VIN Numbers?

[`Michael Southard]

I was just looking through my Black Book to identify my vin number (30837S116445). I know the first 5 digits identify the coupes. What I can't figure out is how do the rest of the digits break down to identify the rest of the car. Or do they?

How will these numbers identify the appropriate engine, transmission, diff., etc.? The book says the engine suffix will identify the engine, but that's if you already have the engine...which if I did, I wouldn't need the suffix???

I know that some of you have this data right on the top of your heads!
Mike S.

[Donald T.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Mike, the VIN won't tell you any of the options. The last digits are just a sequential numbering as the cars were produced. Check the engine pad for the code to determine the engine option (assuming of course that it is still the original engine).

[Donald T.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Sorry, just noticed your original post states that the original engine is missing. Check the redline on the tach and the oil pressure gauge. That will give you an indication of what the car had originally.

[Kevin Whiteley]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Mike,

If I remember correctly the first digit (3) is the year - 63 in your example. The 2nd and 3rd digit (08) escapes me right now, but I want to say that it is for Corvette/8 cylinder. The 4th and 5th digit (37) indicates a coupe. In fact, I think the the (3) indicates a coupe, while the (7) indicates two-door. The "S" stands for St. Louis. THe 7th digit, (1) in your case is a check digit and doesn't stand for anything. The last 5 digits are the serial number for your car.

If my memory hasn't served me properly, someone will chime in. Hope this helps.

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Thanks for the info. I am trying to find out all the information I can regarding the VIN, as I am trying to ascertain wether or not I'll be able to achieve a "numbers match" configuration in the engine compartment.

Do you know if the frame # will tell be any thing? i.e. build components etc.?

Mike S.

[William C.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Nope, frame number is just a shortened version of the VIN

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

GGRRReat! How about the build sheet? Isn't that supposed to be on the top of the gas tank?
Mike S.

[William C.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Only on '67 or newer, previous years did not attach the build sheet to the car. As mentioned earlier, there are clues if you look carefully at instrumentation, engine compartment, etc.

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

I will look at the guage package closely, but what exactly am I looking for? Did the Red Line show at higher RPM's for greater HP? Is the oil pressure marked some how for higher HP engines?
Mike S.

[William C.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Yes, and Yes. It's all covered in the Judging Guide. You should get one soon if you don't already have one. What year and HP are you looking at?

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Bill,
I have not yet received the guide. I'm trying to find what might have been in my 63 coupe originally. I think it is the late model for 63 as I do not have the storage under the front seats, which were supposedly eliminated in mid 63. I guess that makes it a 63 1/2?

I have not yet identified the trany, though it is a side loader and has a hurst shifter. I'll know much more this weekend when the body comes off and I can actually see stuff.

I'm just curious if I can find out the original HP of the engine and wether or not it will increase the value of the car to just get "close" to original. If it doesn't, I figure why bother, I might just as well put in it what I want.
Mike s.

[William C.]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Solod lifter engines used a 6500 rpm redline, 250 and 300hp used a 5500 rpm redline. Start there...

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Bill,
I had to run out for a while, but I'm back.

I looked at a couple things and found that my 7000 RPM tach is shaded yellow at 6300 to 6500, then red AT 6500 RPM. I guess that means it might have been the 340 HP? Because the tach drive distributor has the Delco Remy #1111024 which is for the 250, 300, 340 HP, (as long as that is the original dist). The dist tag is a tin strip wrapped around the dist just above the clamp plate, does that sound about right?

I'll check head castings later as these heads do have the double camel humps. May be the block was just blown and they used the original heads etc???

The oil press guage has a "0"-"40"-"80". With a hash for the "0" and a hash for the "80", and one hash in between each number. What engine would have that guage.

If this is a 340 HP engine, What must the tach red line at for the fulie???

Thanks alot for your info Bill, I'm starting to get a little more excited about this resto and bringing it back to "original".
Mike S.

[Gordon Peterson #4961]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Hiya Mike!

I too own a late '63 - GOOD LUCK with yours!! As mentioned, there are a lot of clues to figure out your original engine size. But unfortunately, the oil pressure gauge is NOT one of them - at least not on a '63. The factory used the 60# gauge and the 80# gauge intermittently throughout the year, probably due to availability. For example, my 300 horser has an 80# gauge, which as I recall, is typical of the late cars.

Many years ago (late 1970's?), I participated in a survey done by the NCRS tracking (among many other 1963 things) this 1963 oil pressure gauge question.

Pete

[`Michael Southard]

Re: VIN Numbers?

Thanks Pete,
Oil guage aside, Do you think I'm on the right track with the Tach at 6500 RPM and the dist #1111024? By process of elimination that dist was only used on the 300 and 340 HP, and with the tach at 6500 vs. 5500 I arrived at the 340 HP.

I know I have alot left to do with the trim tag data etc.
Mike #42460