C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine ID

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 20, 2003 | 03:26 PM
  #1  
KJones's Avatar
KJones
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
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
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2003 | 03:42 PM
  #2  
LAvetteman's Avatar
LAvetteman
Safety Car
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Default Re: Engine ID (KJones)

I say post more numbers from the engine, that number may not give enough info.
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2003 | 04:32 PM
  #3  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
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
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2003 | 05:25 PM
  #4  
KJones's Avatar
KJones
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
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
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2003 | 10:26 PM
  #5  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
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?
Reply
Old Oct 8, 2003 | 10:30 PM
  #6  
KJones's Avatar
KJones
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
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
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Engine ID





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:37 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE