C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Sep 20, 2003 | 03:26 PM
  #1  
KJones's Avatar
KJones
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From: Eureka NV
Default Engine ID

Hi gang,

Been a while since I've been around. I recently picked up a 79 to keep my C4 company. Whole different ride for sure!

This car is a VIN "8" which of course is supposed to be an L48 with a whopping 195 Hp.... BUT.... the engine code is V0312ZBA.... according to my research the "ZBA" indicates a 225 HP L82....

I have what appears to be all the maintenace records for this car and find no indication of an engine swap. Is it possible that this was the original engine even though the VIN is an 8? Perhaps my research is faulty?

I know one of you young guys out there has the answer to this.

Have a great day,

Ken
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Old Sep 20, 2003 | 03:42 PM
  #2  
LAvetteman's Avatar
LAvetteman
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From: South Central Louisiana
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Default Re: Engine ID (KJones)

I say post more numbers from the engine, that number may not give enough info.
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Old Sep 20, 2003 | 04:32 PM
  #3  
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Mike Ward
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Default Re: Engine ID (KJones)

If the '8' is the third digit in your VIN, that's normal. All Corvettes starting in 1978 had an '8' as the third digit , designating a coupe.

It's the fifth digit that tells you which engine the car was built with. '4' for an L-82, '8' for an base L-48. :chevy
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Old Sep 20, 2003 | 05:25 PM
  #4  
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KJones
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From: Eureka NV
Default Re: Engine ID (Mike Ward)

Mike,

Thanks for the response. We are definately talking FIFTH digit here!

It is not a big issue with me... just curious why the difference between the VIN and engine code.

Thanks again,

Ken
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Old Sep 20, 2003 | 10:26 PM
  #5  
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Mike Ward
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Default Re: Engine ID (KJones)

Can you post a picture of your stamp pad? Does your pad have the VIN derivative in it? How about broach marks?
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Old Oct 8, 2003 | 10:30 PM
  #6  
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KJones
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Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Eureka NV
Default Re: Engine ID (KJones)

I swear I'm only going to bring this up one more time! hahaha

Mike asked for a pic of the code on this engine and since I had to change the water pump gaskets the other day I crammed my digital cam in there (a bit tight but a large ball peen helped) and got a pretty good pic of the code. Now, how do I attach it to a post???

Be safe,

Ken
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