last year for engine specifications plate

[Paul P.]

Am doing some research for my web site.

What is the last year for the engine specifications plate? Sample is at http://corvettestory.com/images/corv...C_0689_a_s.jpg

I am referring to the plate with engine statistics found just south of the shifter. They started in 1969, then (not sure on this) offered less data in 1976 - only engine type, displacement and compression ratio. Did the 1975 similarly offer minimal data - no horsepower?

From what I can tell they were not part of the 1978 interior.

What about 1977?

Thanks for any info!

~paul

[Jimmy P.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Am doing some research for my web site.

What is the last year for the engine specifications plate? Sample is at http://corvettestory.com/images/corv...C_0689_a_s.jpg

I am referring to the plate with engine statistics found just south of the shifter. They started in 1969, then (not sure on this) offered less data in 1976 - only engine type, displacement and compression ratio. Did the 1975 similarly offer minimal data - no horsepower?

From what I can tell they were not part of the 1978 interior.

What about 1977?

Thanks for any info!

~paul

Paul,
68- just had crossed flags in that area.
69- started the specifications as you noted. It had HP,torque,compression ratio, and engine displacement.
70-71 had HP,Torque,compression ratio, and engine size. Note: Also the last year for the fiber optics indicators.
72- the HP was dropped, only torque, compression ratio, and engine size.
73-76 just had engine compression ratio,torque and engine size.
They ended in 1976. Weren't used in 77.
Attached is a photo of my 73.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jimmy

[Paul P.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Jimmy:

Thank you for the info, it was just what I was looking for.

~paul

[Joe L.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Jimmy:

Thank you for the info, it was just what I was looking for.

~paul

Paul------


The design of the console trim plate completely changed for 1977 and provisions for the data plate disappeared with the redesign.

[Joe L.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Paul,
68- just had crossed flags in that area.
69- started the specifications as you noted. It had HP,torque,compression ratio, and engine displacement.
70-71 had HP,Torque,compression ratio, and engine size. Note: Also the last year for the fiber optics indicators.
72- the HP was dropped, only torque, compression ratio, and engine size.
73-76 just had engine compression ratio,torque and engine size.
They ended in 1976. Weren't used in 77.
Attached is a photo of my 73.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jimmy

Jimmy-----

The reason that the horsepower was dropped from the plates after 1971 was the major drop in HP ratings for the 1972 model year when all engines were rated at net horsepower rather than gross horsepower. Due to de-tuning for emissions purposes as well as the horsepower rating system change, I suppose GM was no longer "proud" of the ratings.

[Larry M.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

I've always been amused by the fact that even though only two (or is it three?) 1969 ZL-1's were sold, it seems as if every reproduction parts vendor has a data plate for that application. Talk about a limited market!

[Paul P.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

I've always been amused by the fact that even though only two (or is it three?) 1969 ZL-1's were sold, it seems as if every reproduction parts vendor has a data plate for that application. Talk about a limited market!

I've also found that to be ironic. Being the optimistic type, I'll assume that they are sold to builders of tribute cars who make it clear to any and all that is what they have.

~paul

[Joe L.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

I've always been amused by the fact that even though only two (or is it three?) 1969 ZL-1's were sold, it seems as if every reproduction parts vendor has a data plate for that application. Talk about a limited market!

Larry------


The ZL-1 (and, L-88) engine data plates were available from GM for many years. In fact, I have several NOS examples [not for sale]. However, the reproductions are excellent. It's VERY difficult to tell an original from a reproduction. The ZL-1 plate was GM #3958746. The L-88 plate was GM #3958747.

[Peter M.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Hi Jimmy,
From what I remember your plate indicates the L82 engine. I thought the L48s had 8.5 to 1 compression.
Kind Regards

[Jimmy P.]

Re: last year for engine specifications plate

Hi Jimmy,
From what I remember your plate indicates the L82 engine. I thought the L48s had 8.5 to 1 compression.
Kind Regards

Hi Peter,
Great catch! You are correct. The shift console surround was switched to simulated wood grain by a previous owner who left the L82 plate intact. I plan on switching it out to the correct plate and restoring it to black as would have been original to my car.
Jimmy