1965 FI Rear End

[Richard J.]

Hello all... I am in search of a bit of technical information about a 1965 FI coupe with F-40 suspension. It was built in March of 1965. According to the original window sticker it states an FA rear end code. My question is... Would a small block FI car have the steel straps holding the half-shafts to the stub axles or would it be like the big block with cast iron caps? Any help is greatly appreciated. Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 FI Rear End

Rick-----

For the most part, small block equipped Corvettes built through about 1969 used the u-bolt-type stub axles. Beginning in 1970, some small blocks did receive the HD, cap-type axles.

However, if the car you mentioned was originally equipped with an "FA" coded differential, then it should have the cap-type axles. The "FA" code was primarily used for big blocks with 3.70:1 posi and the "AO" code for small blocks with 3.70:1 posi. In fact, the only difference between the "FA" and "AO" coded units is the axle type.

[Wayne M.]

Don't confuse ECL codes with stamped codes

Your window sticker probably shows "02G81FA", which means small block 3.70 ratio posi.

By pure coincidence, the '65-67 STAMPED code on the differential carrier bottom flange is "FA" for big block 3.70 ratios, and therein the confusion lies.

The original small block 3.70 stamping will be "AO"