Hi Everyone,

I am new to the Corvette Forum, and I am not sure if this is the appropriate section for this topic, but here it goes. I am from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and I have recently purchased my first Corvette - a fully loaded, stock 1997 Torch Red MN6.

I found the matching VIN derivative stamped on the engine block, and while I was changing the oil, I noticed a label attached at the front of the driver side of the cylinder case. It had the following info:

ZYC (engine suffix for a 1997 6 speed)
IIIIIIIIII (this is my poor representation of a barcode)
212 040697 08:31:01

Now, I know the order for the vehicle was entered into the Bowling Green computer on April 7, 1997 and the build date of the car was April 21, 1997.

I was assuming, therefore, that the label on my motor corresponds to an engine assembly date given the presence of an engine suffix code. Basically, I thought that the 040697 08:31:01 portion meant that the engine was assembled at the Romulus, Michigan plant on April 6, 1997 at roughly 8:30 am. If correct, this would peg the engine assembly at two weeks before vehicle assembly. I am fine with that.

HOWEVER, if I am correct in the latter assumption re:the date, April 6, 1997 fell on a Sunday!!!!! Is it possible that in April 1997 the Romulus Powertrain Plant was turning out LS1 engines for the 'Vette? Was there shifts on Sundays? Or overtime on Sundays?

I hope someone can help.

 

I thought all Vette engines (LS1/LS6) are built at St. Catherines engine plant?

 

Actually, engine production moved to St. Catharines beginning some time during the 2000 production year. Romulus, Michigan was the source for engines for 1997-1999 and most of 2000. (Taken from the 1953-2002 version of Corvette Black Book.)