Help requested decoding engine VIN number
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
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Help requested decoding engine VIN number
I recently inherited my dad's 1961 4 speed fuel inj. vette that he had since it was new. On page 332 of the Complete Corvette Restoration Manual it says that there are two components to the serial number that is on the block just forward of the passenger head. Mine has only one "F022" then two letters that I can't quite make out, I think it is "CS". But this is a 4 speed car not three. Two other problems arise, the first is the issue of serial numbers matching. I know this is the original engine as I grew up with this car, yet there is no serial number other than this one on the engine VIN stamp. The other is the casting number. The casting number is 3789935. If you plug this in to the search bar that is on one of those websites, it comes back as a 1961 2 bolt main 218 hp but this fuel inj engine is rated by GM as 315hp. Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
The 935 block is correct for a late '61, and "CS" is the correct suffix for a 315hp fuelie. Take another look at the complete "F...." stamping, and check again for the VIN derivative on the outboard end of the pad - it should start with a "1", and be followed by the last six digits of the VIN on the steering column VIN plate.
The pad should look similar to the one below - the photo is a '62 pad, but it's similar.
The pad should look similar to the one below - the photo is a '62 pad, but it's similar.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
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Thank you. Mine doesn't look like yours but maybe there is too much paint over it. I will strip the color off the motor. My dad may have touched up the color on the motor from time to time over the years.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,142
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From: Simcoe Ontario
I recently inherited my dad's 1961 4 speed fuel inj. vette that he had since it was new. On page 332 of the Complete Corvette Restoration Manual it says that there are two components to the serial number that is on the block just forward of the passenger head. Mine has only one "F022" then two letters that I can't quite make out, I think it is "CS". But this is a 4 speed car not three. Two other problems arise, the first is the issue of serial numbers matching. I know this is the original engine as I grew up with this car, yet there is no serial number other than this one on the engine VIN stamp. The other is the casting number. The casting number is 3789935. If you plug this in to the search bar that is on one of those websites, it comes back as a 1961 2 bolt main 218 hp but this fuel inj engine is rated by GM as 315hp. Any ideas?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
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Army
Do NOT use steel wool, sandpaper or anything else abrasive to bring up the stamp pad number....even the 'marks' around the numbers are an indication of originality and should be preserved. Some kind of mild paint stripper and a little work with a rag is probably best...
