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Base engine codes???

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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 03:48 AM
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Default Base engine codes???

What are the "base" engine codes for sharks? When did L48 came? If I remember right L48 was used at least in -73, until -78. What about the late C3 base engines then? Were they all still L48's? I suppose that at least -82 had different code, because of the Cross Fire Injection.

I'm also interested about the "base" engine codes for C1 and C2 if somebody happens to know those...
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 05:13 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

My 79 used to be L48. Here's the codes for 1979 engines.

ZAA: 350ci, 195hp MT EP (L48)

ZAB: 350ci, 195hp AT EP (L48)

ZAC: 350ci, 195hp AT CE EP (L48)

ZAD: 350ci, 195hp AT HA (L48)

ZAF: 350ci, 195hp MT (L48)

ZAH: 350ci, 195hp AT (L48)

ZAJ: 350ci, 195hp CE (L48)

ZBA: 350ci, 225hp MT (L82)

ZBB: 350ci, 225hp AT (L82)

:cheers:
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 08:47 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (groovyjay)

So at least -79 was still L48 car. Guestion is just for the base engine codes. Option engines can be easily found from example Black Book, but it doesn't say the base engine codes... :banghead:
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 03:19 PM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

My '69 is a base engine car (300 HP). The owner's manual lists three 350s in 1969

Base
L-46
LT-1

they didn't end up offering any LT-1s even though it was listed as an RPO. As far as I know, the base engine didn't carry a code. It's what you got if you didn't check the option box for something more stout.
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Old Mar 26, 2003 | 09:02 PM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

So at least -79 was still L48 car. Guestion is just for the base engine codes. Option engines can be easily found from example Black Book, but it doesn't say the base engine codes... :banghead:
I think you're referring to RPO's (such as L82, L36, etc.). Because the L48 was included in base Corvettes and was not an option, it didn't show as an RPO. In other Chevies where the L48 was an optional engine (and a very popular option), it's RPO was L48.
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 03:33 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (Vetterodder)

I think you're referring to RPO's (such as L82, L36, etc.). Because the L48 was included in base Corvettes and was not an option, it didn't show as an RPO. In other Chevies where the L48 was an optional engine (and a very popular option), it's RPO was L48.
That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out... I suppose that GM had somekind of codes for all engines. If I remember right these L-codes came in -63 and after that every engine should have somekind of code. At least I think so... Does anybody know when L48 was used and what are the other codes... :seeya
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 04:47 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

Hey Finn:

Scrolling through the posts...that was my question or "Do you mean the RPO?" Having clarified that...here are base RPOs for C3s from 68-82

L30 1968
ZQ3 1969-1972
L48 1973-1980
L81 1981 (only one engine offered and therefore was base)
L83 1982 (same note as above)

Hope this helps.
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 05:12 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (hunt4cleanair)

L30 1968
ZQ3 1969-1972
L48 1973-1980
L81 1981 (only one engine offered and therefore was base)
L83 1982 (same note as above)

Hope this helps.
Thanks! This is what I was looking for! :thumbs:
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 07:55 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (hunt4cleanair)

I'm confused again... I just found another source which says that -66 and -67 327/300hp engines are L75, also -68 base engine is 327/300hp is this still the same L75 or not? I thought it is the same engine...

Also I found out that -69 to -72 engine which match to vette specs is called L48... What is this ZQ3 code?

Did Corvette had their own engines which weren't tha same as used in other Chevy cars? I thought they were exactly the same engines...
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 11:36 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

Also I found out that -69 to -72 engine which match to vette specs is called L48... What is this ZQ3 code?
Don't know about pre '68, but the book "Corvette Restoration Guide 1968-1982" by Richard Prince has all the codes in it . The ZQ3 is the option code for base engine for 1969-1972. Then L48 was used as standard engine code for 1973-1980.

If you are into numers and codes, I recommend you get a copy of this book. :seeya
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 11:16 PM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (72GACRZR)

"Z" codes denote packages, which may or may not include a particular engine. ZQ3 denoted the base Corvette with standard suspension, standard tires, standard engine, etc.. RPO (regular production option) codes were for items that were optional, such as leather interior, a/c, side exhaust, higher output engines, etc.. An example of this was the `71 options. The base "package" was ZQ3. An optional package was ZR1 which included several RPO's such as LT1 and M22. The ZR2 package was the same but included RPO LS6 instead of RPO LT1. "Z" codes were used in many other Chevrolet lines and inthe same way. Z28 Camaros had different wheel/tires, shocks/springs, body markings, and engines than other Camaros. There were also Z packages that were no more than some decals and badges.

The L48 was the first 350 Chevy and was a part of the SS350 package in Camaros in 1967 (rated at 295hp gross). In Corvettes, and in everything else, the 327 was still the largest SB available at that time.
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 12:53 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (72GACRZR)

72GACRZR: I guess I'll have to buy that book...

Vetterodder: Thanks for the explanation! Now things begins to be clear... :D
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 05:10 AM
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Default Re: Base engine codes??? (FinnShark)

Just a footnote for Finnshark...the Prince book has the base engine RPO codes...the black book referred does not list base codes but does provide a description of a base engine package.

See no one book does it all...each markets to its niche strength!
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