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Hello everyone, been reading this forum for a while now, just never posted, but I have a question about the codes stamped into the engine on my 1981 project that is now entering into its third year. I was told that the engine has been replaced but now, looking at the codes, it seems that it may in-fact be original or someone restamped the numbers. What do you think? What else can be decoded from the stampings?
ZDC is a 350-190 with a 4 barrel car, 4 speed with CA emissions used in an 81 Corvette. and with the vin stamp matching your vin stamp I would say its the born with engine
ZDC is a 350-190 with a 4 barrel car, 4 speed with CA emissions used in an 81 Corvette. and with the vin stamp matching your vin stamp I would say its the born with engine
Thank you so much for the reply, this is actually a surprise to me, Based on the previous owner information, I was convinced that the engine was not original, even hoped that it was replaced with something more interesting :-)
ZDC is a 350-190 with a 4 barrel car, 4 speed with CA emissions used in an 81 Corvette. and with the vin stamp matching your vin stamp I would say its the born with engine
And just for clarification, the 27679 of the serial number is included in the stamping on the engine block, or the VIN derivative. The VIN derivative also matches the transmission. Your date code is May 5th and would align with your date code, actually precede it.
Does it still have the computerized carburetor,and the computer still in the battery box.
All that has been stripped away by the previous owner(s), it has an Edelbrock 1904 carb, vacuum advanced distributor and long headers. OEM intake, heads and I assume the cam as well. Putting in 2.5 inch stainless steel dual exhaust right now.
All that has been stripped away by the previous owner(s), it has an Edelbrock 1904 carb, vacuum advanced distributor and long headers. OEM intake, heads and I assume the cam as well. Putting in 2.5 inch stainless steel dual exhaust right now.
That's all good news as long as you don't live in California.
Every indication is that is the (CA Emissions) L81 engine that originally came with your car (and a super-rare 4-speed manual!).
Having numbers matching engines is a bit of a burden, but hopefully some light mods will wake it up enough for you. You can get the original dealer invoice from GM here for $50-. The vehicle information kit is free, and a cool document.
Thank you for all the replies, Gentelmen, This forum is a life saver when an expert advice is needed. Having a numbers matching engine was not a purchase condition for me, although it is nice to know that it is the born with engine as No Where man puts it. Thank you for that. The intent was to fulfill a life long dream of owning a C3 corvette between the 1980-2 production years. This one came from WI and was in OK shape prior to being involved in a light accident. Bird cage is in great shape, so is frame. Since then I've replaced a rear fender, clip, TA, bearing, bushings, front clip, front clip support, motor mounts, PS pump and other misc. parts. What makes things challenging is that I'm located in the EU and sometimes parts are hard to come by, but I think I'm at the tail end of that. All I have left is the windsheild, an appointment at the paint booth and I should be ready to roll. Somewhere down the line I'd like to upgrade to aluminum heads, intake and a mild cam, The intent right now is take her out on Sundays with the wife in the passenger seat
Engine codes on '81
And just for clarification, the 27679 of the serial number is included in the stamping on the engine block, or the VIN derivative. The VIN derivative also matches the transmission. Your date code is May 5th and would align with your date code, actually precede it. 
