Decoding information for '62 FC engines, transmissions, and differentials
The source for the information on this page is
Chevrolet Technical
Service Bulletin DR #504, dated November 2, 1961. The information has
been reproduced in other locations, including Bob Helt's The Classic Corvair
and The Corvair Junkyard Primer.
Engine code information
This code is located on the top of the engine block, immediately forward
of the generator / oil filter adapter.
The format of the code is $####@@, where:
 | $ = the plant identifier, which is always T, for Tonawanda, NY |
| #### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed) |
| @@ = type identifier: |
| V = 80 HP, manual transmission |
| W = 80 HP, automatic transmission |
Notes:
| The two type identifiers listed above were used in forward control
engines only, probably to denote differences such as the oil filler tube
location. |
| A capital "I" was used instead of a "1". |
Transmission code information
This code is located different depending on the transmission type:
| Manual transmissions: Left side of transmission case on boss at
upper rear corner |
| Automatic transmissions: Right side of casting between forward and
middle pan mounting bosses |
The format of the code is $$####%, where:
| $ = the plant and type identifier: |
| B = Toledo, OH PowerGlide automatic |
| SF = Saginaw, MI 3-speed manual |
| ST = Saginaw, MI 4-speed manual |
| #### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed) |
| % = shift (D for day and N for night; Saginaw did not run a night
shift so this is not included on manual transmissions) |
Notes:
| A capital "I" was used instead of a "1". |
| These transmission codes were also used for Corvair cars. |
Differential code information
This code is located on the lower-left side of the differential carrier
housing.
The format of the code is $$####, where:
| $$ = the type identifier: |
| HE = 3.89:1 ratio, manual transmission |
| HF = 3.89:1 ratio, automatic transmission |
| HL = 3.89:1 ratio, manual transmission, limited slip |
| HM = 3.89:1 ratio, automatic transmission, limited slip |
| #### = the month and day of manufacture (year is assumed) |
Notes:
| These differential codes also apply to Corvair cars when equipped
with the 3.89:1 differential. |
| Corvair differentials were built at the Buffalo, NY plant only.
Buffalo was the only differential plant to use "H" as the first
character, so you could say that "H" identified the Buffalo plant.
Buffalo also built differentials for full-size Chevrolets ("B") and
Chevelles ("Y"). |
| A capital "I" was used instead of a "1". |
|
