73 4speed metal tag and VIN

[Harmon C.]

The side cover has a tag on the top rear bolt 6or 5271516WD also the bolt is painted black with the same head mark but all others are black no paint. Is the tag a part number? The stamped number on the case is P3S03A. The VIN number on the transmission and the block appear to be stamped with the same holder is this the case?

[Joe L.]

Re: 73 4speed metal tag and VIN

Lyle-----

Yes, it's a part number and it's 6271516. This is the part number for the M-21 transmission used in production for 1973 Corvettes. The VIN stamped on the block and on the transmission were usually applied with the same stamping fixture by the assembly line worker at St. Louis.

[Joe L.]

Correction

I have conflicting information regrading whether this is an M-20 or M-21. However, since you mentioned that the production code includes an "A" suffix, I think that pretty well establishes that this is an M-20 wide-ratio transmission. 2 circumferential grooves on the input shaft would be further confirmation of that.