1969 Big Block Engine Code

[Fred Hager]

I recently looked at a 1969 427/390 car and found that 1) the VIN numbers didn't match (VIN on block was 19U126290), 2) the build date on the trim tag was not shown in the judging manual (N08), and 3) the engine suffix code was not correct (T101iLE). The interior and body paint codes are correct, but the windshield has been replaced and it has been repainted.

Does anyone know what the iLE suffix is for, and the N08 build date on the trim tag? The intake and exhaust manifold appear to be correct.

Any help is appreciated.

Fred

[Rich Mullikin]

Re: 1969 Big Block Engine Code

Fred,

The date code on this trim tag, N08, represents September 8, 1969. An explanation of the body time built codes is located on page 7 of the judging manual under Operations.

As far as the suffix of LE on the engine block, it does not represent any of the codes that I am familiar with for a '69 big block. Maybe someone else on this board can help you with that. What I can tell you is that if it is supposed to be a 427 390 horse car the suffix should be either LL for 390 automatic or LM for 390 four speed.

Good luck.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 Big Block Engine Code

Agree with Rich Mullikin on this one and would add MH for 390 HP with trans. ignition and manual trans., and MI for 390 HP with trans. ignition and auto trans. Could you have mis-read the VIN derivitive or assembly code ? Do you know the block casting number and casting date? That would be a big help too. Let us know. Chuck Gongloff

[G B.]

It is a '69 427, but...

The LE code was a 335 hp passenger car 427 engine backed by a TH400 transmission. The VIN on the block seems to support this by showing model year 9 and the Lordstown Assembly Plant designation (U).