C2: Engine code deciphering help

[Kevin Brooks]

I have a '66 that I've owned for ~5yrs now and am beginning to get into discovering just how authentic my car / parts may or may not be. I am asking for some help in deciphering some codes. I have a book for reference "Chevrolet by the numbers" by Alan Colvin, covering years 1965-1969. Here's some basics: My VIN is 19467S106735. The trim tab has D15 in upper left, below it next to ST is 66 467. Opposite side next to Body is A-2122. Underneath ST is TR and reads STD. Next to Paint is 984.
First, to me it looks like the car's body was assembled by A.O.Smith in December '65, correct? Next, and confusing, is the engine code, which reads: FIIIOHE. These all appear as upper case and characters in between the F and O look like Roman numerals for number one or upper case I. Can I interpret this as the engine being assembled in Flint, MI on November 10th? The HE refers me to the 327cid 300hp. I was told I have the 350hp motor. The VIN stamp says
6 106735. Block casting reads 3858174. I couldn't read the casting date. The cylinder head casting is 3890462 which the manual indicates could be used for either the 300hp or 350hp. So what do I really have, 300hp or 350hp? Different valve sizes were incorporated for the two engines. Is this what will decide my engine hp rating? The manifolds, carb, and alternator all seem to be 'correct' for my car. Any help would be appreciated.

[William C.]

Re: C2: Engine code deciphering help

300 to 350hp engines used a different camshaft, and the tach redline is different, about 5500 on the 300 hp and 6000 on the 350 hp. Also, the 350 used an aluminum intake while the 300 used a cast iron intake for starters. The carburetors were from Holly, but different part numbers are used for each engine. All of this information and more is included in the '66 Technical manual and judging guide, available from the NCRS sales office in Cincinnatti. There is a link to it from this website. Start with a thorough reading of that information, and you will be well along in starting to understand your car.

[Jack H.]

Expand your library....

While the book you have now does give you a reasonable degree of information, consider going to the STORE (this site) and adding onto your library with the following support books:

(1) 1967 NCRS Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide (what to judges look for in terms of factory authenticity?).

(2) 1967 Assembly Instruction Manual (what did designers tell factory assy folks about how to build the car?).

(3) 1967 Chassis Service Manual (what did GM tell dealership mechanics about repair and maintenance of the vehicle?).

(4) MF Dobbins' 1963-67 Corvette Fact Books (what does this/that 'widget' really look like?).

(5) Noland Adams, The Complete Corvette Restoration & Technical Gude-Vol 2 (one of the most in depth publications on your car).

While item 5 used to be available from NCRS, I believe you now have to go to the author directly for it [Noland Adams PO Box 1134 El Dorado, CA 95623 (530) 626-3232 Phone; (530) 626-0536 Fax]

A LOT of the questions you're asking now and questions you haven't yet considered are answered in these books!

[Wayne M.]

Re: C2: Engine code deciphering help

Kevin -- as to your specific date Q's: D15 is November 15th 1965 for an A-body car (Dec 15th if an S-body). This makes the Nov 10th Flint engine assy date more logical. Also, your VIN corresponds to a late November St.Louis final assy . date (the last car produced in that month was # 7186).

Others offer good advice about increasing your library.

[Dan A.]

Re: C2: Engine code deciphering help

Just curious to know what the casting dates on your "462" heads are?