What do all the different codes mean?

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Oct 22, 2009 | 06:33 AM

crossed

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From: ashland ky

What do all the different codes mean?

So I know this might be a prety basic question, but I need a little education. I keep seeing people type things like LT1 or L82, and lots of other similar things. How many of these codes are there, and what do they all mean? If there is a website that explains it Id be happy to check it out, when I try google searches I just end up with results trying to sell me cars

I feel kind of dumb asking a question like this, but I need to know! My 72 is the first car I have had the opportunity to do any kind of real work to and Im trying my best to figure this stuff out.

Oct 22, 2009 | 07:29 AM

Ganey

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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

Those are option codes. The 2 you listed LT-1 & L-82 are engine options. Here is a list of 72 options.
http://www.rogerscorvette.com/specs/72.htm

Oct 22, 2009 | 09:59 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Purchase a copy of The Corvette Black Book and the NCRS 1968-82 Corvette Specifications Guide. All the various codes will be listed.

If you intend to do some of the work on your car yourself, you will want the assembly instruction manual (AIM) and the GM chassis service manual for your year.

Got an owner's manual? If you have an original, take it out of the car and store it in a safe place. Buy a reproduction owner's manual and keep the repro in the car.

Oct 22, 2009 | 12:23 PM

C3 4ME

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From: Glen Allen, VA

In general as far as Chevy was concerned, an L code is an engine code, and an M code is a transmission. for instance, my 79 is an L-82, with an M-21 transmission.

Oct 22, 2009 | 02:24 PM

crossed

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From: ashland ky

Well, one of the things im wondering is what mine would be called. It isnt the original engine, its a 350 GM service replacement. I dropped the gas tank and dont have a built sheet so I cant rely on that to see all the options the car came with from the factory, and I havnt looked behind the dash to see if one is there. As far as having original owners manual, i only wish this car was that well taken care of...but then of course she wouldnt have been in my price range.

Oct 23, 2009 | 10:13 AM

Easy Mike

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From: Southbound

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Quote:

Originally Posted by crossed

...I dropped the gas tank and dont have a built sheet...

Join the club. Tank stickers are missing more often than they're found.

Quote:

...I havnt looked behind the dash to see if one is there...

Not worth tearing the dash apart just to look...BUT when the time comes for the dash to come out for other reasons, keep an eye out. Copies of build sheets have been found behind either kick panel, tucked in the wiring behind the center cluster; tucked in the springs under a seat; under the carpet in the rear storage area; and folded up and tucked under the rear spring mount.

Oct 23, 2009 | 10:34 AM

Mike Ward

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Quote:

Originally Posted by crossed

Well, one of the things im wondering is what mine would be called. It isnt the original engine, its a 350 GM service replacement.

Since you have a '72, the original engine type is coded into the VIN. K is base engine, L is LT1, and W is the LS5. At least you can find out what it USED to have.

For the rest of the car, just go on physical evidence. There's very few 'special' or 'rare' options other than the engine that will give much in the way of bragging rights.

Oct 23, 2009 | 08:50 PM

Tom73

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From: NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C3 4ME

In general as far as Chevy was concerned, an L code is an engine code, and an M code is a transmission. for instance, my 79 is an L-82, with an M-21 transmission.

and Z codes are option packages like ZR1.