaft. Unfortunately, these casting dates are the ones that the castings were made, not the transmission. A stamped number usually contains an assembly date. Rear end housingThe housing for the 1963 to 1979 differential has a casting date on the drivers side. Again, this is the case date code. The assembly date is stamped in the bottom of the case on the lip where the cover mates.
 
 
Alternator: The date code is stamped into the housing.
 
 
Water Pump: The water pump has a date code cast into the body in the front but the pulley must be removed to see it usually.
 
 
Carburetor: Most of the earlier carburetors were built by Carter and had an identifier tag attached to a cover bolt. This tag had the part number and date code. On Holley carbs, the List Number is stamped on the drivers side air horn in front along with either a 3 digit or 4 digit date code. The Rochester QuadraJet has a stamped number on the driver's side on a vertical pad
 
 
Build sheets are a small strip of paper, about 2 inches wide by 8 inches long or a square about 5 inches by 7 inches that is usually buried in the cotton stuffing of the rear seat, in the backrest of the front seat, or drivers bucket. If you are lucky enough to find this, (the mice usually have other plans for it) then photocopy it immediately and put it back, the last thing you want is to lose it after having it right under your butt for so long. If you make a copy and replace it you are ensuring that the next guy (hey, we all know you plan on keeping this one forever!) can enjoy the thrill of "finding" this original documentation. Build sheets usually confirm what the Cowl tag will tell you, but in more depth.
 
 
Build sheets consist of the following information:
 
The model number, starts with 1 followed by 4 or more numbers.eg 12467.
 
A pair of letters will designate the paint code.
 
A three number series will designate the interior.
 
A series of one letter and two numbers indicates the factory installed_ options.
 

Latest revision as of 07:50, 8 December 2024

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