Engine Designations
10-29-2012, 03:25 PM
#1
2nd Gear
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Engine Designations
Brand new to Corvettes. Retired now and want to fulfill teenage dream.
So,, what does the number/letters of the engines (L88, L89, etc) And where can I find a complete list?
So,, what does the number/letters of the engines (L88, L89, etc) And where can I find a complete list?
10-30-2012, 08:20 AM
#2
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The letter and numbers correspond to GM/Chevrolet options beginning with the 1963 model year. Prior to 1963, options were usually numerical. The options list could change from model year to model year. The Corvette Black Book has a reasonably complete list.
10-31-2012, 08:16 AM
#3
Race Director
When a dealer ordered a car, and the factory built it, the RPO's identified what components were to be installed on the car.
Even though they are considered "option" codes, not everything that received an RPO, was an extra cost option. Somethings needed to be specified in the ordering process, even if they were included in the base car, or considered standard equipment. A good example of this is the L-48 350. Even though it was the standard engine in all 1969-80 Corvettes, it still carried the L-48 RPO.
The first letter of the RPO, identifies the equipment group it belongs to. All engines are "L" codes, transmissions get "M"s, climate control systems get "C"s, suspension packages are "F"s, radios are "U"s, etc.
Here is a link to most RPO's used in the 60's and early 70's. Some of the codes in the list are unique to Corvettes, while some are unique to other Chevrolets, and some were shared by both the Corvette and other Chevrolet models.
http://www.348-409.com/rpo1.html
