Engine block stamped number help 1981 C3
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10
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My text didn't show up:
Looking for help deciphering and interpreting the numbers on my 1981 engine block. Also trying to determine what isn't original on the engine, ie what changes previous owner did. Any help appreciated.
Looking for help deciphering and interpreting the numbers on my 1981 engine block. Also trying to determine what isn't original on the engine, ie what changes previous owner did. Any help appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,056
Likes: 8
From: Redruth Cornwall
No smog equipment, computer possibly removed....
Carb and distributor are non computer controlled. Exhaust rams horns are now headers. Air cleaner not stock, valve covers etc
Possibly not the original block but would need more info. The last 6 digits on the pad should match your vin.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Why would someone remove the computer. What should I do to bring car back to what it should be. What have I lost with these mods. I'm new to C3s so any tips or advice is appreciated. Numbers don't appear to match vin. Is the engine at least the proper 81 version?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
What do you want the car to be?
Bringing a 1981 Corvette "back to what it should be" as in all original doesn't really do anything for value as it would a 68-72 all original car. If you just don't like the modifications that's one thing, but you being new, I don't want you to think this is a large value issue with an 81.
"Proper 81 version" depends. Yes it is a small block chevy "SBC" 350 which were all the same from 68-86+. It's likely not the original block, but again for an 81, doesn't really matter all that much. It has some aftermarket modifications as the previous guys mentioned.
Often the mid 70s and 80s C3s are modified and customized to be their owners "own" version of the car due to the fact that they aren't especially valuable in original form.
if you like or don't mind the way the car is as it sits and it runs good, then leave it alone. If you WANT it to be original, then feel free to convert back and loose some of the performance gains you received with the after market parts, but it is not going to help the value of the car.
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Race Director
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If the first digit inf the top line is actually K, this was an engine assembled by the McKinnon Industries plant in St. Catherines Ontario. No C3 Corvette engine were built there.