Corvette Restoration Tip: Understanding Numbers & Codes
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Nearly all of the major parts found in 1968-1982 Corvettes contain a part number and date code. Developing a better understanding of these numbers and codes and how they relate to one another will enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.
Corvette Engine Stamp
The logical starting point for the analysis of part numbers and date codes on any Corvette is the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN). For all vintage Corvettes the first several characters of the VIN indicate the model year, body style, and assembly plant and the latter characters are the sequential number of each particular vehicle. Beginning in 1972 the fifth character in the VIN indicated which engine the car originally came with. The VIN was stamped into a rectangular metal plate that was riveted to the windshield support frame at the driver side base of the windshield on all 1969-82 Corvettes. Every car’s VIN was also stamped into the chassis in at least one place. For most C3s it was stamped into the chassis on top of the side rail on the driver side in both the area beneath the door and the area above the rear wheel. For all C3s the latter half of the VIN, often called the VIN derivative, was stamped into the car’s original engine block. This stamping was on a flat pad just above the water pump mount area on the passenger side. It also was stamped into the car’s original transmission case.
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