Corvette History


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Engine Number - Transmission Number - Rear Axle Numb 1959

Engine Number - located on the raised pad - an extension of the head mounting surface - at the right front side of the block.
Example:  F1201CQ


F Flint Plant
1
Month Built (January)
20
Day Built (20th)
GQ
Engine Type 283cid 230hp
TYPE
 CODE
283 8-Cyl - 230hp -Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb 4 BC - Manual
CQ
283 8-Cyl - 245hp - Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb 2x4 BC - Manual
CT
283 8-Cyl - 270hp - Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb 2x4 BC - Manual
CU
283 8-Cyl - 245 hp - Comp Ratio 9:5:1 - Carb 2x4 BC - Auto
DJ
283 8-Cyl - 230hp - Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb 4 BC - Auto
DG
283 8-Cyl - 250hp - Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb FI - Manual CR
283 8-Cyl - 290hp - Comp Ratio 10.5:1 - Carb FI - Manual CS
283 8-Cyl - 250hp - Comp Ratio 9.5:1 - Carb FI - Auto DH

Engine Casting number was 3737739 for early production and 3756519 for late production - located under the master brake cylinder.

Transmission Number on manual and Powerglide transmissions indicates the type, month and day produced and the shift it was assembled.  Code for Powerglide located on the rear flange governor cover.  Code for 3 spd. located on the rear face of the case on the upper right corner.  Code for 4 spd located on the left side of the case at the rear of the cover.
Example:  C1120N (all types except Warner Gear)

C
 C = Cleveland Plant Powerglide     
11
 Month Built (November)
20
Day Built (20th)
D or N
Shift Built (Day or Night) - transmissions built on day shift may not have a shift code

Example:  WF1758-2  (Warner Gear)

W
 W = Warner Gear    
F
Month built (June) - A through L used for the months
17
Day Built (17th)
59 Year Built (1959)
1 or 2
Shift bulit (1 = Day or 2 = Night) - transmissions built on day shift may not have a shift code


Transmission Codes
Type
Plant     
 Code
Powerglide
Cleveland C
Powerglide
Toledo
T
3-Speed
Saginaw
S
4-Speed Warner Gear W

Rear Axle Number identifies the gear ratio, the build month and day.  Code located on the front right side of the differential carrier.
Example: AN0629


AN
AN = 3.70:1 Posi-traction
06
June
29
29th day of month

Description Code   
3-Speed
AH
Powerglide
AE
3 or 4 speed Posit-raction 3.70 Ratio
AN
3 or 4 speed Posi-traction 4.11 Ratio AP
3 or 4 speed Posi-traction 4.56 Ratio AQ
3 or 4 speed Heavy Duty Brake & Suspension Posi-traction 3.70 Ratio AS
3 or 4 speed Heavy Duty Brake & Suspension Posi-tration 4.11 Ratio AT
3 or 4 speed Heavy Duty Brake & Suspension Posi-traction 4.56 ratio AV
3 or 4 speed Metallic Brakes FJ
3 or 4 speed Metallic Brakes Posi-traction 3.70 ratio FK
3 or 4 speed Metallic Brakes Posi-traction 4.11 ratio FL
3 or 4 speed Metallic Brakes Posi-traction 4.56 ratio FM