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I have a 350 ci with 300hp ......so the 350 hp was not the base model.
It is in the original add as the base model with 300hp, but it does not give it a name like L-46, L-36, L-68, L-71, L-88, L-89 etc.
Hope that helps.
My understanding is that the "base" engine did not have a name until 1973 when they started calling it the L48. Prior to that it was just the base engine. The three letter code is for RPO's (regular production options) to id the options. Base engine was not an option so no need for an RPO for it.
Curious. On my build sheet it lists "Standard Engine" and a code which I can't quite read... looks something like "03ZQSAA" of which the ZQS would be the RPO code. Maybe someone else can make it out better than I: http://www.annapolis.net/members/jul...BuildSheet.htm I agree with you though that it certainly isn't a commonly used in the books code. :eek: ~Juliet
It shouldn't have a name really. The code is an option code (L46 = 350/350 just as C60 = Air conditioning) Back in the 60's option codes were simply that. For the BASE engine, there logically wasn't a code since it was there unless you specfied something else.
It shouldn't have a name really. The code is an option code (L46 = 350/350 just as C60 = Air conditioning) Back in the 60's option codes were simply that. For the BASE engine, there logically wasn't a code since it was there unless you specfied something else.
That was it, BASE. All of these L46, L36, L68, LT1..., are just option codes or RPO's, since your car has the base engine it means that doesn't have any option (engine wise) therefore standard. So for you guys that don't have MA6 (HD cluch) what's your name????? Just no code for a standard feature right?
Paul
Gotta go with Juliet above - looking at my build sheet (albeit for a '71) it lists the "Standard Corvette Engine" at the bottom, with a code of "ZQ3". I think we should adopt that as our rightful name... Maybe I'll put "7T1 ZQ3" on my next license plate... :yesnod: Wonder why those codes never caught on as a description for the base engine like "L-48" did? :confused:
Curious. On my build sheet it lists "Standard Engine" and a code which I can't quite read... looks something like "03ZQSAA" of which the ZQS would be the RPO code.
On mine it says ZQ3 on the option column (2VZQ3AA). My car is a -72.
I think the 300 hp 350 was designated L48 when it was used as an optional engine in other Chevs besides Corvettes. Z** codes signify a package that may or may not include a specific engine. Typically, the Z** package would include suspension components, perhaps a specific transmission or cooling system, wheels, tires, interior/exterior markings, etc.. Z03, Z06, Z28, ZR1, ZR2, Z51, and Z52 are some packages that come to mind. The individual items in the package would also have their own codes.
OK, so there we go. ZQ3 is the base engine designation. Thanks for the decoding help. I was misreading my buildsheet. ZQ3 works for me! :) Now, what by definition is an RPO code? Is that something that would be put in the order form? Or is any code which shows up on a build sheet an RPO code? ~Juliet
RPO is an acronym for Regular Production Option. I think the key word here is option. So anything not standard, even if it is not extra cost (different rear axle ratios and the like), would be listed as an RPO.
ZQ3 is indeed the code for the standard 350/300 Corvette engine in 1969 and 1970. As AC alluded to, the reason that it did not carry an "L" code like the optional engines is because it wasn't an option at all... It was standard equipment. For comparison, the 350/300 engine was available as an optional engine for 1969-1970 Novas when the SS package was specified. In this instance the 350/300 was coded L48 (I imagine that this is where some of the confusion is created).
There were actually several "standard" and "special" order codes that I'm aware of during this time period. ZW4 was the code for the standard 3 speed manual transmission in 1969... For those of you with 1969s (with serial numbers higher than 00325 or so), your trim tag will show ZQ4 which is the standard black vinyl interior.
Some of the special order codes which come to mind include ZQ1/ZQ8/ZQ9 which were axle ordering codes (optional ratio/economy ratio/performance ratio) and ZP2 which was a color/trim override for a non-standard combination.