GM RPO build codes

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== '''These CHEVY (GM) RPO build sheet numbers decode as follows:''' ==
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==These CHEVY (GM) RPO build sheet numbers decode as follows:==
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AG7 6 way Power Seat
 
AG7 6 way Power Seat
 
   
 
   
Line 679: Line 677:
  
 
Z95 Regular Fuel Engine Equipment
 
Z95 Regular Fuel Engine Equipment
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<br><br>
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----
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<font size="5">{{Note1}}'''''More RPO codes are to be found after the following text'''''</font>
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----
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<br>
  
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{{Note1}} The following needs verification.
 +
==Build Sheet==
 +
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.
  
== '''MORE RPO CODES BELOW THE FOLLOWING TEXT''' ==
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Build sheets consist of the following information:
 
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*The model number, starts with 1 followed by 4 or more numbers.eg 12467.
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*A pair of letters will designate the paint code.
 
+
*A three number series will designate the interior.
W=tinted windshield
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*A series of one letter and two numbers indicates the factory installed_ options.
 
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X=power windows
+
 
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L=folddown seat
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D=power top
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E=All glass tinted
+
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M=powerglide
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+
G=center console
+
 
+
L=4 speed manual
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+
F=A/C
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B=3 speed manual on floor
+
 
+
S=rear antenna
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U=8 track multiplex
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R=rear speaker
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S= Z-23 interior
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L= Z-22 (RS)
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K= Z-21 style trim
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B= rear window defroster
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D=clock and/or gages
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+
'''Engine codes....'''
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SS350= P
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SS396/325hp= N
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SS396/375hp= K
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== '''Body...''' ==
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 +
==Body tag location==
 
'''VIN:''' The Vehicle Identification Number of your car.
 
'''VIN:''' The Vehicle Identification Number of your car.
 
*From '53 to '60, it is in the driver's side door jam.
 
*From '53 to '60, it is in the driver's side door jam.
Line 738: Line 701:
 
In addition to the VIN plate, partial VIN numbers are sometimes stamped on the rear frame rail or some other locations depending on the year and make/model.
 
In addition to the VIN plate, partial VIN numbers are sometimes stamped on the rear frame rail or some other locations depending on the year and make/model.
 
   
 
   
== '''Engine...''' ==
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==Engine codes==
 +
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 Chevy parts such as heads, blocks, and manifolds, usually have a 7 digit casting number beginning with 3 to identify the part.
  
 +
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.
 
   
 
   
'''Casting Number:''' The part number cast into the block when made.
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===Partial VIN===
 +
Stamped on the engine pad located in front of the right head. An engine identifier is also stamped here.
 
   
 
   
'''Casting Date:''' The date of the casting of the block.  
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===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.  
  
'''Partial VIN:''' Stamped on the engine pad located in front of the right head. An engine identifier is also stamped here.
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==Carburetor==
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
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 on the secondary casting of the carb body.
 
   
 
   
'''Bellhousing...Casting Number:''' The part number cast into the right side near starter.
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===Fuel Injection 1957-'65===
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Stamped on a metal tag on the left front of the plenum. 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.  
'''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.
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'''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.  
+
===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.  
  
'''Alternator/Generator...Part Number''' Stamped on top with date and amperage rating. Date Code Stamped on top along with amperage rating and part number.
+
==Distributor==
 +
Stamped in aluminum housings and embossed on a tag on iron units. Date Code Same as Part Number.
 
   
 
   
'''Water Pump Casting Number...Casting Date''' Code Cast on front of the pump.
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==Water pump==
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The water pump has a date code cast into the body in the front but the pulley must be removed to see it usually.
'''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.
+
==Alternator/Generator==
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Stamped on top with date and amperage rating. Date Code Stamped on top along with amperage rating and 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.  
+
===Exhaust Manifold===
 +
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.  
  
'''Heads...Casting Number''' Usually cast on top under rocker arms. Date Code Usually cast on top under rocker arms.  
+
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 on the early T10. Some later T10s ('70s) have it also. Usually it is found on the passenger side. The Muncie has a date cast on the tailshaft. A stamped number usually contains an assembly date. 
  
 +
===Bellhousing===
 +
The part number cast into the right side near starter.
  
== '''Casting Numbers:''' ==
+
The tranny may also have a 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).  
 
+
 
+
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.
+
 
+
 
+
== '''Corvette 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.
+
 
+
 
+
== '''Chevrolet 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, and a year ending with "3". 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 on the secondary casting of the carb body.
+
 
+
== '''Build Sheets''' ==
+
 
+
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:'''
+
==Rearend==
The model number, starts with 1 followed by 4 or more numbers.eg 12467.
+
The casting number is located on the right side near the prop shaft. Other codes are stamped into the axle tube.
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.
+
  
 +
The date code is 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.
  
== '''MORE RPO CODES:''' ==
+
The 1963 to 1979 rear end housing 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.
  
  
 +
==More RPO codes, II==
 
00L : SECONDARY COLOR, EXTERIOR, PRIME  
 
00L : SECONDARY COLOR, EXTERIOR, PRIME  
  

Revision as of 10:40, 30 November 2012

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