C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Engine ID question

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Old Oct 5, 2006 | 10:40 PM
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Default Engine ID question

I don't have a MOTOR manual any more so I am wondering if anyone can tell me what the ID is that's stamped on the pad on the front of the engine block. I'm pulling the engine tomorrow and I have doubts as to it being the original engine. This would be for an 85. Years ago it was two or three letters, that's the only part I need. Thanks.
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Old Oct 5, 2006 | 10:55 PM
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I have a 87 FM and it starts at
H-1987
J-1988
K-1989
L-1990
M-1991
I can't believe that it doesn't go back but maybe you can work the letters back? If you give the pad # i am sure some of the gang can deceipher it out. Good Luck wro87
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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by wro87
I have a 87 FM and it starts at
H-1987
J-1988
K-1989
L-1990
M-1991
Those are the car year models that appear in the VIN. A 1985 Corvette L98 engine will be stamped on the deck of the right bank on the block, forward of the right head, with, ZDF, ZJB, ZJC, ZJJ, or ZJK. Also in the same place you will find the last few digits of the VIN the engine was originally installed in. Was it your?

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Old Oct 6, 2006 | 11:09 PM
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Thanks CFI-EFI yes my engine is the original, it ends in ZJJ. Do you remember a few weeks ago we were discussing the fact that my pistons had the four eyebrows instead of one big relief? You felt they weren't original so I got to wondering if my engine was in fact the original or not, well it is the original and I do have the 4 eyebrow pistons, forged, and it is a standard bore so it's highly unlikely they are not the original pistons. Another GM mystery it looks like. Just thought I'd let you know.
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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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The ZJJ only indicates that the block came from a 1985 Corvette. Does the VIN match? Even though standard, are you sure those four eyebrow pistons are forged, and even if so, original? The parts book only shows one part number per size for 1984/85 pistons. I guess there could have been a style change.

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Old Oct 7, 2006 | 07:45 PM
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All numbers match and I can let you know more in a few days when I get the pistons out of the block so I can get some numbers and pics.
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 03:07 AM
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Default pistons

I have taken 3 85 motors apart, and all 3 had 4 eyebrow pistons, so did the two 86 motors, and two 89 motors
none of them were forged, but one 85 motor had wierd smoothed reliefs that look cast in not machined
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Old Oct 8, 2006 | 11:01 AM
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The 1986 and 1989 come as no surprise. They are supposed to be cast pistons. Maybe my Genuine Chevrolet Corvette Parts Book is wrong. It shows the 1984 and 1985 as using the same pistons. In fact, the only difference I could find between an '84 and an '85 engine, was the camshaft.

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