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1975 Corvette Engine/VIN Numbers

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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 04:22 PM
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Default 1975 Corvette Engine/VIN Numbers

I recently purchased a 1975 corvette that seemed to be in good condition. The owner said it was the original engine, and I'm trying to verify that information. I'm currently at work and will post the VIN and number on the motor when I get home. I guess my question is, how do you know if they match? There is a short code printed on the engine in front of the right side valve cover. It is a single number and doesn't seem to have any correlation with the VIN Number. Should this number match the last digits of the VIN? Are there other numbers on the engine that I should be looking at? Please help, thanks!
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 04:30 PM
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The last few digits of the VIN (6 digits I think) should be stamped on the block along with a 3 letter code that will tell you what the engine was built for (L-48 Automatic for example). There are also casting numbers on the block that will give you more info. Post what is there when you get home and we can help you figure it out.
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 04:38 PM
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You bought a car that the owner "said" had matching numbers?
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 05:41 PM
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I just got home from work and have the numbers from the car. The VIN is 1Z37J5S405992. The Number on the engine is 15S405992 V1113CHA. Originally I did not notice the first number as the fuel line runs over top of it. Yes, the owner "said" matching numbers, but originally I only saw the last number, and since it is my first Corvette, I did not know how to match them. Please bear with me!
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 05:53 PM
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No problem - you might have misread/can't see clearly the Z or it might be a 5. 5S405992 - 5-1975 S - St Louis 4 - just a digit -
05992 - you have the 5992 '75 corvette made - early model - does it have the vents in the back and are they functional?
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by PETKAH
does it have the vents in the back and are they functional?
IIRC, the vents were only ever functional on non-A/C cars - though I don't know why, one can turn the A/C off.
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Old Apr 25, 2008 | 06:21 PM
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So, looks like it is the original engine. The CHA suffix is for 350ci, 165hp, manual transmission.
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Old Apr 26, 2008 | 08:22 PM
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The vents described by Im Batman are correct, they are there but have a plate right behind them that seal them off. Thanks for the info PETKAH and Jeffery73!
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Can anyone tell me exactly where on the block to look for these codes in order to determine if it's a #s matching car? I got the VIN, just need some help as to where to look.
Thanks,
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Old Aug 10, 2008 | 07:10 PM
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http://www.mortec.com/location.htm
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