I was reading the manual and came across something in the fuel section that says cars with a vin code W can use 87 gas but 91 is recommended, and vin code T engines can use 91 but 93 is recommended, and 87 should only be used in emergencies.

Does the W stand for the machine built LS3 and the T for the hand built LS3 found in the Grand Sport?

If so why would the hand built one be optimized for a higher fuel grade? I thought they were both built to the same specs.

Does the T engine get better HP from 93 octane fuel than the W engine?

 

I think I answered my own question. The T is the LS9 isn't it?

 

I'm thinking it's the LS7 in the Z06, but I've been wrong before...

 

Could W = Wixom?

 

17 Digit Corvette VIN Decoder Explanation 81 and up
Location: Drivers side top of the instrument panel for late model Corvette's or windshield post (A-pillar) for earlier models.

Example: 1G1YY26W485100001
Sequence Number & Code
1 Country of Origin 1 = USA
2 Manufacturer G = GM
3 Make of car 1 = Chevrolet
4 Car Line or Series Y = Y-body series
5 Corvette Specific information Model/Equipment "Y"
or "Z" Z = ZR1, A=1LT mt, B=2LT mt, C=3LT mt, D=4LT mt, E=1LT at, F=2LT mt, G=3LT at, H=4LT at, J=Z06 1LZ, K=Z06 3LZ, L=Z06 3LZ, M=ZR1 std, N=ZR1 3ZR, P=GS LT mt, R=GS 2LT mt, S=GS 3LT mt, T=GS 4LT mt, U=GS 1LT at, V=GS2LT at, W=GS 3LT at, X=GS 4LT at, 9=NON USA/CANADA
6 Body style 07=1982 Collectors Edition, 1= Hard Top (99-04 Z06) 2 = Coupe (97-2011+ Coupe, Z06, ZR1) 3 = Convertible (98-2011+)
7 Restraint system 2= Front 3 = late model seat belts warning and air bags 4= Front/Side 5= Front (2007+) 6=Front/Side (2006-09) D=Front/Side (2010-2013)
8 Engine type 8 = L98, P = LT1, J = ZR1, 5 = LT4, G=LS1, S=LS6, U=LS2, E=LS7, W=LS3, R=LS9
9 Randomly generated check digit 0 - 9 Security Code
10 Model year designation from GM B = 1981, C = 1982,
D = 1983, E = 1984, F = 1985, G = 1986,
H = 1987, J = 1988, K = 1989, L = 1990,
M = 1991, N = 1992 P = 1993, R = 1994,
S = 1995, T = 1996, V = 1997, W = 1998,
X = 1999, Y = 2000, 1 = 2001, 2 = 2002,
3 = 2003, 4 = 2004 5 = 2005, 6 = 2006,
7 = 2007, 8 = 2008, 9 = 2009, A=2010, B= 2011, C=2012, D=2013
11 Final Assembly Plant Location 4= St. Louis (1981 Corvette's overlap) 5 = Bowling Green
12 to 17 Production sequence number 800001=ZR1, 700001=Z06 2013 CONVERTIBLE 60TH, 100001=ALL OTHER MODELS

 

I don't know about the lettering but I think I remember reading the 7 liter engine having to use 93 octane and the 6L being able to use lower octane....

 

So what would engine code T be?

 

Page 12-4 of the 2012 owners manual states that T is the VIN code for the ZR1. I checked the VIN of a 2012 ZR1 and it did have the T code. I also checked a 2009 and it had the R code but a 2010 and 2011 had the T code. Looks like the R code was only used for the 2009 ZR1's.

 

U is for the LS2 6.0L

 

Hey,

my VIN is 1G1YZ....but it's not a ZR1, it's a 427 manual w the LS7. on the 2013 GM explanation sheet, YZ is not even listed?? anyone know why??

also, the sequence number is 701989 and it rolled off the assembly line on 8 Jan, so is the sequence number specific only to 427 Convertibles? if so, that seems to be a very low production rate for the year, as production ceases on 28 feb.

tks

Phil

 

IIRC, I believe both the ZR1 and the 427 'vert each had their own VIN sequences...